The Error has been summoned

10

The room was bathed in a soft, ethereal light, casting long shadows across the floor. Taliya lay on the bed, her breaths shallow and labored, yet her beauty remained undiminished. Her features, despite the pallor of illness, still held an otherworldly grace, reminiscent of a goddess in her final moments.

"Taliya, what's happening?" Zion's voice was filled with concern as he approached her bedside.

Taliya turned her gaze toward him, her eyes filled with a mixture of sadness and urgency. "Zion, my time is running out," she said, her voice barely more than a whisper.

Zion's eyes widened in alarm. "No, Taliya, you can't leave," he protested, his voice tinged with desperation.

Taliya reached out a trembling hand, placing something in Zion's palm. It was a black ring, its surface adorned with intricate designs that seemed to shimmer in the dim light. "Take this, Zion," she instructed, her voice growing weaker with each word. "It will be your seal, your guide in the days to come. Promise me you'll never take it off."

Zion looked down at the ring, his mind racing with questions. "But why? What does it mean?" he asked, his voice filled with confusion.

Taliya's grip on his hand tightened slightly. "There are forces at work, Zion. Forces that seek to harm you," she explained, her voice barely audible now. "You must hide your true nature, protect yourself."

Zion felt a surge of fear and determination. "I will, Taliya. I promise," he vowed, his voice tinged with resolve.

Taliya nodded, a faint smile touching her lips. "Trust in yourself, Zion. Trust in your magic," she said, her voice fading into the air.

As she spoke, a shimmering portal appeared beside the bed, its edges glowing with a soft, otherworldly light. Taliya gestured toward it. "Go now, Zion. You must leave this place," she said, her voice growing fainter. "It's not safe for you here."

Zion hesitated, torn between his desire to stay with Taliya and the urgency of her words. "But what about you?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.

Taliya shook her head gently. "I will be fine. But you... you have a destiny to fulfill," she said, her voice barely audible now.

With a heavy heart, Zion stepped into the portal, the world around him fading into darkness.

"Zion!" 

In the dim glow of the early morning, Zion's room was a simple yet comfortable space. The walls were adorned with tapestries depicting scenes of ancient battles and heroic deeds, while a small window allowed a sliver of moonlight to filter in, casting a soft glow over the room. A sturdy wooden bed stood against one wall, its frame intricately carved with patterns of vines and leaves, a testament to the craftsmanship of the kingdom's artisans. Beside the bed, a small table held a flickering candle, its flame dancing in the darkness.

As the first light of dawn began to filter through the window, Aya gently shook Zion awake. His breathing was ragged, and his brow was damp with sweat as he slowly opened his eyes, blinking in the dim light. Aya's concerned expression came into focus as she leaned over him.

"Zion, are you okay?" Aya's voice was filled with worry as she watched him catch his breath.

Zion took a deep breath, trying to steady himself. "I'm fine, Aya," he reassured her, his voice still tinged with remnants of the dream that had shaken him. "Just a bad dream."

Aya nodded, her concern not yet entirely eased. "You should take a moment to compose yourself," she suggested gently. "We have an important day ahead."

Zion nodded in agreement, sitting up slowly and running a hand through his disheveled hair. "What time is it?" he asked, his voice still groggy from sleep.

Aya checked the small hourglass on the table. "It's just past two in the morning," she replied, her voice soft but firm. "We need to leave for the castle before dawn."

Zion nodded, the urgency of the upcoming day beginning to register in his mind. "Thank you for waking me, Aya," he said gratefully, a note of sincerity in his voice.

As Aya turned to leave, Zion couldn't help but notice her attire. She was dressed in the traditional clothing of the kingdom, her attire a reflection of the medieval customs that still held sway in their world. Her dress was made of rich, deep blue fabric, embroidered with intricate patterns that shimmered in the dim light. Her hair was pulled back in a simple braid, adorned with a few delicate flowers that added a touch of elegance to her appearance.

As she left the room, Zion took a moment to collect himself, the events of the dream still lingering in his mind. With a deep breath, he pushed aside his unease, focusing instead on the tasks that lay ahead. Today would be a pivotal day, one that would test his resolve and determination in ways he could not yet imagine.

As the time drew near for Zion to depart and set out from the Cortiluz house towards the castle, the predawn darkness enveloped the forest in an eerie stillness. The moon hung like a silver pendant in the sky, casting a faint glow over the winding path ahead. The hushed whispers of the night seemed to echo his footsteps, adding to the sense of solitude that surrounded him.

The cool breeze carried with it the scent of damp earth and pine, a reminder of the quiet majesty of the forest. The trees stood like silent sentinels, their branches reaching up towards the heavens in silent supplication.

Conny, her eyes glistening with unshed tears, embraced Zion tightly, her voice choked with emotion as she bid him farewell. "Please be safe, Zion," she murmured, her words filled with a mother's worry. "I'm sorry for everything. Please forgive me."

Paul, standing solemnly beside them, remained silent as Conny spoke. His gaze was fixed on Zion, his expression unreadable, but there was a hint of sadness in his eyes that he couldn't conceal. After Conny finished speaking, Paul stepped forward, his voice calm but tinged with an underlying concern.

"Zion," he began, his tone firm yet filled with an unspoken plea. "Remember everything I've taught you. Your survival depends on it. Come back to us, alive and well."

Before he left, Aya approached him with a soft smile. "Take care, Zion," she said, her eyes reflecting both concern and hope. "I hope you have a safe journey. When you come back, can we visit the magic market together? I've always wanted to go there."

Zion returned her smile, grateful for her well wishes. "Of course, Aya," he replied. "I'd like that very much. Thank you."

With each step, Zion felt the weight of his impending departure grow heavier. The castle loomed in the distance, its ancient walls standing as a testament to the passage of time. The journey felt both familiar and foreign, a mix of excitement and apprehension swirling within him.

As he walked, memories of his time with the Cortiluz family flooded his mind—the laughter, the warmth, and the wisdom he had gained. He knew that he carried their hopes and dreams with him, a responsibility that weighed heavily on his heart.