Heir to the Light
CHAPTER 41
A jolt shot through me as the familiar "S" symbol on Dad's neck blazed to life. The blinding light subsided, revealing a figure clad in shimmering armor, radiating an otherworldly power. My father, the man I knew and loved, was gone, replaced by a celestial guardian – a being of pure anima, radiating an awe-inspiring majesty.
He spoke, his voice echoing in the cavern, "My children, the fight is far from over. The whispers of the darkness will never truly cease. But fear not, for I am here."
My mind reeled. My father, a guardian? The revelation sent a wave of emotions crashing over me – awe, confusion, a flicker of resentment.
"Wait," I stammered, the words catching in my throat. "You were a guardian all this time? Why didn't you tell us?"
My father's celestial form softened, a hint of his familiar smile flickering through the ethereal visage. "It was my burden to bear alone," he said. "The guardians operate in secrecy, protecting the world from shadows you can't even imagine. Revealing my identity would have put you, everyone in Avalora City, at risk."
A new voice boomed through the cavern, "He speaks the truth, young one."
A woman stepped into the light, her silver hair pulled back in a tight bun. Her stern gaze softened slightly as she met my eyes. It was Miss Haney, our unassuming school librarian!
"Miss Haney?" I gasped, disbelief etched on my face.
A hint of a smile played on her lips. "Librarian by day, guardian by night, child," she said dryly.
Beside her stood a tall, broad-shouldered man with warm, welcoming eyes. "Greetings," he said, extending a hand. "I'm Nathan, another celestial guardian."
My mind was a whirlwind. Secrets, hidden identities, a world beyond my wildest imaginings. Dad, my father, had been protecting me, our town, from unseen threats all along. And the cost of keeping that secret had almost been his life.
"But why...?" I began, a thousand questions swirling in my head.
Dad's voice, heavy with regret, interrupted me. "There's something you need to know," he revealed. "The darkness that possessed me wasn't random. It was drawn to a powerful artifact – an ancient book held by Dr. Evans."
A chill ran down my spine. Dr. Evans, the enigmatic scientist who had arrived in Avalora just before the attacks began.
"The book," Dad continued, "contains knowledge of unimaginable power. The dark entity sought to control it, and I... I made a choice. I surrendered the book to Dr. Evans in exchange for Avalora's safety. It was a desperate gamble, but I hoped he could contain its power."
A fresh wave of anger washed over me. He had sacrificed his own freedom, his very being, to protect us!
"But why keep it a secret?" I demanded. "You could have fought the entity alongside us!"
His celestial form shimmered slightly. "The guardians don't reveal themselves unless absolutely necessary. Our existence could create panic, disrupt the very balance we strive to maintain. However, the darkness seems bolder, more persistent than ever before. Perhaps..." he trailed off, his gaze flickering to Miss Haney and Nathan.
Miss Haney stepped forward, her gaze resolute. "Perhaps it's time the guardians operate with a little less secrecy."
Nathan nodded, his face etched with grim determination. "The shadows stir. We may need all the help we can get."
أنت تقرأ
Samuel Ash
الخيال (فانتازيا)Sam's world crumbles when his hero dad disappears. Branded an "orphan" and mercilessly bullied by Elias Blackthorn, Sam longs for the truth. But his mom's tearful stories and the whispers in the halls paint a confusing picture. When a kind librarian...
