THE PROPHECY AWAKENS
358 Words
SHADOW HEIRS: THE LAST KINGDOM
Part 1 – The Prophecy Awakens
Long before kingdoms rose and fell, the land of Asteria was ruled by a single sovereign—King Aldren, the last monarch blessed by the ancient Guardians of Light. Before his death, he sealed away a terrible force known as the Shadow King, an immortal being determined to plunge the world into endless darkness.
Before the seal was completed, the Shadow King delivered a final prophecy:
"When the blood of the last king awakens, the shadows shall rise again. Only the true heir can decide whether the world will know light... or eternal darkness."
For twenty years, the kingdom believed the royal bloodline had vanished forever.
Far from the capital, in the quiet village of Raven Hollow, lived Kael, an eighteen-year-old blacksmith’s apprentice. He had no memory of his parents and had been raised by an old man named Garrick, who always warned him never to reveal the strange birthmark on his shoulder—a silver crown surrounded by black flames.
Kael dreamed each night of a ruined castle, a glowing sword, and a mysterious voice calling his name.
One evening, dark creatures attacked the village. They were unlike any beasts the people had ever seen. Their eyes glowed crimson, and wherever they walked, plants withered into ash.
As the monsters cornered Kael, the birthmark on his shoulder suddenly blazed with light. A wave of golden energy burst from his body, destroying the creatures instantly.
The villagers stared at him in fear.
Before anyone could speak, armored riders arrived. Their leader, Lady Seraphine, knelt before Kael.
"My prince," she said. "We have searched for you for eighteen years."
Kael was stunned.
"I am no prince."
Seraphine handed him an ancient pendant bearing the royal crest.
"You are Kael Aldren... the last heir of the forgotten kingdom."
Before Kael could ask another question, the sky turned black.
From the clouds emerged a cloaked figure whose voice echoed across the valley.
"The heir has awakened."
The Shadow King's servants had found him.
As lightning split the heavens, Kael realized his ordinary life had ended forever.
End of Part 1.
- Writer
