CRYSTAL LAND

THE CALL

INT. ANNA’S HOUSE — NIGHT

The house was unusually quiet.

Her parents had gone to the royal feast, but Anna had chosen to stay behind.

She slept alone in her room.

CUT TO:

EXT. MYSTERIOUS WOODS — DREAM

Anna walked slowly through the woods.

Barefoot.

Her eyes were closed.

She didn’t seem afraid.

A distant voice floated through the trees.

VOICE

Viens ici, Anna…

Anna stopped.

Her head tilted toward the sound.

She began walking toward it.

One step.

Then another.

The voice came again, closer this time.

VOICE

Viens ici… Anna.

Anna continued forward, eyes still closed.

Then—

VOICE

ANNA!

A sharp, commanding voice echoed through the forest.

Anna’s eyes flew open.

She spun around.

Nothing.

Only trees.

Only darkness.

ANNA

Where am I?

She looked around, confused.

ANNA

How did I get here?

She turned and ran.

Branches brushed against her as she hurried deeper into the woods, desperately searching for a way out.

But every direction looked the same.

The forest seemed to stretch endlessly.

CUT TO:

INT. AYINLA PALACE — KING’S CHAMBER — NIGHT

The KING and QUEEN stood facing each other.

The tension between them was unmistakable.

KING NATHAN

Esther, you disobeyed me.

QUEEN ESTHER

I did not disobey you. I wanted our son to be celebrated.

KING NATHAN

I said no feast!

QUEEN ESTHER

And I said our son has returned! He came home alive, Nathan. We should be grateful.

KING NATHAN

Do not challenge me.

QUEEN ESTHER

You are so cold, son of Futa. You treat your own family like servants.

The King’s expression hardened.

QUEEN ESTHER

Sometimes I wish I had the power to dethrone you.

The room fell silent.

The King stared at her in disbelief.

KING NATHAN

How dare you say that to me?

He stepped closer.

KING NATHAN

I am the best thing that ever happened to you.

The Queen laughed bitterly.

KING NATHAN

I should have married Nevite—the most admirable princess of our time. But I chose you.

The Queen’s expression changed.

QUEEN ESTHER

Don’t forget, Nathan. I was a princess too.

She stepped closer.

QUEEN ESTHER

I had suitors. I was never lacking.

A beat.

QUEEN ESTHER

You egocentric creature.

The King said nothing.

QUEEN ESTHER

I should have rejected your proposal. I thought you were a good man.

Her voice trembled with years of resentment.

QUEEN ESTHER

I never knew you were a black sheep hiding beneath a colored robe.

The King glared at her.

QUEEN ESTHER

I despise you, Nathan.

Silence.

Then the Queen turned toward the door.

QUEEN ESTHER

Listen to me carefully. The feast will hold.

She opened the door.

QUEEN ESTHER

And you can stay here and die of anger if you don’t want to attend.

She walked out, slamming the door behind her.

The King remained alone.

His jaw tightened.

CUT TO:

EXT. MYSTERIOUS WOODS — NIGHT

Anna ran until she could barely breathe.

She stopped.

Silence.

Then she heard something behind her.

A soft rustle.

Anna slowly turned.

ANNA

Who’s there?

Nothing answered.

Then, from somewhere deep within the forest—

VOICE

Anna…

Anna froze.

CUT TO BLACK.