As the three of them stepped onto the sands of the mystic shore, the world seemed to hold its breath. The ocean, calm and shimmering like glass, reflected a sky littered with stars that pulsed with ancient magic. The soft lull of waves was like a lullaby from the gods themselves. Even the forest behind them stood silent, as if not daring to disturb this sacred place.
They made camp near a crescent-shaped cove where the ocean breeze danced across their skin. Arya, still jumpy but comforted by Selena's calming presence, arranged a small nest of furs for them to rest. Luther, ever the vigilant protector, set perimeter wards before taking a seat by the fire, his eyes flicking toward the darkness beyond the treeline.
But Selena remained on the shoreline, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
Then, without warning, the world shifted.
The wind stopped. The firelight froze. Arya's soft humming faded to silence.
Selena blinked. The beach, the forest, even the moon itself seemed to dissolve into a glowing white mist.
She was alone.
The air shimmered before her, and from the mist stepped a figure—radiant and ethereal. Clad in a flowing dress of deep azure that rippled like water, her golden hair floated as though underwater. Her eyes, impossibly ancient, held both sorrow and serenity.
"Jaina…" Selena whispered.
The goddess smiled gently. "You are brave, Selena. And the path you walk is not easy. I come to give you truth—however painful it may be."
Selena's chest tightened. "Tell me…"
"You will not live past your son's birth," Jaina said, her voice like a thousand winds whispering at once. "Your body will not survive the power he carries. But your spirit will endure."
Selena staggered back, her hand instinctively cradling her belly. "No… no, please. There must be another way. I want to raise him. Teach him. Love him."
Jaina stepped closer, her expression softening. "There is a purpose to your passing, Selena. The child you carry… his soul is ancient. He is the vessel for the King of Gods, cast down by the curse of humanity's betrayal. He must walk through fire and shadow to rise again—not with power inherited, but power earned."
Selena's voice cracked. "I don't care if he's destined for godhood—I just want him to grow up kind… good… safe."
Jaina extended her hand, and a swirling vision formed in the mist beside her.
First: a grown Arthur, noble and just, wielding light and commanding armies with compassion. He stood against unimaginable darkness, his heart strong, surrounded by loyal allies and a kingdom united by honor.
Then: a shadowed version of the same boy—ruthless, cold, seated on a throne of bones. His eyes glowed with hatred, his sword stained by betrayal. The world burned beneath his rule, and even the gods wept.
Selena dropped to her knees, tears streaking down her cheeks. "Please… give me a chance to shape him—to save him."
Jaina knelt beside her. "I cannot grant you life, but I can offer a bond. Each year, on the day of his birth, your spirit will return. You will speak with him, see who he becomes, and help him understand the weight of his choices. No other shall hear you—only Arthur."
Selena trembled, overwhelmed, but nodded through her grief. "I will guide him. Even if I cannot stay… I will never leave him."
"Then name him Arthur," Jaina said, her voice echoing like a hymn, "in honor of the god king's true self—the one who once ruled the heavens with wisdom and grace."
The vision began to fade. The white light dimmed. Jaina smiled one final time. "You are stronger than fate, Selena. Remember that, even when the darkness closes in."
And then—she was gone.
Selena gasped as the real world rushed back in around her. She stood at the water's edge, knees in the sand, breath shaky. Luther sat nearby, quietly sharpening his blade. Arya stirred the fire, humming softly again. Neither of them noticed the seconds she had vanished.
She looked down at her belly and whispered, "Arthur."
The name felt like a promise. And a goodbye.
That night, they slept by the ocean's song. The moon cast its silver blessing upon them, unaware of the prophecy that now stirred within Selena's soul. She told no one of what she'd seen. Not yet. Not tonight.
As they lay beneath the stars, Arya curled beside her and whispered, "We're almost out of food. Tomorrow, we'll have to hunt or move inland."
Selena nodded slowly, her eyes still distant. "Yes… tomorrow."
But for now, she drifted into sleep, tears drying on her cheeks, her hand resting protectively over the child whose birth would bring both hope… and heartbreak.