The Sorcerer’s Offer
255 Words
The news of Malakai’s arrival spread like wildfire through the kingdom. A powerful sorcerer, cloaked in mystery, had come with an offer that could change Calantha’s life forever. His presence alone sent shivers down the spines of nobles and commoners alike.
Inside the grand throne room, Malakai stood before the king and queen. His golden eyes glowed under the dim candlelight as he spoke.
“I can grant your daughter the gift of hearing,” he declared, his voice deep and persuasive.
Calantha stood behind her parents, her heart pounding. She had never known sound, only silence, and the expressions of those around her. Would hearing truly change her fate?
The queen clutched the king’s arm. “What do you want in return?” she asked warily.
Malakai’s lips curled into a slow smile. “A favor to be named in the future.”
A heavy silence filled the room. The king and queen exchanged worried glances. Was the price too steep? But the hope in their eyes outweighed their fears. They wanted their daughter to be normal.
At last, they agreed.
That night, the ritual began. The air thickened with magic as candles flickered wildly. Malakai’s whispers wrapped around Calantha like a shadow. A sharp pain pierced her skull, and suddenly—sound exploded into her world.
The rustling of silk. The crackling fire. Her mother’s quiet sobs.
Then, beneath it all, a whisper that no one else seemed to hear:
“Fate is watching.”
Calantha turned sharply, but no one had spoken.
- Writer
