Dance of Death

Elliot was led through the stone corridors of the palace. The walls were adorned with paintings of ancient battles, and the thick red carpet muffled their footsteps.

A queen... a new world... and my power is still with me. I'll enjoy this.

He stopped before a massive gate of black gold. The guard, Jaren, knocked three times.

Enter.

The door creaked open.

Elliot stepped into the throne hall. At the far end, a woman sat on a black throne studded with blue gemstones. Her hair was silver, her eyes the color of a clear sky.

This... is the queen.

Jaren bowed. Your Majesty, Queen Celeste, this boy fell from the sky today. He seems... strange.

The queen's gaze fixed on Elliot.

Who are you?

He smiled inwardly. Name... age... I'll need them.

He lifted his head, voice calm. I'm Elliot. I found myself here with no clear memory.

He caught the faintest twitch in her left eyebrow.

She doesn't believe me.

Innocence softened his tone. I just want to understand... who are you? Where am I?

I'm watching you, stranger.

Then he heard her thoughts:

Fell from the sky... the Seers spoke of a visitor. Could it be him? But he looks so ordinary.

Seers? I'm part of a prophecy? Perfect.

Did you mention... a prophecy? he asked, voice trembling as though afraid.

Her eyes widened. How did you know?

He stepped back. I... I don't know. I just felt it. Like a whisper when I arrived.

She murmured to herself, If he sensed the prophecy... then he might be the one.

Elliot's grin was invisible beneath his mask of fear.

I'm the one, aren't I, Celeste?

Her thoughts raced: I can't risk killing him. I must test him.

She straightened. If you are truly the one, you'll know my full name and my age.

He smirked inwardly. She doesn't know how easy that is.

His gaze flicked to the guards. No one here knows... so?

Then he recalled what Jaren said: Queen Celeste.

Your name... Celeste Ivara. Your age... twenty-seven.

Silence.

The queen froze. The guards gripped their swords.

How...?

He let a faint smile curve his lips. You said I'm part of a prophecy. Perhaps... the prophecy gave me the answer.

Her thoughts crackled in his mind: He's dangerous... but useful.

She stood. Very well, Elliot. From now on, you'll serve as my advisor.

He bowed. An honor, Your Majesty.

Then he heard her cold whisper in his mind:

If you deceive me... I'll take your head myself.

Elliot smiled.

Elliot sat on the palace balcony overlooking the training yard. Soldiers sparred with precision, swords clashing against shields with sharp metallic rings.

A new world... a new game... and I'm the mind behind it all.

Since becoming the queen's advisor, his influence had grown. His strategies had strengthened the kingdom, and the queen had grown dependent on him. But one man remained unconvinced: Captain Kaiden Strom.

Kaiden... needs a lesson.

Bootsteps approached. Heavy. Calculated.

Advisor Elliot.

Elliot turned slowly. Kaiden stood there, hand resting on his sword hilt, eyes like a wolf stalking prey.

Captain Kaiden. An honor.

You're a false smile. Kaiden's eyes narrowed. The queen may trust you. I don't.

Elliot smirked. You're an open book.

That... is unfortunate, Kaiden said aloud. But his mind whispered: Tonight... I'll kill you. The queen won't know. I'll hide the body.

Elliot's smile faltered.

Kill me? Tonight? Impulsive fool.

Feigning calm, he inclined his head. Then I wish you a restful night, Captain.

Kaiden turned and walked away.

He's serious. I need a plan.

That night, Elliot sat in his darkened chamber, heart steady, mind racing.

He'll come. But I know his plan. I can use it against him.

Minutes passed. Then—footsteps. Soft against stone.

He's here.

Elliot moved to the window, hiding a dagger behind his back.

The door creaked open.

Elliot.

He turned. Kaiden stood in the doorway, cloaked in black, sword glinting.

What brings you here, Captain?

Your swift death.

The queen won't approve.

The queen won't know.

Kaiden lunged.

Name and age! I need them!

Kaiden Strom. Thirty-five.

His mind screamed: He's dangerous. Must kill him now!

Afraid of me? Perfect.

Elliot stumbled back. Why are you afraid, Kaiden? Because you know I can expose your secrets?

Kaiden hesitated. A crack in the wolf's mask.

No. I can't let him talk!

The captain charged. But Elliot had already anticipated the move. He sidestepped. The sword bit into the wall.

Elliot slammed the dagger into Kaiden's side.

You... lunatic, Kaiden gasped.

The lunatic is the one who faced me without knowing my power.

Kaiden collapsed, blood pooling beneath him.

Elliot knelt beside him, voice soft. Your mind warned you... but you didn't hear it like I did.

He twisted the dagger.

Kaiden's breath hitched. Then stopped.

I killed the captain of the guard... now what?

Shouts echoed from the hall.

It took only seconds before the door burst open, and five soldiers stormed into the room. Their swords were raised, and their eyes burned with fury.

Drop your weapon, Counselor! one of them shouted.

Elliot smiled. I need names… and ages.

He scanned their tense faces.

You… Jayden Cole, 28 years old.

The soldier froze, his thoughts exploding in Elliot's mind: He killed the commander. We need to end him now!

Not so fast, Jayden.

Elliot lunged forward, aiming to stab Jayden, but another soldier yelled:

Take his head!

The swords converged on him.

No… not yet…!

A blade pierced his chest.

Elliot screamed, his eyes widening as the warmth of his own blood flooded over him.

I lost…?

Another sword slashed through his neck.

His head hit the ground… with a frozen smile.

A shrill screech, like nails scraping against metal… Pain throbbed in his head like war drums… and a biting cold wrapped around his body. 

Did… I die? 

Elliot opened his eyes with difficulty. A harsh sunlight pierced his eyelids, and a cold breeze stung his face. 

He slowly lifted his head. He was lying on rough, compacted dirt, surrounded by massive trees with twisted branches like ghostly arms. 

Where… am I?