SCENE 4

Lady Gloria: (Sits) Brian, you say that you have never heard of here?

Brian: Nope. Not a day in my life. Mom didn't even tell me.

Pricilla: (Giggles) You call her mom?

Brian: (Weirded out) You don't?

Lady Gloria: No she does not, Brian. She calls me mother at home, and Mother Gloria in public.

Brian: (Whispers to Pricilla) You call her mother?

Pricilla: (Giggles)

Lady Gloria: Pricilla, stop giggling. It will not help you from aging if you giggle all the time.

Brian: Well, it looks like I should leave now-

Lady Gloria: No Brian, you mustn't leave! We have only just started. We still need to work on your speaking matters...

Pricilla: (Gets up) Mother, I can take Brian for a quick walk. He would appreciate that. A little break.

Lady Gloria: Oh, all right. But be back at 5:15 sharp.

Pricilla: Yes mother. (Curtsy's)

Brian: (Gets up) Good day, umm, Lady Gloria.

Lady Gloria: (Smiles meekly) He needs more work than I thought. (Mutters)

SCENE 5

Pricilla: I got you out of mother's wrath, so shouldn't that earn something?

Brian: Pricilla, your.. great and all, but I can't do what you want me to. First off, your 16. Second, your mom- I mean mother, would kill me!

Pricilla: (Whispers) Once your king you could just kill her.

Brian: (Backs away) Woah. No. I- just no.

Pricilla: (Smirks) You know you have to kill someone one day.

Brian: (Stressed) But the first person I kill will not be your mom. Sorry, I mean mother.

Pricilla: It's not funny anymore. But you know what would make me giggle?

Brian: I don't even want to know.

Pricilla: I'm done then. No longer will I save you with walks.

Brian: Good. It's weird having someone half my age crushing over me.

Pricilla: Hmph. (Stomps away)

Brian: (Sighs) Serves her right.

SCENE 1

Pricilla: (Enters) Mother, why do we must leave?

Lady Gloria: (Sits up against couch) You are not premitted to be the heir of the throne.

Pricilla: (Sits) Why mother?

Lady Gloria: (Sighs) You do not have royal blood. And you are just a girl.

Pricilla: But I am 16. Old enough to rule.

Lady Gloria: Do not complain Pricilla. We will be first class. No need to worry. Now sit tight, our new ruler is coming.

Brian: (Enters, wearing second class clothes) Hey, umm, ladies.

Pricilla: (Giggles)

Lady Gloria: (Gives Pricilla a look to stop) Good day, Royal Brian.

Brian: Oh, let's start over. (Exits)

Brian: (Enters) Good day, Royal Ladies.

Pricilla: (Cracks up)

Lady Gloria: (Hides a smile)

Lady Gloria: Now, let's get to business.

Brian: (Scared) Here goes nothing.

SCENE 2

Pricilla: (Walks with Brian) So, how old are you again?

Brian: 30. Gosh, I am not ready for this.

Pricilla: (Grins) I can teach you. I know mother can be harsh sometimes, but really, she's dealing with a lot right now.

Brain: I bet. Losing a husband, losing her royalty, wow.

Pricilla: (Grabs Brian's hand) Let's skip down the hallway and have fun while we can.

Brian: (Grins)

SCENE 3

Lady Gloria: Sit tall. (Brian attempts) Sit with poise a king would. There. That's... better.

Brian: (Relaxes) Holy cow that's a lot of work.

Lady Gloria: No! Sit back up! Tall! Tall! No, taller! And what do you mean, 'holy cow'? Cows cannot be a holy creature, they simply cannot!

Brian: (Looks at Pricilla for help) Uhh, it's just a saying. Is this tall enough?

Lady Gloria: I give up! You are just too difficult! Lady Maranda, come quick!

Lady Maranda: (Enters) Yes, Royal Lady Gloria?

Lady Gloria: Fix him up straight. If he will rule within the year, some serious work needs to be done.

Lady Maranda: Yes, Lady Gloria.

Lady Gloria: (Exits)

Pricilla: Royal Brian, how do you feel about all this?

Brian: Please just call me Brian.

Pricilla: Ok, Brian, how do you feel about all this?

Brian: (Sighs) I'm not sure. I don't know a clue about this. Like what? My father, was a king of some foreign royal place? I don't know.

Pricilla: (Giggles) You do have his charm though.

Brian: Oh I do, do I?

Pricilla: (Giggles) Lady Maranda, I can teach him from here.

Lady Maranda: Yes, Miss Pricilla. (Exits)

Brian: Finally, she's gone. All this is so stressful.

Pricilla: You look the part. (Face moves closer)

Brian: Yeah, but you know all the technical stuff. (Moves his face closer)

Pricilla: But your handsome. (Moves face closer)

Brian: Your beautiful. (Face is cenemeters away)

Pricilla: If I'm so beautiful then kiss me.

Brian: Ok. (Kisses her)

Brian: What just happened.

Pricilla: You kissed me, Brian.

Brian: Oh no.

Pricilla: Oh no what? It was so good you want another one?

Brian: (Grins) I mean yeah but, oh your mother is going to kill me.

Pricilla: (Giggles) Your so funny Brian.

Brian: (Look of terror) Mhm.

Brian: (To himself) Oh brother.

In the heart of an enigmatic realm, a mysterious figure emerged, shrouded in secrecy and cloaked in the whispers of legends. Known only as the "Benefactor," this enigmatic individual wielded power beyond comprehension, yet their origins remained veiled in obscurity. Rising from the shadows like a phantom, the Benefactor's presence loomed over the ancient throne, a symbol of authority that transcended time itself. Tales spoke of their cryptic counsel, whispered in the ears of kings and queens long forgotten, guiding the destiny of a realm unbeknownst to the wider world. Though their name echoed through the annals of history, their true motives remained a tantalizing enigma, an eternal mystery that defied understanding.r

Golden beams streamed through the lilac zubzub leaves. Berry sweet, a fragrant breeze weaved along the sun-warmed valley tickling the nostrils of the travellers. They looked all around in wonder. Marta raised a hand signalling her troop to stop as a jabawocki crowed in the distance. It’s not like me to get lost, Marta thought. Something was very wrong yet weirdly familiar.

“Mom, where in the hell are we?” Drew asked.

“Drew, language,” Marta scolded.

“Mrs. T, I have to go to bathroom.” Taylor said.

“Mrs. T, are we lost?” Dontrell asked.

“Are we going to die, Mrs. T.?” Deena asked.

“Yes, I mean, no. I mean, everyone calm down,” Marta said looking around.

Wishing her son liked art more than snakes, Marta consulted the Junior Explorers’ map again. She traced their trail with a fingernail as her kid sighed loudly. Confused, Marta looked for landmarks. This has to be the worst birthday in recorded history, she thought. I should be drinking mimosas with cucumber slices on my eyes instead of playing Robinson Caruso with a quartet of eight year olds.

“Mom, for freak’s sake the map is upside down!”

“Shut it, so help me if I hear one more word from you!” Marta snapped, flipping the map around.

Taylor clutched his crotch and started a little dance.

“Drew be useful and take Taylor behind that amari—the yellow bush thing—to go to bathroom,” Marta said.

With suspiscious eyes, Taylor and Drew looked from the lemon amari bushes to the zubzub trees to the velvety perwinkle hills of Carrollis. Drew gave her an incredulous look. Marta glared. Drew led Taylor away.

“Word,” Drew muttered under his breath.

Marta laid the map across the ground. Today’s hike was supposed to be a simple orienteering exercise. Everything had been fine for the first hour or so but then all the compasses went haywire. Following a hunch, Marta had relied on her instinct to get them all back the campground parking lot. She checked her phone again. No bars.

“Mrs. T. are you sure about this not dying thing?” Deena asked. “Cause I saw this movie once where the people were dead and didn’t know it?”

“What! we’re dead? That’s not cool,” Dontrell said. “My mom is going to be furious.”

“Deena, honey, what kind of movies are you watching! We are not dead and Dontrell, I promise you nothing freaky supernatural is happening here. Remember there are no mistakes just unexpected adventures,” Marta said.

Her son Drew and his troop mate Taylor came out of the bright forest. Taylor was struggling to get his uniform shorts zipped. Marta helped him.

“Bra, Taylor pissed on an elf or something. The elf wanted to talk to you.”

“Don’t call me bra—“

Shocked, Marta looked up at the luminous winged tiny person flying over the kids’ heads. Marta screamed then covered her mouth remembering she didn’t want to freak out the troop. Bowing, the elf smiled.

“Marta, daughter of Suaria, and long lost queen of Carrollis. Welcome home your highness,” the creature said.

Soon more lights twinkled among the zubzub trees as more fastastic creatures peeked out from the vibrant leaves. Slowly Marta stood as a tingle of energy raced up the soles of her feet to the top of her head. She could feel the fear of her young charges and without thinking calmed their nerves with a wave of her hand. Her fingertips glowed blue white. The denizens of Carrollis gasped and approached. In a semi-circle the winged creatures knelt in reverence.

“Well I’ll be—“

“Mom, language.”

"

I sat at my living room table, surrounded by a mountain of empty takeout boxes and beer cans, celebrating the Oso glorious event some might refer to as my 30th birthday. I, on the other hand, considered it to be the most depressing day of my life. Not only was it a reminder that I was officially old as dirt, but it was yet another reminder that I was a fucking loser with nothing to show for the pointless years that I had managed to claw my way through thus far.. Beer in hand, I drowned my sorrows in a haze of alcohol, the bitter taste doing nothing to drown my self-pity— which were the only two things that I had ever been good at. drinking and wallowing in my own sorrow, that is.

I guzzled down the last of my bush light and crushed the can between my palms. I was about to walk into the kitchen to throw it away, when suddenly, a strange figure materialized right before my eyes. he was surrounded by a swirling cloud of purple smoke. My eyes widened in disbelief as I took in his exotic appearance – warm olive skin, dark brown eyes like pools of chocolate, and jet black hair adorned with Chinese symbols, shaved into a buzz cut. He wore a silk golden robe, barefoot and otherworldly.

At first, I thought maybe I had drank way too much and that I was hallucinating. So I slapped the absolute fuck out of myself. Of course, that didn’t seem to do the trick. I opened my eyes and he was still there. A random magical Chinese man standing before me in my living room. "What the fuck?. who are you?" I stammered, rubbing my eyes in disbelief.

The figure chuckled warmly and his voice was so mesmerizingly beautiful, that it reminded me of maybe what it might sound like if a sunrise could play a ukulele or some shit."I am Mr. Chong, and I come from the magical Kingdom of Zillakami."

I blinked, trying to process the absurdity of the situation. "Zillakami? Seriously?"

Mr. Chong nodded, a serene smile playing on his lips. "Indeed. And I bring you important news, Elizabeth."

I nearly spat out my beer. "Me? Why? I'm just a drunk broke white girl,’’ I finally managed to say, extremely confused. What would somebody magical and mesmerizing want with a nobody like me? I was still trying to scrape my chin up off of my beer stained carpet when he answered me.

"Ah, but you are so much more than that. You see, on your 30th birthday, you have unlocked the gift of immortality,’’ he replied with a smile and twinkling eyes.

I blinked, processing this information. "Immortality? Like, forever young and beautiful?" Suddenly I was more interested than ever. This whole deal just got a lot less weird and a lot more appealing.

Mr. Chong nodded solemnly. "Exactly. And with the proper training, you will have the power to defeat anyone or anything. We need you to protect our kingdom."

I looked around my dingy apartment, taking in the mess of empty beer cans and greasy takeout boxes. Me? A hero? I thought about this for a moment. My initial thought was that he certainly must have made some type of mistake. But, hell. Who was I to argue? "Well, this place fucking blows anyway. Let's do it!" I said with a toothy grin, crushing yet another beer can.

Mr. Chong smiled, extending his hand towards me. "Very well, Elizabeth. Are you ready to embark on this grand adventure?"

Hellz yeah, I was! Until a sudden realization hit me like a ton of bricks.. "Wait! I forgot something!" I nearly shouted, my eyes widening in alarm.

Bounding into the kitchen, I returned triumphantly with a 30-pack of Bush Light. "Okay, now I'm ready!"

With a laugh, Mr. Chong led me towards the swirling portal of smoke, and together, we stepped into the unknown, leaving behind my old life and embracing the possibilities of my new, immortal destiny— feeling like a somebody for the first time in my life.

Despite the 100 degree weather soaking down my back, a sickening chill hovered over my shoulders, the lack of no phone call or visits weighed down on my heavy heart as I exited the store, birthday presents to myself burdened my arms.

Who would’ve thought my life would drop down like this, farther than I had ever imagined, plunging deep into the depths of loneliness and unknown. What was this life without a family member smiling down on me? Hopeful fifteen-year old me would imagine myself on a thousand dollar spree to celebrate this milestone, then a elegant dinner with my significant other later in the evening.

The daydreams I looked back on went down in flames that horrible night, trauma spitting in my eyes forever. My parents smiles burning in the end. Every memory, every laugh, crinkling into ash. Not to mention the 30th birthday gift with my mother’s handwriting scribbled over the brown parchment. Something I would never open.

My vision began to blur as tears began to threaten their way out. The distorted cars shook in my vision, the corners beginning to fuzz. I had to get home before I blew up like a ticking time bomb.

As I moved to the direction of my car, the voice of Nina Simone drew me away from the parking spot, into a thrift store I haven’t shopped at since I was a kid.

Breath swept from my lungs as Nina’s warm voice guided me through the store, her voice thick like syrup. The shop was how I always remembered it, the racks popping with all kinds of colors, laundry detergent and mint permeating through the air.

Mom not only adored Nina, but she used to take me here all the time for back to school shopping. Nostalgia crept behind my head, a dam of memories on the verge of overflowing.

It was not until I started walking toward the very back of the store into storage, where Nina’s voice was the clearest. It’s like she was my personal guide, desperate to reveal something special.

Strangely, nobody was around as I was hypnotized by the music, continuing to move to the back wall until Nina’s voice practically blared through my ears, her accent at its peak. I began to rummage throw the shelf stacked with pairs of vintage jeans, the music rising higher and higher, until it immediately cut off. The minute I held the package in my heads, mom’s handwriting still completely clear in Sharpie.

My hands began to shake, tears slipping from my eyes as I fell to my knees, the atmosphere around me fading to fog. Maybe Nina was my guardian angel, leading me to mom on this special day. My thumbs carefully ran across the thin creases as I paid close attention to mom’s handwriting, the way it carelessly looped at the edges like free-spirited cursive.

Before I could even reconsider, my heart lurched out of my chest, urging my to open it.

After carefully popping open the flap holding the package together, I pulled out a small box drenched in an elegant green velvet. A note slipped out too.

“Dearest Amira, Turning 30 is special for every woman under the Day family. At this time during adulthood, we jump to unexpected heights, smelling every rose that pique our fancy. Taking in the new sights that lay before us at this age. 30 is a drastic number, my dear, but with much care and safety, you will find where you are truly meant to be. I won’t be with you at this time, but my spirit will always settle in your heart. Happy birthday my darling. May you have the happiest of years. Love, mother.”

Taking long shaky breaths, I sobbed as I remembered mom. The way she looked into my youthful eyes when I blowed out my candles. When she held me close after my first breakup. Every moment, silly or not, should’ve been cherished correctly. After her death I purposely pushed them aside, thinking that ignoring them would heal the grief tearing at my insides. I began to lack the energy to constantly stitch them back up. **How was this possible? It’s as if this letter had been reserved for me. It’s like she was marking her death day on her calendar. How could she do this to me? **

“Magnificent, is it not?”

Before I could read over her words again, a woman appeared by my side, nearly making my heart slip away. I wasn’t sure if they were my tears, but her face was completely blurry, flecks of distortion fluttering over her unknown features.

I wasn’t sure where the eyes were to look into as she continued.

“Thirty years ago Evangeline waltzed in this shop, urging me to give this to you when the time was right.” This woman’s voice flowed with familiarity. I knew this person from somewhere. “Danger’s arrival was inevitable. They will be here very soon now.”

“Danger?” I repeated, frantically. “There must be some sort of miscommunication, here. See-I don’t know you…At least that’s what I..”

The way this mysterious figure carried herself, her aura, it all felt too similar. My face began to heat with frustration. Who was she?

“Oh, but you do know me, my dear,” She answered. She gestured to the box. “Open it?” “Pardon me?” “Open.”

Getting over my confusion and anger, I took a breath and opened the box in my hands. A shuddered, carefully examining the the gold chain held with an oval pendant, a rose intricately carved in the front. Glimts of glitter peppered over the entire necklace as I held my breath to admire it. This must’ve been mom’s, she always treasured elegant jewelry such as that

“This is-“ I breathed. “Wow.” I turned to the figure. “How did you-“

The minute I looked up, she was gone. The world around me suddenly began to stretch far from my vision, until it reached white walls, opening up all around me. The store’s scene escaped, and was replaced with rows of flowers. Roses budding. Daisy petals slipping through the air. The scent of sweets were too strong to be ignored as cotton candy pink and soft lavender streaked across the sky. The fluffy, lush grass felt soft under my feet.

The soothing sound of the river slowed my speeding heart as I tried my best to calm down. What was this place? Why was I there?

I familiar figure stepped forward in the distance, but the moment I saw her, I began to dash across the luxuriant fields uncontrollably.

“This is where you’re meant to be,” Mom said with a smile. “Happy birthday, your majesty. We must train you for what is to come.”

“The name doesn’t matter. It’s your kingdom, Andy,” the well-dressed, chiseled-jawed man said from across the table. I felt my feet tremble in my dress shoes, my nicest ones, for my father’s funeral. Just hours before, I was looking at his body. Now, I was at the will reading, being told I was the heir to his kingdom and throne.

He had never mentioned a kingdom or a throne. He had always been a quiet, reserved man, but a good enough father. I didn’t have many bad memories with him. My brother was another story and he wasn’t at the will reading since he hadn’t been named. I thanked my father for that. But I wondered why he never mentioned leaving me this throne.

“So, what’s next?” I asked. It was also my 30th birthday and I had plans to meet up with friends after the due diligence of funeral rites.

“Next is, you go there.”

“How do I do that? Where is it?”

“Close your eyes, I guess,” the lawyer replied. It struck me as odd but I did it anyway, and when I opened them again I found myself not in my father’s kingdom, but in a rocking chair in a safe house, staring at decaying walls and hearing the screams of decaying minds. A kingdom all my own. He had really left it all to me.

On the cusp of her 30th birthday, Anya led an unremarkable existence. Days melded into nights, filled with the monotony of her office job and the comfort of her cozy apartment. Little did she know that an extrodanary revelation awaited her on this milestone day.

As the clock struck midnight, a faint shimmer enveloped her room. A figure materialized before her eyes,  shrouded in an ethereal glow. Its voice, ancient and resonant, echoed through the quiet night.

“I bear tidings from a realm beyond your imagination, Anya. you are the rightful heir to the throne of Aldoria.”

Anya’s heart skipped a beat. Aldoria? She had never heard of such a place.

“But how is that possible?” She asked, her voice trembling.

“Your linkage has been concealed for centuries,” The figure explained. “Now, as the stars align and the ancient prophecies unfold, it is time for you to claim your birthright.”

Anya was torn between disbelief and a strange sense of longing. She had always felt a void in her life, an unspoken yearning for something more. Could this be the answer?

With trembling hands, she reached out to the figure. In an instant, the shimmering portal appeared, beckoning her to step through.

As Anya crossed the threshold, time seemed to warp around her. She emerged in a realm of towering mountains and ethereal forests, bathed in otherworldly light. Awe washed over her as she gazed upon the kingdom of Aldoria.

Palaces glimmered like jewels, and the air carried a faint scent if wildflowers. But amidst the splendor, there was a palpable sense of anticipation and excitement. The people of Aldoria had long awaited their rightful ruler.

Anya was welcomed with open arms. She met wise counselors, skilled warriors, and healers with ancient knowledge. She discovered a world of magic and wonder that challenged er every expectation.

As she embraced her destiny, Anya realized that her ordinary life had been nothing more than a prologue. On her 30th birthday, she had not only inherited a throne, but also a profound purpose and a destiny beyond her wildest dreams.

On Anna's 30th birthday, the air was thick with anticipation as she celebrated with friends and family in the ancestral mansion. The grand halls echoed with laughter and merriment, but an underlying sense of unease lingered, as if the old walls held secrets beyond imagination.

As the clock struck midnight, the festivities paused, and a hush fell over the room. The massive wooden doors creaked open, and a figure veiled in darkness stepped into the flickering candlelight. The figure's presence sent a chill down Anna's spine, and an instinctual fear gripped her heart.

Slowly, the figure approached Anna, its steps silent as a whisper. The hooded cloak obscured its face, leaving only a glimpse of pale, bony fingers extending toward her. Anna's voice caught in her throat as she stumbled backward, her eyes wide with a mixture of curiosity and terror.

"You are the heir," the figure's voice murmured, a haunting whisper that seemed to come from the depths of the abyss. "The heir to the ancient throne of Desolace, a realm forgotten by time."

Anna's mind spun with disbelief. She had never heard of Desolace, and the idea of being tied to a forgotten realm ignited a storm of questions within her. The figure extended its hand, revealing an amulet that glimmered with an ethereal light—an amulet that seemed to pulse with a life of its own.

"Take this amulet," the figure's voice echoed, its words carrying an ominous weight. "Claim your birthright, but know this, Anna—the throne of Desolace holds secrets best left undisturbed. The darkness there is insatiable, and it yearns for your soul."

Trembling, Anna hesitated for a moment before reaching out and accepting the amulet. As it touched her skin, a jolt of frigid energy coursed through her veins, causing her heart to race. She felt an unsettling connection to the amulet, as if it awakened a dormant evil that lurked deep within her.

Haunted by the figure's words, Anna embarked on a journey to uncover the truth behind Desolace. She immersed herself in ancient tomes and forbidden texts, losing herself in the labyrinthine corridors of forgotten knowledge. The more she discovered, the more she realized the extent of the realm's malevolence.

Legends spoke of Desolace as a place where nightmares took form, where a suffocating darkness devoured all light and hope. The realm was said to be cursed, its inhabitants trapped in eternal torment, their cries echoing through the desolate landscapes. Anna's research revealed rituals of unspeakable horror and tales of ancient creatures that feasted on the souls of the innocent.

As Anna delved deeper into her investigation, she noticed subtle changes within herself. Her nights became restless, plagued with vivid nightmares—visions of blood-soaked corridors, grotesque apparitions that whispered her name, and a pervasive feeling of being watched by unseen eyes. Paranoia became her constant companion, a shadow that clung to her every step.

Determined to confront her fate head-on, Anna assembled a group of brave individuals willing to accompany her to Desolace. Together, they ventured into the realm, their hearts heavy with trepidation. The air in Desolace was thick with despair, carrying an oppressive weight that made it hard to breathe.

As they journeyed through the desolate wastelands, they encountered the remnants of the realm's twisted inhabitants. Ghostly figures lurked in the shadows, their anguished moans echoing through the barren trees. Anna's allies succumbed to the horrors one by one, their minds shattered by the relentless onslaught of darkness.

Finally, Anna stood before the decaying castle, the epicenter of Desolace's malevolence. The air was heavy with a palpable malevolence, and the walls seemed to breathe with a sinister life. She fought against her trembling limbs as she ascended the crumbling stairs, each step creaking with a haunting resonance.

In the vast, decrepit throne room, an ancient evil materialized before Anna. Its form was twisted and grotesque, a grotesque amalgamation of shadows and malice. Its eyes glowed with a sickly green hue, fixated on Anna with a hunger that sent a chill down her spine.

Summoning her courage, Anna raised the amulet high above her head. The room erupted with a blinding burst of light as she chanted ancient incantations, channeling the last remnants of light within her soul. The amulet unleashed a surge of energy, engulfing the darkness and forcing the malevolent presence back into the depths of Desolace.

As the castle crumbled around her, Anna emerged from the ruins, the amulet still clutched tightly in her hand. She had banished the ancient evil that plagued Desolace, but the scars it left on her soul would be everlasting. The realm had imprinted itself upon her, aconstant reminder of the horrors she had faced.

Returning to her former life, Anna tried to resume normalcy, but the terrors of Desolace continued to haunt her. The amulet remained an ever-present reminder, pulsating with a faint, unsettling energy. Nightmares persisted, vivid and visceral, blending the horrors of Desolace with her waking world.

Anna's once-vibrant spirit began to wither under the weight of the realm's darkness. She withdrew from her loved ones, fearing that the residue of Desolace would taint their lives as well. Her once-joyful laughter turned hollow, and her eyes held a haunted, distant look.

As the years passed, Anna became a recluse, seeking solace in the solitude of her family's mansion. The once-bustling halls now echoed with her footsteps and the whispers of forgotten memories. She surrounded herself with books and artifacts, desperate to find a way to sever the ties that bound her to Desolace.

In her search for answers, Anna stumbled upon a hidden chamber deep within the mansion. The room was filled with ancient texts and arcane relics, a treasure trove of forgotten knowledge. With renewed determination, she immersed herself in deciphering the cryptic passages and incantations, hoping to find a way to break free from the clutches of Desolace.

Days turned into nights as Anna delved deeper into her research. She stumbled upon a ritual—an ancient rite said to sever the connection between a cursed soul and the realm that claimed it. The process was perilous, requiring immense sacrifice and unwavering resolve.

With grim determination, Anna gathered the necessary components and prepared for the ritual. She stood in the center of a circle, surrounded by symbols etched into the cold stone floor. The amulet, once her burden and her curse, lay in her outstretched hands.

As she recited the incantations with a trembling voice, the room filled with an otherworldly glow. The amulet pulsed in response, its energy intertwining with the ritual. A surge of power coursed through Anna's body, and for a moment, she felt an agonizing connection to the darkness of Desolace.

In a final act of defiance, Anna shattered the amulet. Its fragments scattered across the room, the pulsating energy dissipating into the air. A profound silence settled over the chamber, as if the very fabric of Desolace held its breath.

Exhausted but determined, Anna emerged from the ritual circle, her spirit lighter than it had been in years. The weight of Desolace had lifted, and with it, the lingering horrors that had tormented her. Though scars remained, she could finally embrace the world outside her secluded mansion and face the future with newfound strength.

But as Anna stepped into the light, she noticed something unsettling—a flicker of shadows danced in her eyes, a chilling reminder that Desolace would forever be a part of her, even in the realm of the living. The horrors she had faced had left an indelible mark on her soul, a constant reminder that darkness could never truly be banished.

And so, Anna embraced her new existence, forever carrying the echoes of Desolace within her. She became a guardian of forgotten realms, seeking to protect others from the malevolence that lurked in the shadows. In her eyes, a glimmer of both sorrow and resolve remained—a testament to the horrors she had faced and the strength she had found in the face of unspeakable darkness.

I went to the barber, thanked my barber and went home to my flat

I didn’t look in any side mirrors intentionally to not spoil the big reveal

I open my bathroom door, turn on the lights, and prepare to admire my new freshly shaped head

“Why”

I ask myself

“Do I still get an eyebrow slit at 30?”

………

I sit down on my couch and fiddle with my keys

I run them through my fingers like thread

Prodding the top of my room key with my index finger like flicking a guitar string or whatever

And

five minutes later I move on to the fidget spinner on my table I’ve had for as long as I’ve had an eyebrow slit

It’s chrome plated

“Nice”

……….

“Awesome”

……….

The sun going down on the horizon, the shift of the sky from a pleasant light blue to a rust orange glow tells me I’ve literally been doing this for 30 minutes

I get up and start pacing around my room in a figure 8

Giving myself a bit off a tour

Through my kitchen, the marble table clean but dusty

The fridge, large and barren,

My bedroom, with a guitar propped on the wall

My guitar.

My introspection was interrupted by a knock at my door

The chrome plated fidget spinner dropping from my hand on to my toe, shattering

I want to cry, for multiple reasons, or none at all

I walk to my door and peep outside

A curious looking group was standing there

“The ren fair ended a week ago”

I felt bad instantly and opened my mouth to apologize when I heard quiet muttering

“……did the invisibility spell really not work?”

A strong female voice asks

“That means it’s him.”

A gruff male retorts

“Um, hello?”

I begin to ask

the door exploded off its hinges and into my face

Flying through the air I landed on my back and used the momentum to roll over, kicking the door over my head and rolling onto my feet

Looking up at this group my eyes widen

These are not costumes.

I spring to my feet, terrified, and realize I have no choice to attack

I lunged at the large man who had the gruff voice, his black long hair held in a top knot, donned in black ranger gear with a sword and a cape, figuring I take the tuffest one out first

“WAIT!!”

The female with the strong voice, donning red hair and a freckled constellation like face with pointed ears that added to her larger than life appearance screamed.

The inflection in her voice changing softer made me want to hear her out

Suddenly, the short person in a cloak pulled out a large metal and wood staff (that resembled a soft serve swirl) levitated the door back into its original position

“We mean no harm, sir”

“YOU SHOT MY DOOR OFF”

The robed man added

“My condolences, I didnt expect the heir to the kingdom to have such a weak door”

I almost got offended but to be fair the door was creaky and faded

……….

Silence permeated in the air for a second, as they looked at me with an almost admiration and my nerves began to settle.

“So, uh, what do you want and why am I heir?”

They group together and mutter

“Of course he doesn’t know he’s an heir he was placed in this world for protection” “Well if you figured that why would you cast explosion at his door Alexis” “Hindsight is 20/20 Terry” “MY NAME IS TERA” The large one chucked at this argument “Shut up, Clyde”

They suddenly shift their attention back to me

“Do you have any injuries, sir” Tera asks?

“Um yeah, on my big toe”

“Let me try to help!”

She used her hands and a glorious gold glow eminates from them, a river-like stream flows from her hands to my big toe

It was magical, like if the stars at night had a golden backdrop that made them glow even brighter

It did nothing.

“It is him.” Clyde whispered, eyes wideing.

What am I?

“The heir, sir” Alexi gleefully states

“you are the chosen one, the one said to be devoid of magic and therefore impervious to it”

Not surprising, my entire life, I’ve been told by everyone including myself I don’t have much “magic”

No special talent in even my passions, no drive or dreams to boot

Alexis’ statement made me realize why I wanted to cry.

I look down

And look straight at him

“Cast a fireball at my face”

“WHAT” they all scream

“If I am this “heir”, please do what I ask”

“But si”

“Please”

Alexis slowly raises their wands from their cloak, and conjures a fireball towards my face

The air tenses as he shoots it, sparks begin to form and the entire room glows red, redder as the ball shot towards my face like a comet careening onto earths surface

It makes contact, bursting instantly and dissipating into nothing just as fast

I smile

Besides the sound hurting my ears, I felt nothing

They stood shocked and I decided

If being without “magic” is my power, I can still be something.

Tera shakily made a statement that filled everyone with a renewed sense of adventure and longing.

“Sir, you are the heir”

“And we have no time to waste”

“It’s time for you to come home”

I look around.

The fridge, the table, my bedroom

It definetely wasn’t home

“Lead me to it, please”

I was filled with a sense of purpose to nothing. To be nothing, and to let that lead me to something.

Tera added “the enemy forces could be trying to reach you now, so we must make haste”

That’s all I needed to hear.

And as we began to embark on this journey into anything, I realized my nothingness was my superpower

It gave me the ability to be anything

And after leaving my flat I realized two others things

I missed my fidget spinner

And my foot still hurt.