The long sleep

Charlene buried her face in her dad’s shoulder, sobbing. Her body shook with the weight of her grief. Seth held her, torn between his need to comfort her and the ache he carried for the woman lying still before them.

He knew why she was like this. He knew what she had done.

She had sacrificed herself… for his love.

"Dad..." Charlene’s voice cracked. "Will she ever wake up?" She sniffled. "It’s been two days now."

Her eyes were swollen, skin raw from crying. She looked so young in that moment, so helpless.

The First Spear—her grandmother, Destiny—had exhausted nearly all of her energy fighting back the hordes of demons. She had pushed her limits far beyond what was safe for her kind. And now… she hovered between form and spirit, barely holding herself together.

She had something to say—something important—but the words were lost to her failing strength. Even keeping her current form was a burden too great to bear.

She had done it all for Seth. For Charlene. For the dream of a family she had once believed impossible. And come hell or high water, she had decided—she would fix it. Whatever it took.

Going into the demons’ domain to retrieve Tamera? That had been her start. Her proof that she would fight for them, even if no one ever fought for her.

But demons held no respect for her. Not like they did for her father… or his father. To them, she had no real authority. No divine rule. She was fair game. Another unwanted child of the Almighty—cast down like they had been, for disobedience.

But she had been given a realm.

She was allowed to create, to reign, to form a world in her image.

And they? They got Hell.

It festered in them, that unfairness. That rage. To them, she was a mistake—the almighty’s regret. They scoffed at her children, the Fates. She had dared to duplicate her offspring, to spread them across Earth. And what did they do? They tried to take it.

They tried the hand of God.

They played at being Mayan gods, Aztec gods, pharaohs… idols crafted by human hands. Temples rose in their honor, where ceremonies were held. Where sacrifices were made. Children—His children—slain to please false gods.

It was the final nail in the coffin.

They sought to rule Earth. But He would not allow it.

His wrath tore through them. He swept them away, erased every soul that dared worship them. And when His anger turned toward the Fates, ready to end them—

—the Son intervened.

He removed them from Earth before judgment fell. Banished them to serve. To forever walk alongside humans in death, guiding them to their final rest. It was both punishment and mercy. A reminder of what they had done… and who they served.

The Almighty was pleased.

And never spoke of them again.

Now, the First Spear—Destiny—lay in a wearied, barely-formed state, thinking… what can I do? What can I leave behind before I fade again?

Seth sighed softly. “Princess… give her some time,” he murmured, brushing Charlene’s hair gently. “She’s… she’s extremely exhausted.”

Charlene didn’t move, her voice trembling. “I know that, Dad. It’s just…” She paused, swallowing her emotion. “I can’t sense her. Not the way I usually can. I just need to know—for sure.”

She knelt beside her grandmother’s still form and gently placed her hand over Destiny’s. “If she’s okay…”

She closed her eyes.

Come on, Gigi… please… let me find you.

She reached out with her mind’s eye—into that deep place where spirits sometimes met. The connection was weak, nearly gone… but something told Charlene there wasn’t much time. The thread was slipping.

“Gigi? Are you here?” she whispered into the void. “I can’t sense you…”

It was completely dark. No light. No warmth. Just shadows.

But then, a flicker. A voice. Faint and careful.

“All is not what it seems… Be wise… sweetheart.”

And then—silence.

The vision shattered, and Charlene was back, gasping softly, still holding Destiny’s arm. Her throat tightened. But she smiled through the tears. She leaned in and whispered into her grandmother’s ear.

“I heard you… I will. You just rest, Gigi. Recover. We’ll be here when you’re better.”

She kissed her cheek.

A brilliant light engulfed the room. The First Spear shimmered, her form melting into her original self—the Spear of Destiny—now glowing with divine energy.

Charlene didn’t cry. Oddly, she felt comforted. An overwhelming peace settled into the room, like heaven had draped a blanket over her shoulders.

A presence entered the room. Soft at first, like a ripple of warm light. It took on the form of a man—tall, radiant. Charlene couldn’t bear to look at him directly. The light he carried was too bright, too pure.

She lowered her gaze to the floor.

He walked over to the spear on the bed and picked it up with gentle reverence. His touch was tender, as if he were lifting something precious.

Charlene did not protest. The presence didn’t frighten her. In fact, she felt… safe.

“May I ask…” she said quietly, wiping her eyes. “Where are you taking her?”

“Somewhere safe, until she recovers,” he said, voice deep and calm.

Charlene nodded, relieved. “Thank you.”

Before he left, he turned back to her.

“Just like your Gigi,” he said, smiling. “If you ever need anything… all you have to do is call me. I will answer.”

And with that, he turned and walked down the hall, light trailing behind him.

Charlene blinked, heart pounding. She had a million questions, a thousand thoughts. She jumped up, rushing after him.

“Wait!” she called. “I—”

But when she reached the hall…

He was gone.

No trace. No sound. No direction.

Could he be… who I think he is?

Charlene stood there, stunned. Then a voice behind her said softly, “Go tell your father what you saw. He can help you.” ReNew. Her sister stood calm in the doorway.

“And don’t leave out any details.”

Charlene took off running.

She peeked in Seth’s room. Empty.

“Darn it… he’s not here…”

She stopped, breathing fast. “The war room!” she guessed, and bolted down the corridor. She looked in. “Nope!”

“Charlene…” ReNew appeared again. “What time is it?”

Charlene leaned against the wall, panting. “Still early.”

“Then where would he be?” ReNew raised an eyebrow.

They both answered at once.

“Having his second cup of coffee.”

They burst out laughing, the tension momentarily lifted. Charlene took off again, this time toward the kitchen. As she neared, she heard voices—and the soft, playful whimpering of hounds.

“Argun’s still here!” she whispered, picking up her pace.

Rounding the corner, she saw them—Seth and Argun, standing in front of the hounds, all three lined up like royal guards waiting for a command. Argun held thick cuts of meat in his hand.

“Here—you feed them,” Argun told Seth. “But remember: give three word commands. Be firm. They need to feel your authority.”

Seth nodded, taking a piece of meat. “Okay. Asbeel—speak!”

The massive hound threw back his head and howled, flames shooting from his nostrils. Ashes rained to the floor.

Seth extended the meat, but Asbeel snapped at it, missing.

“No.” Argun pulled the meat back. “Try again. Let him eat from your hand.”

Seth placed the meat in his palm. “Eat,” he said firmly.

Asbeel glanced at Argun, then submitted. He obeyed.

“Very good,” Argun praised. “The others will follow him, even in battle. Asbeel controls all things made of fire. He’s… creative. And never disappoints.”

He scratched the hound affectionately.

“Armaros removes grief,” Argun continued. “And… he can also remove your soul in one breath.” He laughed. “He’s the shredder in the family.”

He tossed Armaros a thick slab of meat. “Good boy.”

“And this…” he turned to the third hound, brushing her silky fur, “this is my princess. Ariel.”

He handed her a piece gently.

“Don’t let her beauty fool you. She is no puppy. She’s the lioness of hounds. No one can match her strength. She can break any surface with ease, fly while carrying ten times her weight, and control the elements just by opening her jaws.”

“Wow…” Seth breathed. “They’re extraordinary.”

“Thank you for entrusting me with this,” he added, bowing his head.

Argun bowed in return. “You have my respect.”

Charlene stood at the kitchen entrance, watching in awe. She hadn’t known how powerful the hounds really were… or how deep Argun’s bond was with them.

Behind her—unseen—Tamera stood quietly in the hallway, listening.

And just as she stepped forward…

A voice greeted her softly.

“Good morning… Tamera,” said Idris.