🕯️ Chapter One – The Child in the Dream
Babylon was asleep.
The streets were empty.
The palace gates were closed.
Only the guards walked through the dark.
Far from the palace stood an old house.
Nobody went near it.
People called it the House of Ashes.
That was where the witch lived.
Her name was Naqira.
She was feared by everyone.
Naqira did not care about the king.
She did not fear the soldiers.
She feared nobody.
People said she could hear a person's name from miles away.
People said she could make a man forget his own family.
Some said she could enter a person's dream.
But the worst thing was this.
People who angered Naqira disappeared.
Nobody found their bodies.
Nobody asked questions.
Those who asked questions disappeared too.
That night, a little girl named Talia was sleeping beside her mother.
She was only nine years old.
She had never seen the witch.
She had never spoken her name.
But that night, Talia dreamed about her.
She was standing in a strange courtyard.
The ground was covered with black dust.
Tall walls surrounded her.
There was no door.
No window.
No way out.
Then she heard footsteps.
Slow footsteps.
Step.
Step.
Step.
Talia turned.
An old woman stood behind her.
Her hair was completely white.
Her eyes were dark.
She held a long wooden staff.
A small red stone hung from the top of it.
Talia knew who she was.
Naqira.
The witch smiled.
"You know my name."
Talia stepped back.
"Leave me alone."
Naqira laughed.
"This is my dream."
Talia looked around.
The black dust began to move.
It formed the shape of human hands.
The hands crawled across the ground.
Talia screamed.
Naqira raised her staff.
The hands stopped.
"Do you know how many people I have buried?"
Talia shook her head.
Naqira smiled.
"Too many to count."
She walked closer.
"Kings have begged me."
"Soldiers have run from me."
"Strong men have cried before me."
She stopped in front of Talia.
"But you are only a child."
Talia looked at her.
"Then why did you bring me here?"
Naqira's smile disappeared.
"I didn't."
The wind suddenly became loud.
Naqira looked behind Talia.
Her face changed.
For the first time, the witch looked afraid.
"Who sent you?"
Talia did not know.
"I don't know."
Naqira stepped backward.
"Wake up."
Talia frowned.
"What?"
"Wake up now!"
The courtyard began to shake.
The walls cracked.
The black dust rose into the air.
A voice came from somewhere above them.
"Talia."
She looked up.
"Who are you?"
The voice answered.
"I am the one she could not kill."
Naqira screamed.
"No!"
A bright light appeared behind the witch.
Naqira dropped her staff.
She turned to run.
The light followed her.
Then the voice spoke again.
"Talia, listen carefully."
Talia stood still.
"She must die."
Talia's eyes widened.
Naqira looked at her.
"Do not listen!"
The voice continued.
"She will kill many more."
"She will come for your family."
"Only you can stop her."
Talia began to cry.
"I am only a child."
The voice became softer.
"That is why she will never suspect you."
Naqira rushed toward Talia.
Talia screamed.
The entire courtyard went dark.
Then Talia woke up.
She sat up quickly.
Her mother was sleeping beside her.
Talia touched her face.
She was sweating.
Her heart was beating fast.
She looked around the room.
Everything was normal.
Or so she thought.
A strange smell filled the room.
Smoke.
Talia got out of bed.
She walked toward the window.
Someone was standing outside.
An old woman.
White hair.
Dark eyes.
A long wooden staff.
Talia froze.
The woman smiled.
Then she disappeared.
Talia ran to her mother.
"Mother!"
Her mother woke up.
"What happened?"
Talia pointed at the window.
"The witch was outside."
Her mother became pale.
"What witch?"
"Naqira."
Her mother sat up.
"Never say that name again."
Talia stared at her.
"Why?"
Her mother stood quickly.
She locked the door.
Then she locked the window.
"Because she hears it."
Talia whispered:
"She came to me in my dream."
Her mother stopped.
"What did she say?"
Talia looked at her.
"She said someone sent me."
Her mother said nothing.
"She was afraid."
Her mother's hands began to shake.
"What else?"
Talia took a breath.
"A voice told me to kill her."
Her mother dropped the lamp.
It hit the floor.
The flame went out.
The room became dark.
Then someone knocked on their door.
Three times.
Knock.
Knock.
Knock.
Talia's mother grabbed her tightly.
A voice came from outside.
"Open the door."
Talia knew the voice.
It was Naqira.
Her mother covered Talia's mouth.
The voice came again.
"I know what the child saw."
The door began to shake.
Talia's mother whispered into her ear.
"Whatever happens, do not let her touch you."
The door shook harder.
Then it broke open.
Naqira stood in the doorway.
Her eyes were glowing.
She looked directly at Talia.
And smiled.
"So the dream has chosen you."
Talia stepped backward.
Naqira raised her hand.
The room suddenly became freezing cold.
Then Talia saw something in the witch's hand.
A small black knife.
Naqira whispered:
"Before sunrise, one of us will be dead."
Talia looked at her mother.
Then she remembered the voice from the dream.
"Only you can stop her."
Talia slowly reached beneath her pillow.
Her fingers touched something cold.
It was not there before she went to sleep.
A small silver blade.
And carved into its handle were three words.
DO NOT MISS.
🌙 End of Chapter One
🌑 Chapter Two – The Silver Blade
Talia stared at the small silver blade.
Her hands were shaking.
Naqira stood near the broken door.
Her black knife was still in her hand.
"Give it to me."
Talia held the blade tighter.
"No."
Naqira smiled.
"You don't even know how to use it."
Talia's mother stepped between them.
"Leave my daughter alone."
Naqira lifted one finger.
Talia's mother suddenly fell against the wall.
Talia screamed.
"Mother!"
She ran toward her.
Naqira moved faster.
She grabbed Talia's arm.
Talia felt a sharp pain.
The silver blade fell from her hand.
Naqira looked down.
Before she could pick it up, Talia kicked her.
Naqira stumbled backward.
Talia grabbed the blade.
She ran toward her mother.
Naqira screamed.
"Come back!"
Talia did not stop.
She pulled her mother toward the back room.
Naqira raised her hand.
The wooden table flew across the room.
It crashed into the wall.
Talia pushed her mother through the doorway.
Then she slammed the door.
Something hit it from the other side.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
The door began to crack.
Her mother held her chest.
"Talia, listen to me."
Talia knelt beside her.
"What?"
"That blade is the only thing that can hurt her."
Talia looked at it.
"Who gave it to me?"
Her mother looked frightened.
"I don't know."
A loud crash came from the other room.
Naqira had broken through the door.
Talia's mother grabbed her hand.
"Run to the old temple."
Talia shook her head.
"I won't leave you."
"You must."
Her mother pushed a small pouch into her hand.
"Take this."
Talia opened it.
Inside was a small bronze key.
She looked confused.
"What does it open?"
Her mother whispered:
"A room beneath the temple."
Talia stared at her.
"Why?"
Her mother looked toward the door.
"Because that is where your father hid the truth."
Talia froze.
She had never known her father.
"My father?"
Her mother nodded.
"He knew Naqira before anyone knew her name."
The door burst open.
Naqira entered.
Her face was filled with anger.
"You should have told her years ago."
Talia's mother stood.
"She was a child."
"She is still a child."
Naqira raised her knife.
Talia moved in front of her mother.
Naqira laughed.
"You think that little blade can save you?"
Talia said nothing.
Naqira rushed forward.
Talia raised the silver blade.
Naqira suddenly stopped.
Her eyes widened.
The blade was glowing.
A thin white light moved across its edge.
Naqira stepped back.
"Where did you get that?"
Talia looked at the blade.
"It was under my pillow."
Naqira's face changed.
"No."
The walls began to shake.
A deep sound came from outside.
Naqira looked toward the broken window.
For the first time, she looked worried.
Talia noticed.
"You're afraid."
Naqira looked at her.
"You don't know what you are holding."
Talia raised the blade.
"Then tell me."
Naqira said nothing.
Talia stepped closer.
"Tell me what happened to my father."
Naqira's eyes became cold.
"Your father made a foolish choice."
"What choice?"
"He tried to kill me."
Talia looked at her mother.
"Did he fail?"
Naqira smiled.
"Yes."
Talia's mother whispered:
"Don't believe her."
Naqira turned toward her.
"You should have died with him."
She lifted her hand.
Talia moved without thinking.
She swung the silver blade.
The blade touched Naqira's arm.
Naqira screamed.
Dark smoke burst from the wound.
She fell to her knees.
Talia stared at the blade.
There was no blood.
Only black smoke.
Naqira looked at the wound.
"You little fool."
Her voice had changed.
It sounded deeper.
Older.
Talia stepped back.
Naqira suddenly grabbed her mother's neck.
"Drop the blade."
Talia froze.
Her mother struggled.
"Don't."
Talia lowered the blade.
Naqira smiled.
"Good girl."
Then someone crashed through the roof.
A young man landed between them.
He carried a long spear.
Naqira released Talia's mother.
The young man attacked.
Naqira blocked the spear with her staff.
The room shook.
Talia pulled her mother away.
"Who is he?"
Her mother looked at the young man.
"His name is Dagan."
Dagan struck Naqira across the chest.
She flew backward.
She crashed through the wall.
Talia stared in shock.
Dagan turned toward them.
"Take the girl and leave."
Talia's mother shook her head.
"We cannot."
"Why?"
She pointed at Talia's hand.
"She has the blade."
Dagan looked at it.
His face became serious.
"Then we have very little time."
A strange laugh came from the broken wall.
Naqira stood again.
Her wound was closing.
Dagan's eyes widened.
"That is impossible."
Naqira smiled.
"You should have learned that before coming here."
She raised both hands.
Every lamp in the house exploded.
The room went dark.
Talia heard screaming.
She heard Dagan fighting.
She heard her mother calling her name.
Then silence.
Talia could not see anyone.
She held the silver blade tightly.
A hand touched her shoulder.
She almost screamed.
A voice whispered:
"Do not move."
It was Dagan.
Talia whispered:
"Where is my mother?"
Dagan did not answer.
Talia's heart began to race.
"Where is she?"
Dagan finally spoke.
"Naqira took her."
Talia's eyes filled with tears.
"Where?"
Dagan looked toward the broken wall.
"To the palace."
Talia gripped the silver blade.
"Then we go after her."
Dagan shook his head.
"You don't understand."
Talia looked at him.
"What?"
Dagan lowered his voice.
"Naqira did not take your mother to kill her."
Talia waited.
"She took her to use her."
Talia's face became pale.
"For what?"
Dagan looked at the silver blade.
"To bring your father back."
Talia stopped breathing.
Her father had been dead for years.
At least, that was what her mother had told her.
Then a loud bell rang from the direction of the palace.
Once.
Twice.
Three times.
Dagan looked toward the sound.
"She has started."
Talia held the blade close.
"Then let's stop her."
Dagan looked at the little girl.
For a moment, he said nothing.
Then he nodded.
"Tonight, Babylon will learn the truth."
🌙 End of Chapter Two
🏺 Chapter Three – The Door Beneath the Palace
The palace bell rang again.
Talia looked at Dagan.
"That is where Naqira took my mother?"
Dagan nodded.
"Yes."
They left the house through the back.
The night was cold.
Talia held the silver blade close to her chest.
Dagan walked ahead.
He knew the streets well.
They passed empty shops.
They passed sleeping houses.
No one came outside.
Then Talia heard horses.
Dagan pulled her behind a stone wall.
Four soldiers rode past them.
Their swords were drawn.
"Are they looking for us?"
Dagan nodded.
"Naqira has the palace guards under her control."
Talia looked at him.
"Even the king?"
Dagan stayed quiet.
That answer was enough.
They waited until the soldiers disappeared.
Then they moved again.
Soon the palace walls came into view.
They were huge.
Torches burned along the top.
Guards stood at every entrance.
Talia stared at the gates.
"How do we get inside?"
Dagan pointed toward a narrow passage.
"We don't use the gate."
They followed the passage.
It ended near an old stone building.
Dagan pushed a loose stone from the wall.
A small opening appeared.
"Go in."
Talia crawled through.
Dagan followed.
They entered a dark tunnel.
Talia looked around.
"Where does this go?"
Dagan lit a small lamp.
"Under the palace."
They walked deeper.
The walls were covered with old drawings.
Talia stopped.
One drawing showed a woman holding a silver blade.
Beside her stood a little girl.
Talia moved closer.
"That looks like me."
Dagan looked at the drawing.
"It is you."
Talia turned.
"How can that be?"
Dagan pointed at the bottom of the drawing.
There was a date.
It was written many years before Talia was born.
Talia stepped back.
"Who drew this?"
Dagan looked worried.
"Your father."
Talia touched the wall.
"He knew about me before I was born?"
Dagan nodded.
"He knew what Naqira would do."
A sound came from behind them.
Footsteps.
Dagan quickly blew out the lamp.
They hid behind a stone pillar.
Two men entered the tunnel.
They carried swords.
"Search every passage."
The other man nodded.
"Naqira wants the girl alive."
Talia held her breath.
One soldier walked closer.
Dagan slowly reached for his spear.
The soldier turned the corner.
Dagan attacked.
The soldier dropped his sword.
The second man rushed forward.
Talia stepped back.
The silver blade began to glow.
The soldier saw it.
He froze.
"The blade!"
Dagan struck him down.
The tunnel became quiet.
Talia looked at Dagan.
"Are they dead?"
Dagan nodded.
"They would have killed us."
Talia looked away.
She had never seen anyone die before.
Her hands shook.
Dagan noticed.
"You are not like them."
Talia looked at him.
"Like who?"
"Naqira."
They continued.
At the end of the tunnel stood a huge iron door.
There was no handle.
Only a small hole in the middle.
Talia remembered the bronze key.
She took it from the pouch.
Dagan looked at her.
"Where did you get that?"
"My mother gave it to me."
Talia pushed the key into the hole.
The door opened.
Cold air came out.
Inside was a large underground chamber.
Old books covered the walls.
Broken statues stood in the corners.
In the middle was a stone table.
Someone was lying on it.
Talia's heart stopped.
"Mother!"
She ran forward.
Dagan grabbed her.
"Wait."
Talia looked at him.
Her mother was tied to the table.
Her eyes were closed.
Blood ran down one side of her face.
"Mother!"
A voice answered from the darkness.
"She can hear you."
Talia turned.
Naqira stepped out from behind a pillar.
She was holding a long golden knife.
Dagan raised his spear.
"Let her go."
Naqira laughed.
"You still think you can stop me?"
Dagan charged.
Naqira struck the ground with her staff.
A wave of force threw him across the room.
He crashed against the wall.
Talia screamed.
Naqira looked at her.
"Come closer."
Talia held the silver blade.
"No."
Naqira smiled.
"You want your mother."
She placed the golden knife against her mother's chest.
Talia stepped forward.
"Don't hurt her."
Naqira smiled.
"Then give me the silver blade."
Talia looked at her mother.
Her mother's eyes opened.
"Don't give it to her."
Naqira pressed the knife closer.
"One more word and she dies."
Talia's eyes filled with tears.
She slowly lifted the silver blade.
Naqira reached for it.
Then Talia threw it across the room.
Naqira caught it.
She looked at the blade.
Her smile disappeared.
The silver began to burn her hand.
Naqira screamed.
She dropped it.
Talia ran toward her mother.
Dagan stood again.
Naqira fell to her knees.
The chamber shook.
A deep sound came from beneath the stone floor.
Talia stopped.
"What is that?"
Naqira looked at her.
Her face was filled with fear.
"You have opened the door."
Talia looked down.
A crack appeared across the floor.
Then another.
The stone table began to move.
Talia's mother screamed.
Dagan ran toward her.
Naqira suddenly laughed.
"Too late."
A hand came out of the crack.
Then another.
Talia stepped back.
A man's voice came from below.
"Talia."
She froze.
She knew that voice.
It was the voice from her dream.
Her mother began to cry.
"No."
Talia looked at her.
"Mother, who is down there?"
Her mother could barely speak.
"Your father."
Talia stared at the crack.
A man's hand reached out.
Then his face appeared.
He looked exactly like Talia.
Naqira smiled.
"Now you finally understand."
Talia looked at the silver blade on the floor.
Then she looked at the man climbing out of the darkness.
He looked at her.
"Do not trust Naqira."
Naqira laughed.
"Do not trust him either."
Talia stood between them.
She did not know who to believe.
Then her father whispered:
"Your mother has never told you the real reason I died."
Talia turned toward her mother.
Her mother closed her eyes.
And the palace bells began to ring again.
🌙 End of Chapter Three
🔥 Chapter Four – The Man Beneath the Stone
Talia could not move.
The man stood before her.
His face was older than she remembered from the drawings.
But there was no doubt.
He was her father.
Naqira watched them both.
She was smiling again.
"Go ahead, Talia. Ask him."
Talia looked at the man.
"Are you really my father?"
The man nodded.
"Yes."
Talia's eyes filled with tears.
"Why did you leave me?"
Her father looked at her mother.
"I never left you."
Talia turned toward her mother.
"Then why did you tell me he was dead?"
Her mother looked away.
She could not answer.
Naqira laughed.
"Because she was afraid of the truth."
Dagan moved toward Naqira.
"Enough."
Naqira raised her staff.
Dagan's spear flew from his hand.
He was thrown against the wall again.
Talia grabbed the silver blade.
Naqira looked at her.
"You still don't understand what that blade is."
Talia raised it.
"Then tell me."
Naqira stepped closer.
"It was made for one person."
Talia waited.
"Your father."
Her father shook his head.
"Don't listen to her."
Naqira smiled.
"He knows."
Talia looked at her father.
"Knows what?"
He looked at the blade.
"That blade can kill me."
Talia froze.
Naqira laughed softly.
"Now you see why I wanted it."
Talia looked at her father.
"Why would you need to be killed?"
Her father stepped closer.
"Because I am not the man you think I am."
The chamber became silent.
Talia lowered the blade.
"What does that mean?"
Her father looked at her mother.
"Tell her."
Her mother shook her head.
"I can't."
"You must."
Naqira suddenly moved.
She grabbed Talia's mother and pulled her away from the table.
Dagan rushed toward them.
Naqira struck him with her staff.
He fell to the ground.
Talia screamed.
"Let her go!"
Naqira held the golden knife against her mother's throat.
"Bring me the blade."
Talia took one step forward.
"Let her go first."
Naqira smiled.
"You are learning."
Talia moved closer.
Her father suddenly shouted.
"Talia, don't!"
Naqira turned.
That was the moment Talia needed.
She threw a small stone at the lamp.
The lamp fell.
The chamber went dark.
Naqira shouted.
"Where are you?"
Talia ran.
She grabbed her mother.
They moved toward the doorway.
Dagan picked up his spear.
He stood between them and Naqira.
"Go!"
Talia pulled her mother away.
Naqira attacked.
Dagan blocked the first strike.
Then the second.
The third hit his shoulder.
He fell.
Talia stopped.
"Dagan!"
"Keep moving!"
Talia obeyed.
Her mother followed her.
They reached the tunnel.
Then they heard a scream.
Talia turned.
Her father was standing behind them.
Blood covered his shirt.
"Father!"
He grabbed her hand.
"We have to go."
They ran.
Behind them came Naqira's voice.
"You cannot escape your blood!"
The tunnel shook.
Pieces of stone fell from the ceiling.
Talia held her mother's hand.
Her father ran beside them.
They reached the iron door.
Talia pushed it open.
They entered the passage.
But the passage was no longer empty.
Five soldiers stood ahead.
Their swords were drawn.
Talia's father stopped.
"We are trapped."
The soldiers moved forward.
Talia's mother stepped behind her.
Her father took a sword from one of the fallen guards.
The first soldier attacked.
He blocked the strike.
The second soldier came from the side.
Talia's father struck him down.
The third attacked.
He fell too.
The last two rushed together.
Talia's father fought them both.
One soldier fell.
The other raised his sword.
Talia saw the blade coming.
She raised the silver knife.
A flash of white light filled the passage.
The soldier dropped his sword.
He fell to the ground.
Talia stared at the silver blade.
Her father looked at her.
"You saved me."
Talia shook her head.
"I saved my mother."
Her father smiled.
"That is exactly what I hoped you would say."
They reached the end of the passage.
A wooden door stood before them.
Her mother stopped.
"Don't open it."
Talia looked at her.
"Why?"
Her mother pointed at the door.
A symbol had been carved into it.
The same symbol was on Talia's silver blade.
Her father stepped forward.
"This is where Naqira began."
Talia looked at him.
"What is behind it?"
He took a deep breath.
"The first body she ever killed."
Talia's mother began to cry.
"Please don't open that door."
Talia looked at the silver blade.
Then she looked at her father.
"I need to know the truth."
She placed her hand on the door.
The wood became warm.
The silver blade began to glow.
Then a voice came from the other side.
"Talia."
She froze.
It was the same voice from her dream.
Her father stepped back.
"Don't answer."
The voice came again.
"Talia, your father is lying to you."
Talia looked at him.
Her father went pale.
Then the voice whispered:
"He is the witch."
Talia slowly turned toward her father.
He said nothing.
Naqira's laughter echoed through the tunnel behind them.
Talia realized they had been walking straight into a trap.
"Father... what are you?"
Her father looked at her.
"Run."
The door suddenly opened by itself.
And something inside the room opened its eyes.
🌙 End of Chapter Four
🩸 Chapter Five – The Face Behind the Door
Talia stood at the doorway.
She could not breathe.
Two eyes were staring at her from the darkness.
Her father stood behind her.
Her mother held her hand.
Nobody moved.
Then the thing inside the room spoke.
"Come inside, Talia."
The voice sounded like a young girl.
Talia looked at her mother.
"Who is that?"
Her mother shook her head.
"Don't go near it."
Talia looked at her father.
"You know what is inside."
He nodded.
"Yes."
"Then tell me."
He looked into the room.
"That is the girl Naqira killed."
Talia stepped back.
"She is still alive?"
Her father shook his head.
"No."
The voice came again.
"I am dead."
Talia stared into the darkness.
"But I remember everything."
A small figure slowly stepped into the light.
She looked about Talia's age.
Her dress was old.
Her hair covered one side of her face.
There was a dark mark around her neck.
Talia felt cold.
"What is your name?"
The girl looked at her.
"Samira."
Her father lowered his head.
Talia noticed.
"You knew her."
He nodded.
"She was the first."
Samira looked at him.
"You promised you would come back."
He looked at her.
"I tried."
"You never came."
Talia looked between them.
"What happened?"
Samira pointed at Talia's father.
"He helped Naqira."
Talia's mother gasped.
Talia stepped away from him.
"Is that true?"
Her father said nothing.
Talia's voice became louder.
"Is it true?"
He finally looked at her.
"Yes."
Talia's mother began to cry.
Talia could not believe it.
"You helped her kill people?"
Her father closed his eyes.
"At first."
"Why?"
He looked at the ground.
"I thought she could protect Babylon."
Samira laughed bitterly.
"She protected nobody."
Talia looked at her.
Samira continued.
"She wanted power."
"Your father helped her find it."
Talia turned toward him.
"Why did you stop?"
He looked at his daughter.
"Because I saw what she became."
"By then it was too late."
A loud bang came from the tunnel.
Her mother grabbed Talia.
"Naqira."
Dagan appeared at the far end of the passage.
Blood covered his shoulder.
He was struggling to stand.
"She is coming."
Talia looked at him.
"How long?"
Dagan looked behind him.
"Not long."
Samira suddenly pointed at the silver blade.
"Give it to me."
Talia held it tightly.
"Why?"
"Because I know how to use it."
Talia hesitated.
Her father stepped forward.
"Don't."
Samira looked at him.
"Still protecting her?"
He shook his head.
"No."
"I am protecting my daughter."
Samira pointed toward the tunnel.
"Then let her fight."
Talia looked at the blade.
The silver edge began to shine.
A sound came from behind them.
A slow clap.
Naqira stepped into the passage.
Her dress was covered with dust.
Her eyes were fixed on Talia.
"You finally found her."
Talia stepped forward.
"Samira?"
Naqira smiled.
"That little ghost has been waiting for me for years."
Samira moved toward Naqira.
"You remember me."
Naqira looked at her.
"I remember killing you."
Samira's face changed.
The air became cold.
The walls began to shake.
Naqira raised her staff.
"You should have stayed dead."
Samira screamed.
The lamps exploded.
Darkness filled the passage.
Talia heard fighting.
She heard Dagan shout.
Then she heard Naqira laugh.
Talia ran toward the sound.
She saw Naqira standing over Samira.
Samira was on the ground.
Naqira raised her staff.
"This time, you stay dead."
Talia attacked.
The silver blade struck Naqira's staff.
A bright flash filled the passage.
Naqira screamed.
Her staff broke in two.
Talia struck again.
The blade cut Naqira's arm.
Black smoke poured from the wound.
Naqira stumbled backward.
Her face twisted with anger.
"You little monster."
Talia raised the blade.
"You killed Samira."
"You killed others."
"You came for my mother."
Naqira smiled.
"And you still don't know the worst part."
Talia stopped.
"What?"
Naqira looked at Talia's father.
"Ask him why your dreams started."
Talia turned.
Her father looked frightened.
"Father?"
Naqira laughed.
"Ask him what he put inside your cradle."
Talia's mother covered her mouth.
Talia looked at her.
"Mother?"
Her mother began to cry.
Talia slowly turned back to her father.
"What did you put in my cradle?"
He said nothing.
Naqira smiled.
"Tell her."
Her father finally spoke.
"A piece of the old crown."
Talia frowned.
"What crown?"
Naqira's smile disappeared.
"The crown that belongs to the dead king."
A loud roar came from beneath the palace.
The floor shook.
Stone began falling from the ceiling.
Dagan shouted:
"We have to leave!"
Talia looked at her father.
He was staring at the floor.
"The king is waking."
Talia held the silver blade.
"What does he want?"
Her father looked at her.
"His crown."
Talia looked down at the blade.
A tiny piece of gold appeared inside the silver handle.
It had been hidden there all along.
Then a deep voice rose from beneath the palace.
"Bring me my daughter."
Talia froze.
Her father grabbed her hand.
"Run."
Talia looked at him.
"Why did the dead king call me his daughter?"
Her father said nothing.
Naqira smiled.
"Because now you know who your real father is."
The ground split beneath them.
A golden hand reached out from the darkness.
And it was reaching for Talia.
🌙 End of Chapter Five
👑 Chapter Six – The Dead King's Daughter
The golden hand reached for Talia.
She stepped back.
Her father pulled her away.
The hand struck the stone floor.
The whole chamber shook.
Dust fell from the ceiling.
Dagan grabbed Talia's mother.
"We have to get out!"
Naqira did not move.
She was staring at Talia.
"Now you understand why I wanted you alive."
Talia looked at her.
"You wanted me for the king?"
Naqira nodded.
"He needs you."
"For what?"
Naqira smiled.
"To open his tomb."
Talia's father stepped forward.
"She will never do it."
Naqira looked at him.
"You already opened it once."
Talia looked at her father.
"You opened his tomb?"
He looked down.
"I made a mistake."
"And that mistake created Naqira."
Naqira's face became hard.
"Enough."
She raised her hand.
Talia's father was thrown against the wall.
He hit the stone and fell.
Talia screamed.
"Father!"
She rushed toward him.
He opened his eyes.
"Don't worry about me."
"Take the blade and leave."
Talia shook her head.
"I'm not leaving you."
Her mother grabbed her arm.
"We have to."
Talia looked at her.
"You knew all this."
Her mother cried.
"I was trying to protect you."
"By hiding everything?"
Her mother had no answer.
Another crack appeared beneath them.
Samira stood suddenly.
Her eyes were glowing.
"Talia, come with me."
Talia looked at her.
"Where?"
Samira pointed toward a narrow doorway.
"Somewhere Naqira cannot enter."
Naqira heard her.
"Stop!"
Samira grabbed Talia's hand.
They ran.
Dagan followed them.
Talia's mother came behind him.
Naqira rushed after them.
The golden hand rose again.
It caught Naqira by the ankle.
She screamed.
She stabbed the hand with her broken staff.
The hand released her.
She fell.
Talia and the others reached the doorway.
Samira pushed the door open.
They entered.
The door slammed shut.
Something struck it from outside.
Once.
Twice.
Then silence.
Talia looked around.
The room was small.
There were old paintings on the walls.
One painting showed a crowned man.
A woman stood beside him.
A baby rested in her arms.
Talia moved closer.
The baby's face looked familiar.
She looked at her mother.
"Is that me?"
Her mother nodded.
Talia pointed at the crowned man.
"Who is he?"
Her mother whispered:
"King Azrakan."
Talia stared at the painting.
"And the woman?"
Her mother looked at the floor.
"His queen."
Talia's face changed.
"Then who is my father?"
Her mother finally answered.
"King Azrakan."
Talia stepped back.
Dagan looked at her.
Samira stood quietly.
Talia's voice shook.
"Then why did I grow up thinking I was your daughter?"
Her mother started crying.
"Because the king was already dead."
Talia looked at the floor.
"And you?"
"I was his servant."
Talia looked at the painting again.
"Why did you take me?"
Her mother wiped her tears.
"Because the queen ordered me to save you."
Talia became silent.
"Save me from what?"
Samira answered.
"From your father."
Talia looked at her.
"But he was a king."
Samira shook her head.
"He was a cruel king."
"He killed anyone who refused him."
"Then he discovered a way to live forever."
Talia held the silver blade tighter.
"The crown."
Samira nodded.
"The crown kept his spirit alive."
Dagan stepped forward.
"Then why does he need Talia?"
Samira looked at the blade.
"Because his spirit cannot leave the tomb."
"He needs his blood to open it."
Talia looked at her mother.
"Why didn't you destroy the crown?"
Her mother looked afraid.
"We tried."
"Who stopped you?"
Her mother looked toward the door.
"Your father."
A loud knock came from outside.
Everyone froze.
Then a man's voice spoke.
"Talia."
Her father.
Talia moved toward the door.
Dagan stopped her.
"Wait."
The voice came again.
"Open the door."
Talia looked at her mother.
Her mother shook her head.
"That is not your father."
Talia stepped back.
The voice changed.
It became deeper.
"Open the door, daughter."
The silver blade began to shake in Talia's hand.
Samira whispered:
"The king has found us."
The door began to crack.
Dagan raised his spear.
Talia's mother moved behind him.
Talia looked at the silver blade.
Then she noticed something on the floor.
A small golden crown.
It had been hidden beneath the painting.
Talia picked it up.
The moment her fingers touched it, the door stopped shaking.
Everything became silent.
Then the crown whispered.
"Kill Naqira."
Talia dropped it.
Samira stared at her.
"What did it say?"
Talia looked at the crown.
"It told me to kill Naqira."
Her mother looked terrified.
"Don't listen."
Talia picked up the crown again.
The whisper returned.
"Kill her, and I will free your father."
Talia looked at the door.
Then she looked at her mother.
She finally understood.
The crown was not trying to save her.
It was trying to make her choose.
Then the door exploded inward.
Naqira stood in the doorway.
Blood covered her face.
She looked at Talia.
"Give me the crown."
Talia held it behind her back.
"No."
Naqira smiled.
"Good."
She raised her hand.
"Now I know you are ready."
Talia frowned.
"Ready for what?"
Naqira pointed toward the floor.
A golden symbol appeared beneath Talia's feet.
"To become the new queen."
The crown suddenly flew from Talia's hand.
It landed on her head.
Every torch in the palace went out.
And somewhere beneath the palace, King Azrakan opened his eyes.
🌙 End of Chapter Six
👑 Chapter Seven – The Crown Chooses
Talia stood still.
The golden crown sat on her head.
No one spoke.
Naqira watched her closely.
Talia reached for the crown.
The moment her fingers touched it, pain ran through her head.
She saw a large room.
Hundreds of people stood inside.
They were silent.
At the end of the room sat King Azrakan.
His clothes were covered in gold.
His eyes were cold.
Beside him stood Naqira.
But she looked much younger.
Talia saw her father kneeling before the king.
"Please, my king."
Azrakan raised his hand.
"Bring the child."
Talia's mother appeared in the room.
She was holding a baby.
The baby was Talia.
Talia gasped.
The vision changed.
Her mother was running.
She carried the baby through a narrow passage.
Someone was chasing her.
Naqira.
Talia saw Naqira catch up.
"Give her to me."
Her mother refused.
"Never."
Naqira raised her hand.
The vision went black.
Talia opened her eyes.
She was back inside the chamber.
Her mother was crying.
"You saw it."
Talia nodded.
"Yes."
She looked at Naqira.
"You wanted me when I was a baby."
Naqira said nothing.
Talia stepped closer.
"Why?"
Naqira looked at the crown.
"Because the king chose you."
"He knew you would return his power."
Talia shook her head.
"I don't belong to him."
Naqira smiled.
"You will."
The ground shook.
A deep sound came from below.
"Talia."
She looked down.
The golden crown became hot.
She pulled it from her head.
The crown fell to the floor.
A crack opened beneath it.
Golden light came through.
Dagan stepped forward.
"Stay back."
A figure rose from the crack.
It was King Azrakan.
He wore the same crown shown in the old painting.
Talia could not move.
The king looked at her.
"My daughter."
Talia shook her head.
"Don't call me that."
Azrakan smiled.
"You have my blood."
"You have my crown."
"And soon, you will have my throne."
Talia lifted the silver blade.
"I will never take your throne."
The king laughed.
"You already have."
Talia looked behind her.
The golden symbol beneath her feet was still glowing.
Naqira suddenly bowed.
"My queen."
Talia stared at her.
"Don't call me that."
Naqira raised her head.
"Then kill me."
Talia froze.
Naqira spread her arms.
"Go on."
The silver blade began to glow.
Talia moved closer.
Her mother shouted:
"Talia, stop!"
Talia looked at her.
"She killed so many people."
Her mother nodded.
"Yes."
"But killing her will make you just like her."
Talia lowered the blade.
Naqira's smile disappeared.
"Do it."
"You don't understand."
Talia looked at her.
"You want me to kill you."
Naqira said nothing.
Talia stepped back.
"If I kill you, the king gets what he wants."
Azrakan's face changed.
For the first time, he looked angry.
"Enough."
The walls shook.
Dagan attacked the king.
Azrakan lifted one hand.
Dagan flew across the chamber.
He hit the floor hard.
Talia ran toward him.
"Dagan!"
He tried to stand.
"Don't let him get the crown."
Talia looked around.
The crown was on the floor.
Azrakan reached for it.
Talia moved first.
She grabbed it.
The king screamed.
"Give it to me!"
Talia held it tightly.
"No."
Azrakan moved toward her.
Talia raised the silver blade.
The king stopped.
He stared at the blade.
"You cannot kill your father."
Talia looked at him.
"Maybe I don't have to."
She turned toward Samira.
"Can you destroy the crown?"
Samira nodded.
"Only if you help me."
Talia threw the crown to her.
Samira caught it.
Azrakan screamed.
The chamber filled with golden light.
Naqira rushed toward Samira.
Talia blocked her.
Naqira attacked with a hidden knife.
Talia moved aside.
The knife missed.
Talia struck Naqira's hand.
The knife fell.
Naqira kicked Talia backward.
Talia hit the wall.
Naqira reached for the crown.
Samira ran.
Naqira caught her.
"Give it to me."
Samira refused.
Naqira raised her hand.
Talia saw the attack coming.
She grabbed the silver blade.
Then she threw it.
The blade struck the crown.
A loud crack filled the chamber.
The crown split in two.
Azrakan screamed.
His body began to fade.
"No!"
Naqira fell to her knees.
Samira dropped the broken crown.
The king's voice became weak.
"Talia..."
She looked at him.
"Why?"
He smiled.
"Because I was never the one keeping you alive."
Talia frowned.
"What?"
Azrakan looked at her mother.
"Ask her."
Then he disappeared.
The chamber became quiet.
Talia turned toward her mother.
"What was he talking about?"
Her mother looked terrified.
"I didn't want you to know."
"Know what?"
Her mother took a slow breath.
"The king was not the only person who made a deal."
Talia stared at her.
"Who did you make a deal with?"
Her mother looked at Samira.
Then at Naqira.
Then at Talia.
"Your life."
Talia's face went pale.
"What about my life?"
Her mother whispered:
"I promised someone that when you turned sixteen, I would give you to them."
Talia stepped back.
Her sixteenth birthday was only three days away.
Behind them, Naqira slowly smiled.
"Now you know the real reason I came for you."
Talia looked at her mother.
Then the palace doors slammed shut by themselves.
A voice came from outside.
"Three days."
Talia froze.
"Until what?"
No one answered.
Then the voice whispered:
"Until you become mine."
🌙 End of Chapter Seven
🌑 Chapter Eight – Three Days to Midnight
Talia could not speak.
Her mother's words stayed in her head.
Three days.
Only three days before someone came for her.
Naqira stood quietly near the broken crown.
For once, she was not smiling.
Dagan slowly got to his feet.
"Who did you promise her to?"
Talia's mother looked at him.
"I don't know his name."
Talia stared at her.
"You made a deal with someone you don't even know?"
Her mother shook her head.
"I knew what he was."
"I just didn't know his name."
Samira moved closer.
"He is called the Keeper."
Talia looked at her.
"Who is the Keeper?"
Samira looked toward the ceiling.
"The one who keeps the promises people make when they are afraid."
Talia's mother covered her face.
Naqira finally spoke.
"Your mother made her promise when you were only a baby."
Talia looked at her.
"What did she receive?"
Naqira's eyes moved toward the silver blade.
"Your life."
Talia frowned.
"That doesn't make sense."
Naqira smiled.
"It will."
Suddenly, the silver blade began to shake.
Talia picked it up.
A thin line appeared across its surface.
Words slowly formed.
"ONE LIFE FOR ONE LIFE."
Talia looked at her mother.
"What does this mean?"
Her mother began crying.
"I was dying when you were born."
Talia said nothing.
Her mother continued.
"The healers said I would not survive the night."
"So I begged for another chance."
Samira lowered her head.
"And the Keeper answered."
Her mother nodded.
"He saved me."
"But he wanted something in return."
Talia already knew the answer.
"Me."
Her mother nodded.
Talia stepped away.
"You traded me for your life."
Her mother fell to her knees.
"I thought I could find a way to stop it."
"I thought I had years."
Talia looked at the palace doors.
"But now he is coming."
A cold wind passed through the chamber.
The flames of the lamps turned blue.
Samira suddenly looked afraid.
"He heard you."
Talia looked around.
"Who?"
A knock came from the palace doors.
One knock.
Then another.
Then a third.
Dagan raised his spear.
"Everyone stay behind me."
The doors opened slowly.
No one stood outside.
But a black cloth lay on the floor.
Talia walked toward it.
Her mother shouted:
"Don't touch it!"
Talia stopped.
Something moved beneath the cloth.
Samira whispered:
"Step back."
The cloth lifted.
A small wooden box was underneath.
Talia stared at it.
Her name was carved across the lid.
TALIA.
She opened it.
Inside was a small white dress.
Beside it was a gold ring.
And beneath the ring was a note.
Talia picked it up.
Only one sentence was written on it.
"WEAR THIS WHEN THE MOON DISAPPEARS."
Dagan looked outside.
The sky was turning dark.
"The moon is already changing."
Talia closed the box.
"We need to leave Babylon."
Naqira laughed.
"You cannot leave."
Talia looked at her.
"Why?"
Naqira pointed toward the palace walls.
"Because Babylon has already been sealed."
Dagan ran toward the nearest window.
He looked outside.
A huge black wall had risen around the city.
No gate was visible.
No road was open.
People were running through the streets.
The city had begun to panic.
Then every bell in Babylon rang at once.
Talia covered her ears.
Samira looked at her.
"The Keeper is here."
A shadow appeared at the end of the street.
It was tall.
It carried a long staff.
It walked slowly toward the palace.
Every person it passed stopped moving.
Talia's mother whispered:
"Don't let him see you."
Talia looked at the shadow.
"How do we stop him?"
Samira looked at the silver blade.
"We don't."
"We hide."
They hurried through another passage.
Dagan led them down a narrow staircase.
They reached an old room beneath the palace.
There were broken statues everywhere.
Talia saw one statue that looked like her.
She stopped.
"Why is there a statue of me?"
Her mother looked away.
"It was made before you were born."
Talia stared at the statue.
"How?"
No one answered.
She walked around it.
There was writing on the back.
"THE LAST DAUGHTER WILL BREAK THE CHAIN."
Talia touched the words.
The statue's eyes suddenly opened.
Talia jumped back.
The stone mouth moved.
"Do not trust the woman who saved you."
Talia slowly looked at her mother.
Her mother began to shake.
"Talia..."
Talia stepped away from her.
"Is the statue talking about you?"
Her mother did not answer.
Dagan looked at her.
"Tell her the truth."
Her mother closed her eyes.
"I did not save you from the king."
Talia stared at her.
"Then why did you take me?"
Her mother opened her eyes.
"I was supposed to deliver you to the Keeper."
Talia's heart sank.
"You were taking me to him?"
Her mother nodded.
"Yes."
Talia stepped backward.
Naqira stood silently in the doorway.
Talia looked at her.
"You knew."
Naqira nodded.
"I knew everything."
Talia raised the silver blade.
"Then why did you keep trying to kill me?"
Naqira looked at the blade.
"Because killing you was the only way to break your mother's promise."
Talia froze.
"What?"
Naqira stepped closer.
"If you die before your sixteenth birthday, the Keeper cannot claim you."
Talia looked at her mother.
Her mother was crying.
Then Talia understood why Naqira had chased her for years.
Naqira had not always wanted to destroy her.
She had been trying to kill her before the Keeper could take her.
A loud sound came from above.
Footsteps.
Slow.
Heavy.
Coming down the stairs.
The Keeper had found them.
Samira whispered:
"He is here."
Talia tightened her grip on the blade.
The footsteps stopped.
A man's voice came from the darkness.
"Talia."
She looked toward the stairs.
"Who are you?"
The voice answered:
"I am the man your mother promised you to."
Talia's mother began to scream.
The Keeper stepped into the light.
Talia looked at his face.
Then she dropped the silver blade.
She knew him.
He was the same man she had seen standing beside her cradle.
And he was not a stranger.
He was Dagan's father.
🌙 End of Chapter Eight
⚔️ Chapter Nine – The Keeper's Debt
Nobody moved.
Talia stared at the man standing on the stairs.
Dagan looked like he had seen a ghost.
His father looked at him.
"Still hiding behind others?"
Dagan tightened his grip on his spear.
"You died."
The Keeper smiled.
"That is what I wanted everyone to believe."
Talia looked at her mother.
"You knew him?"
Her mother nodded slowly.
"Yes."
"He was the one who came to me."
The Keeper walked down the stairs.
Nobody dared to stop him.
"I came for what was promised."
Talia stepped forward.
"I was not yours to promise."
The Keeper stopped.
His smile disappeared.
"Your mother accepted my help."
"She knew the price."
Talia looked at her mother.
"Then why did you agree?"
Her mother began to cry.
"Because I thought I would have enough time to save you."
The Keeper laughed.
"You always say that."
Dagan stepped between them.
"You will not take her."
The Keeper looked at him.
"You have your mother's courage."
"But you have your father's weakness."
Dagan attacked.
The Keeper lifted one hand.
Dagan's spear flew away.
Dagan fell to his knees.
Talia grabbed a broken piece of stone.
She threw it.
The Keeper turned.
The stone stopped in the air.
It fell to the ground.
"Brave."
"But not strong enough."
Talia reached for the silver blade.
It was lying near her feet.
She picked it up.
The Keeper's face changed.
"That blade."
Talia raised it.
"You're afraid of it."
He took one step back.
"Put it down."
Talia smiled.
"No."
Samira moved behind the Keeper.
Her hands began to glow.
The Keeper felt something.
He turned quickly.
"You."
Samira raised her hand.
The room filled with cold air.
The Keeper staggered.
"You should have stayed buried."
Samira answered:
"You should have joined me."
The Keeper shouted.
The lamps went out.
Talia heard fighting.
She heard Dagan call her name.
Then something struck the wall.
The lamps came back on.
Samira was gone.
The Keeper stood over Dagan.
Talia rushed forward.
"Leave him!"
The Keeper looked at her.
"You are making this harder."
He reached for her.
Talia slashed with the silver blade.
The Keeper pulled back.
A thin line of blood appeared on his hand.
He stared at it.
Then he laughed.
"Now I remember."
Talia frowned.
"Remember what?"
He looked at her.
"Why your father feared this blade."
Talia froze.
"My father?"
The Keeper nodded.
"Azrakan did not create that blade."
"He stole it."
Talia looked down at it.
"From whom?"
The Keeper pointed at Samira's empty place.
"From the dead."
Talia looked confused.
"That doesn't make sense."
Her mother stepped forward.
"It was made from the metal of the old temple."
"It can cut through any promise."
Talia looked at the Keeper.
"Then it can break my mother's promise."
The Keeper's face became serious.
"Yes."
Talia tightened her grip.
"Then you can't take me."
The Keeper smiled again.
"Not yet."
He stepped backward.
A dark doorway appeared behind him.
"Your birthday is tomorrow night."
Talia's heart raced.
"And when midnight comes?"
The Keeper looked directly at her.
"The promise becomes permanent."
The doorway began closing.
Talia rushed toward him.
"Wait!"
He stopped.
"What?"
Talia raised the blade.
"If the blade can break promises, why are you not afraid?"
The Keeper smiled.
"Because you still don't know the final promise."
The doorway disappeared.
Silence filled the room.
Talia turned to her mother.
"What final promise?"
Her mother could not speak.
Dagan slowly stood.
"Mother..."
Talia looked at him.
"What does he mean?"
Dagan looked at Talia's mother.
"Tell her."
Her mother wiped her tears.
"The Keeper did not only ask for you."
Talia waited.
"He asked for someone else too."
Talia looked at Dagan.
Dagan went pale.
"Who?"
Her mother whispered:
"Dagan."
Talia stared at him.
Dagan shook his head.
"I never knew."
His mother continued.
"Your father promised him two lives."
Talia's eyes widened.
"Mine and Dagan's."
Her mother nodded.
"Yes."
Dagan stepped backward.
"Then he has been using us."
Talia looked at the silver blade.
"Not anymore."
She walked toward the exit.
Dagan followed.
"Where are you going?"
Talia looked back.
"To find the Keeper."
"Before midnight."
They reached the palace courtyard.
The sky was dark.
No stars could be seen.
Then Samira appeared beside the old gate.
Her face looked worried.
"Talia."
Talia ran toward her.
"Where did you go?"
Samira looked at Dagan.
"I found the place where the Keeper lives."
Talia's eyes widened.
"Where?"
Samira pointed toward the palace tower.
"Above the old clock."
Talia looked up.
The clock had stopped.
Its hands pointed at midnight.
But it was not midnight yet.
Samira whispered:
"That clock does not show time."
Talia looked at her.
"Then what does it show?"
Samira's face became pale.
"How much time you have left."
The clock moved.
One hand shifted backward.
Then another.
Talia counted the marks.
Only one remained.
She looked at Dagan.
"How long?"
Samira answered:
"One hour."
Talia looked toward the tower.
The silver blade began to glow.
A door appeared high above them.
And behind that door, someone was waiting.
"Come, Talia."
She recognized the Keeper's voice.
But this time, another voice followed.
"Don't go alone."
Talia turned.
Her father stood behind her.
He was holding a blood-stained sword.
"I know how to reach him."
Talia stared at him.
"Can I trust you?"
Her father looked at her.
"You shouldn't."
Then he walked toward the tower.
Talia followed.
She did not know if he was leading her to safety.
Or straight into the final trap.
🌙 End of Chapter Nine
👑 Chapter Ten – The Promise Ends
Talia followed her father toward the tower.
Dagan stayed close behind her.
Samira walked beside them.
Nobody spoke.
The palace was silent.
Even the guards were gone.
Talia looked up at the clock.
The hands had moved again.
Only one mark remained before midnight.
"We don't have much time."
Her father stopped.
"Once we reach the top, you must listen to me."
Talia looked at him.
"Why should I?"
He lowered his head.
"Because I have lied to you enough."
They entered the tower.
A narrow staircase curled upward.
The walls were covered with old names.
Some were crossed out.
Others had been scratched away.
Talia stopped at one name.
AZRAKAN.
A second name was beneath it.
NAQIRA.
Talia looked at her father.
"Why is Naqira's name here?"
He answered quietly.
"Because she was once a prisoner of the Keeper."
Talia stared at him.
"She was?"
He nodded.
"She tried to escape."
"She failed."
Dagan stepped forward.
"Then why did she become a witch?"
His father looked at him.
"Because the Keeper gave her power."
"And she used that power against everyone."
Talia understood.
Naqira had not been born wicked.
Something had made her that way.
They continued upward.
A door waited at the top.
Talia could hear someone breathing behind it.
Her father raised his sword.
"Stay behind me."
Talia shook her head.
"No."
She pushed the door open.
The Keeper stood beside the clock.
Naqira was there too.
Her hands were tied.
Talia's mother stood beside her.
Talia froze.
"Mother?"
The Keeper smiled.
"She came willingly."
Talia looked at her mother.
"Is that true?"
Her mother nodded.
"I came to end it."
The Keeper laughed.
"She thinks she can end a promise."
Talia lifted the silver blade.
"I can."
The Keeper's eyes moved to the blade.
"Then do it."
Talia looked at him.
"First, release them."
The Keeper shook his head.
"One life for one life."
Talia stepped forward.
"Then take mine."
Dagan grabbed her arm.
"No."
Talia looked at him.
"If I don't do this, he will keep coming."
Dagan shook his head.
"There has to be another way."
Talia looked at the clock.
The final hand was almost at midnight.
Then she noticed something.
The silver blade had a small symbol near its handle.
It matched the symbol on the clock.
Talia walked toward the clock.
The Keeper moved to stop her.
Her father blocked him.
The two men fought.
Steel struck steel.
Dagan ran to free Naqira.
Samira helped Talia's mother.
Talia placed the blade against the clock.
Nothing happened.
She pressed harder.
A small crack appeared.
The Keeper screamed.
"Don't!"
Talia looked at him.
"Why?"
He stopped fighting.
"Because the promise is inside the clock."
Talia understood.
The clock was not counting down to her death.
It was holding the promise.
She pushed the blade deeper.
The clock cracked.
A bright light filled the tower.
The Keeper fell to his knees.
"You will destroy everything."
Talia answered:
"Maybe everything that needs to be destroyed."
She struck the clock.
It shattered.
A loud sound rolled across Babylon.
The black wall around the city disappeared.
The palace shook.
The Keeper screamed.
Dark marks began leaving his body.
The names on the walls disappeared one by one.
Naqira fell to the floor.
Her hands were free.
Talia ran toward her.
"Are you hurt?"
Naqira looked at her.
"No."
She looked at the broken clock.
"I'm free."
Talia smiled.
Then the Keeper disappeared.
Not dead.
Gone.
Her father lowered his sword.
Dagan looked at him.
"Is it over?"
He nodded.
"The promise is broken."
Talia turned toward her mother.
"You saved me after all."
Her mother began to cry.
"I should have told you the truth."
Talia hugged her.
"Yes."
"You should have."
Naqira stood nearby.
Talia looked at her.
"What will you do now?"
Naqira looked toward the city.
"Leave."
Talia nodded.
"Where will you go?"
Naqira smiled faintly.
"Somewhere no one knows my name."
She walked toward the stairs.
Talia watched her leave.
Then Dagan came beside her.
"You trusted her."
Talia looked at him.
"Not completely."
Dagan laughed.
"Good."
Talia looked through the broken window.
The first light of morning was appearing.
Babylon was still standing.
People were coming out of their homes.
The long night was finally over.
Talia looked at the silver blade.
The strange symbol on it had disappeared.
For the first time, it was only a blade.
She placed it on the floor.
"I don't want this anymore."
Her father nodded.
"Then leave it behind."
Talia walked away from it.
But before she reached the stairs, she heard a tiny sound.
A whisper.
"Talia."
She stopped.
Everyone turned.
The broken clock moved once.
Its cracked face showed one word.
UNFINISHED.
Talia stared at it.
Her father whispered:
"No..."
Talia looked at him.
"What?"
He looked toward the empty doorway.
"The Keeper was not the one who made the promise."
Talia's heart stopped.
"Then who did?"
Her father looked at her mother.
Her mother began to cry again.
Then a cold voice whispered from behind them.
"I did."
Talia turned.
Nobody was there.
Only the broken crown.
And beneath it was a small piece of paper.
Talia picked it up.
There was one name written on it.
Her own.
Under the name were four words.
"THE FIRST PROMISE REMAINS."
🌿 Moral of the Story
Fear can make people make choices they later regret.
A lie may protect someone for a while, but truth will always find a way out.
Power should never be used to control another person's life.
And sometimes, breaking a curse starts with having the courage to face the truth.
📖 The End
🌙 End of Chapter Ten