Serena's Curse

Eldric household, Elderrest. Evening draped itself over the village of Elderrest, the sun’s last light breaking against the cobbled courtyard of the Eldric household. Inside the great hall, Darian Eldric waited, his silver-streaked hair catching the glow of stained glass. His presence alone was enough to silence the air. The door creaked open, and his three sons entered together. Arthur, steady and commanding; Ash, sharp-eyed and impatient; and Ayden, the youngest, emitted restless energy. “You kept me waiting," Darian said, with a resonant voice. “It was Ayden, father,” Ash replied, taking a dig at his little brother. “That’s not true,” Ayden bristled. Arthur stepped forward, smoothening the tension. “Forgive us Father, we had quite a handful out in the woods,” he explained. Their father let the silence stretch before finally lifting a sealed parchment he had placed on his seat. “Take this to my friend, Alphonse, in Ravenport,” Darian said, “Do not open it. Do not delay. Stay the night there and ride at dawn.” Darian said. Arthur bowed his head. “Understood, father. Darian’s pale eyes swept over them, but lingered on Arthur. “And… one more thing. Under no circumstances should you set foot on the coasts of Windrest.” Ash’s brow furrowed. “But father, Windrest is the quickest path across the inlands,” he questioned. “Go east at the divide.” Darian’s voice cut in sharp enough to end the debate. “If you value your lives, do not go through Windrest.” The three brothers bowed and left. Their horses’ hooves struck the road as they rode further away from their village. For a while, the ride was easy, rolling hills, birds overhead, and laughter from Ayden as he pressed his brothers with questions about battles and distant lands. But as the sun sank, the sky darkened. The clouds growled, lightning tore the heavens, giving way to a violent storm. The brothers urged their horses onward, cloaks snapping in the wind as the rain began to lash at their faces. “We won’t last long in this,” Ash shouted through the downpour as thunder cracked above them. Arthur pulled his horse to a halt, narrowing his eyes westward. “If we travel west, we’ll reach a shelter before it breaks in full.” Ash’s head snapped toward him. “You’re suggesting the coast of Windrest. Did you not hear Father?” Arthur’s jaw tightened. “Father’s not here, I’m in charge.” Ash cut across. “I say we turn back, find a higher ground at the divide and wait it out.” “Ash, the storm will sweep us off the cliffs. We don’t have a choice,” Arthur barked, his temper flaring. The rain lashed harder, soaking their cloaks and streaming down their faces, effectively drowning their argument. “Arthur…” Ash beckoned as the eldest spurred his horse toward the coastal path. Ayden hesitated between his brothers for a moment before he kicked his heels, following Arthur, leaving Ash cursing as he wheeled his horse after them. The path narrowed into a Cliffside, and waves thundered far below. The storm was relentless, with blinding rain and gusty wind that changed course like it was one of them. It poured harder, soaking their reins and cloaks. “Hold fast!” Arthur shouted, “There’s a cover-up ahead!” As they rounded the curve, the storm struck with renewed fury. A lightning flash split the sky. Ayden’s horse shrieked, rearing high, his grip broke, and in an instant, he was thrown into the storm’s jaws. “Ayden!” Ash’s cry tore through the night. The world spun in blinding rain and crushing wind. Ayden struck earth, rolling through mud and stone, before darkness swallowed him whole. When the storm subsided, silence crept back in broken pieces. The rain eased, leaving only the restless hiss of waves below and the drip of water from the cliff’s edge. Ash pushed himself upright, “Look what you’ve done, Arthur. Father warned us not to set foot here.” Arthur staggered to his feet, chest heaving. His sword arm was bruised slightly, and his cloak had ripped. His eyes scanned the road with frantic intensity, trying to find his brother, but he found only broken branches, scattered stones, and the storm’s ruin. Ayden was gone.