A Curse or a Gift?

Medas sat across from Morvane, his eyes meeting his with an intensity that made the air feel heavy. He began speaking, his voice deliberate, as if every word had weight.

"The necklace, Morvane, is not just a simple artifact," Medas began. "It's a protection. It was made to suppress your power, to keep it from spiraling out of control. The truth is, the power within you is dangerous—more than you can imagine."

Morvane's fingers tightened around the pendant, still unsure of what to make of everything Medas had said.

"It's the same necklace I gave to Hiraya," Medas continued, his voice softer now. "It worked for her… but when she realized it was holding back her power, she grew angry. She felt betrayed, and that was when our friendship started to fall apart. She wanted to be free of it—free of the restraint."

Morvane stared at him, the weight of the revelation sinking in. "So… you planned to lead me to the shrine just like you did with her? Just to restrain my power?"

Medas flinched at the accusation but nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, Morvane. I never meant to hurt you. I did it because I needed to see if you had the same power Hiraya had. I needed to know if the curse would manifest in the same way."

Morvane felt a cold knot form in his stomach. "And did it?"

Medas hesitated. "Yes… and no. You're different, Morvane. Your power isn't exactly like hers. But there's a darkness to it. When Hiraya removed her necklace, the spirits and ghosts she saw started to possess her. It became dangerous—not just for her, but for everyone around her. I couldn't let that happen to you."

Morvane recoiled at the thought. "Possess her? What do you mean?"

"The ghosts and spirits she saw—they weren't just harmless visions," Medas explained, his voice tinged with regret. "They became more. They tried to control her. And it wasn't long before she couldn't tell the difference between herself and them. The necklace kept her safe, kept that from happening."

Morvane's mind raced. "So… is there any other way? Any other necklaces, any way to stop this curse?"

Medas shook his head. "No, there's only one. The necklace you wear now is unique. I've searched through every book, every text, every record I could find. And in all of history, there have been fewer than ten markless people like you, who had the same curse—or gift, depending on how you look at it."

Morvane's fear deepened. "What… what happens to those who don't have the necklace?"

Medas' eyes softened, though there was no comfort in them. "If you lose it, Morvane, the power inside you will break free. It could consume you. Or worse, it could consume everyone around you. That's why I've been so cautious."

The silence between them stretched, both of them haunted by the implications of Medas' words.

Morvane's hands trembled as he clutched the broken necklace, his voice barely a whisper. "So… what should I do now? I don't want to end up like her… I don't want to be possessed, or… or lose myself." His words faltered, the weight of his fear pressing down on him. "I'm scared, Medas. What if the power inside me takes over? What if I can't control it?"

Medas watched him closely, his gaze filled with a mixture of sympathy and uncertainty. He took a deep breath before speaking. "I understand your fear, Morvane. But the truth is, I don't know what to do either. The necklace was meant to be your safeguard.

Now that it's broken…" Medas paused, his eyes narrowing in thought. "It might have shattered from the strain earlier, in the royal library. The power within you… it's growing, and the necklace couldn't hold it back any longer."

Morvane looked at the broken pendant in his hand, the sharp edges of the fractured jewel catching the light. His heart raced, the idea of losing control terrifying him. "What if Hiraya's fate becomes mine? What if the ghosts and spirits come for me too? What if they possess me like they did her?"

Medas looked pained, his voice steady but filled with regret. "That's the danger you face now, Morvane. The spirits you've been seeing—they're just the beginning. Without the necklace, they might try to take over. But it's not a guaranteed outcome. The power within you doesn't necessarily mean you'll be overtaken. You still have a choice, still have time to figure this out."

Morvane felt a flicker of hope, but it was quickly overshadowed by doubt. "But what if it's already too late? What if I can't control it?"

Medas ran a hand through his hair, frustration evident in his expression. "I wish I could give you more answers, Morvane. But right now, I'm just as lost as you are. Without the necklace's suppression, you'll need to find another way to understand and control your power. That's the only path left."

The room fell silent, the weight of the situation hanging over them both. Morvane's thoughts churned with questions, his fear of what was to come threatening to overtake him.

The silence in the room stretched between them, each moment heavier than the last. Medas stood, as if deep in thought, his eyes never leaving Morvane. Then, he spoke, his voice carrying a new sense of urgency.

"What if you came to live in the palace?"

Medas suggested, his words careful but resolute. "That way, I can keep an eye on you. I can see how your power progresses, and we can figure out what to do before it's too late. If you stay here, I might not be able to monitor you as closely—if things go wrong, I might not be able to help you in time."

Morvane stared at him, the suggestion hanging in the air. Live in the palace? It sounded like a solution, but the idea of leaving his home, his family, his old life, filled him with a sense of unease. "You think it's that dangerous?" he asked, his voice small, betraying his fear.

Medas met his gaze, his expression softened but serious. "Yes, Morvane. The danger isn't just in what you can't control. It's in what might happen if you can't stop it in time. The power inside you… it's unpredictable. If you stay here, with no one around to help you, who knows what might happen?" He stepped closer, his tone gentle but firm. "If you come with me to the palace, I'll be there. I'll make sure you don't have to face this alone."

Morvane's thoughts raced. The palace would be safer, yes. But it would also be a constant reminder of the curse—of the power he never asked for. Could he really leave everything behind? Could he trust Medas with the decisions that lay ahead?

He looked at the broken necklace again, his fingers tracing the jagged edges of the pendant. "What happens if I don't control it? If I can't control it?" he whispered, more to himself than to Medas.

Medas' face softened with empathy. "Then we fight it together. But first, you need to let me help you. You don't have to do this alone, Morvane. Not again."

Morvane felt a surge of conflicting emotions. But amidst the chaos in his heart, one thought remained clear: he had no choice. If he wanted answers, if he wanted to keep the power from consuming him, he had to trust Medas.

He took a deep breath and nodded slowly. "Okay. I'll live with you."

Morvane's heart felt heavy as he processed Medas' words. The decision was made—he would leave his home, his life behind to live in the palace. But there was one last thing he needed to address.

"What about my grandma?" Morvane asked, his voice uncertain. "She won't be able to live alone here without me."

Medas thought for a moment before responding. "She can stay here, in the village. But we'll make sure she's well taken care of. You'll still be able to visit her whenever you want, Morvane. She'll be safe."

Morvane nodded, though the idea of leaving his grandmother behind troubled him. But there was no time to dwell on it. The decision was made. They would go to the village to inform her.

The journey back to his home was filled with a mix of emotions—nervousness, sadness, and a strange sense of relief. As they arrived at the house, Morvane could see his grandmother sitting outside, knitting as she always did, her face lit by the soft afternoon sun.

"Grandma!" Morvane called, his voice louder than usual as he approached.

She looked up, a smile forming on her lips. "Morvane, my dear, you're home." Her eyes softened as she saw the concern in his expression. "What's wrong, my boy?"

Morvane took a deep breath and explained the circumstances as best he could—the necklace, the curse, the need to leave. His grandmother listened carefully, her brow furrowing in thought. When he finished, she was quiet for a long moment before replying.

"You've made your choice, then," she said, her voice steady but filled with concern. "But I can't go with you, Morvane. This house, this land—this is where I belong." She looked at Medas. "But if you're taking him away, you'll ensure no one neglects this place? You'll look after him? The way I did?"

Medas nodded, his voice sincere. "I promise you, we'll take care of him. He won't be alone."

Morvane's grandmother sighed, her eyes softening. "Then go, my boy. It's time. But promise me this—you'll still come visit me, won't you?"

Morvane's throat tightened. "I will, Grandma. I swear it."

With that, they left the house behind and made their way to the palace. But as they walked down the familiar path, a strange sensation swept over Morvane. His eyes darted around, catching sight of something—or rather, someone—moving in the distance.

It was the spirit of the dog.

Morvane froze for a moment, staring at the ethereal creature. It was the same dog that had died weeks ago—the one Esmael had buried with such care. Now, it was standing by the side of the path, barking loudly at Medas.

Medas, however, seemed completely unaware, walking forward without so much as a glance at the dog. The barking grew louder, but Medas didn't react.

Morvane swallowed, his heart pounding. He didn't speak, not wanting to draw attention to something Medas couldn't see. The dog's spectral form continued to bark furiously, but it was as though it had no impact on Medas.

Morvane couldn't understand why he could see it and Medas couldn't, but there was something unsettling about it—something that felt wrong.

As they continued their journey, Morvane couldn't shake the feeling that the world around him was changing in ways he couldn't fully grasp.