Lana's heart pounded against her chest as Joseph shut the small rusty door that was the entrance towards the catacombs. The chilling air sent shivers up and down her spine, making her question her decision to venture deeper or just run away. With the map tightly clenched in her trembling hands, she reminded herself of the purpose that had brought her here... why was she here? To live? Is she even worth living? Worth of the life Ramona granted to her after she murdered their father? A teardrop rolled down her cheek. The good for nothing murderer. She was now trembling all over and squatted down. Cold sweats run up and down her back, making her sick. The memories that settled in her mind were now laid in front of her. She steadied herself and whispered to no one in particular. “I’m too scared to die… to face everyone… to face my actions.It’s either this or looking death in the eye.” 

Taking a deep breath, Lana stepped forward, her footsteps echoing ominously through the ancient tunnels. The dim light from her torch she grabbed from the wall created long eerie shadows on the damp stone walls, adding to the foreboding atmosphere. As she descended further into the catacombs, her fear intensified. Worn-out skeletons and crypts lined the path, whispering of the countless lives that had met their end within these confines. Lana couldn't help but feel a profound sense of unease. The weight of the unknown pressed upon her, urging her to turn back. She couldn't allow fear to control her any longer; she had come this far to let it consume her now. 

Flickering torches provided sporadic pools of light along the narrow corridors, casting sinister dances of shadows. Lana followed the twists and turns of the map, losing all sense of time as she navigated the labyrinthine catacombs. The dampness enveloped her, chilling her to the bone.

As she ventured deeper, Lana discovered hidden chambers and secret passages. Her heart raced with each new discovery, realising that these catacombs held more secrets than she had ever imagined. The air within is heavy and cool, carrying with it the scent of damp earth and decay. The silence is broken only by the echoing sound of distant dripping water and the occasional scuttling of unseen creatures. 

As the passages twist and turn unpredictably, leading explorers deeper into the depths. It is easy to become disoriented or lost within the maze-like corridors, where every corner and junction seems to look the same. The map was useless after some time, Lana assumed Joseph didn’t know anything else about the catacombs just the entrance in the alley and the old map. Many who have ventured into the catacombs have never been seen again, another assumption she made given by the skeletons and the smell of decay. This was a place where the boundaries between life and death blur. “The perfect place for me… Like a purgatory on earth.” She said as she sat down on the floor, she casted a small protective bubble around herself and closed her eyes.

She was shaken awake by her memories of the previous night. She took few deep breaths and shattered her protective barrier. She continued navigating through the treacherous terrain. The ground was different. This time it was covered with tangled roots and fallen branches, making each step perilous. She had to tread carefully, her progress slow and deliberate, to avoid tripping and the sharp benches piercing through her bare foot. She healed herself a little bit, falling asleep but her her magic wasn’t advanced enough for her to wield it in confidence. 

The next obstacle came in the form of a labyrinth of overgrown vegetation. The dense underbrush seemed to conspire against Lana, obstructing her path at every turn. Thorny vines snaked across her way, and she had to use her small dagger to clear a passage. The constant struggle with nature's barriers only shook her determination. “Why am I even struggling?” She grunted.

Hours turned into days, and Lana grew weary from the ceaseless search for a village or city or at least a living breathing human. She began questioning herself more and more, wondering if she should just use the dagger to take her life. Just as she was about to lose hope, a glimmer of something caught her eye.

Hidden and partially obscured by moss and ivy, lay a weathered stone that had an arrow engraved on it. Lana's heart skipped a beat as she realised, she had finally discovered something that she didn’t know she was seeking. Relief washed over her, banishing any remnants of doubt that had plagued her along the way.

As Lana moved forward, she noticed various symbols etched into various stones, their meanings enigmatic and intriguing. She knew she was on the right track.  “Maybe I’m close to Cera or LaSei? I hope it’s not another trap.”

——

Eugola

Ramona stood before the full-length mirror; her eyes fixed on the reflection staring back at her. The grandeur of the red and gold gown the servants had meticulously adorned her in felt like it was a serpent wrapped around her squeezing tighter and tighter. Despite the regal attire, she struggled to recognise the face that stared back at her.

Her once radiant features were now etched with the weariness of sleepless nights, the ghost of grief weighing heavily on her heart. The toll of loss had transformed her into a mere skeleton of the woman she used to be. She couldn't escape the profound sadness coursing through her veins, nor the lingering terror that threatened to consume her every waking moment.

With trembling hands, Ramona reached up to touch the necklace that hung around her neck—an exquisite heirloom given to her by her father. It served as a constant reminder of the past, a connection to a time when innocence and joy enveloped her world. Yet, even in the midst of her sorrow, Ramona couldn't help but recall the bitter truth. “Lana never got anything, she still made the most of her time loving and caring for everyone. Why was father in her room? He never visits us in the chambers.” She pressed her lips together. “How dare she abandoned her when I needed her most.” 

When Ramona had pleaded for her safety, urging her to flee the dangers that surrounded their family, Lana had escaped without looking back. The betrayal echoed within her like a relentless siren, a wound that refused to heal.

The heaviness of responsibility settled on Ramona's shoulders as she prepared to ascend to the throne, knowing that the decisions she would make would shape the fate of her kingdom. But how could she lead when her spirit remained shrouded in grief and mistrust? 

“I know what I have to do… but what kind of Queen do I have to be?”

Gently touching her reflection in the mirror, Ramona whispered to herself, "I will be more than just the sum of my sorrow. I will not be a miserable leader.”

Someone started clapping behind her, as she turned around, she saw a man’s figure. 

“How dramatic, I love it, I can already see the headlines, Ramona the miserable little girl turned into the iron fist ruler.” He chuckled and started approaching her.

"You... you're the one who possessed me that night," Ramona stammered, her voice barely audible as she found the courage to speak.

The man chuckled, a low and otherworldly sound that seemed to echo through the room. "Surprised, my dear? I must say, I quite enjoyed that little dance we shared inside your soul, but you’re strong… I couldn’t take full control. Impressive." he replied, his voice dripping with arrogance.

Ramona's eyes narrowed in defiance, her fear transforming into determination. "What do you want from me? Why did you possess me?"

His smirk widened, as if he found pleasure in her confusion. "Ah, the questions, always the questions," he mused. "You see, my dear, when your father breathed his last breath and crossed into the realm of the departed, I saw my opportunity. I couldn't resist the temptation to make my grand entrance into the mortal world once again trough you."

"Grand entrance?" Ramona repeated, her curiosity piqued. "What do you mean?"

His eyes gleamed with mischief and excitement. "I am a spirit, a very bored but powerful one at that. For centuries, I've played my games with unsuspecting mortals, revealing in the chaos and the turmoil I create. But it gets so boring, you know? Walking among the living is not the same as truly experiencing it. So, I decided to make it more interesting to myself. And oh, the trouble we will cause, my dear Ramona! Such joyous chaos!" He caressed her cheek.

Ramona's mind raced as she absorbed the spirit's words. She was both repulsed and fascinated by his audacity. "But why? What was the purpose of possessing me?"

He circled around the room, his form appearing ethereal as though he was not bound by the laws of the living. "You see, Ramona, I needed a host strong enough to contain me, to withstand my power. Your royal bloodline, your innocence, and your untapped potential made you the perfect candidate. I had intended to use you as a vessel for my own desires."

A surge of anger coursed through Ramona's veins as she realised the depth of Oberon's manipulations. "Enough!" she exclaimed, her voice firm and commanding. "I will not be some puppet for your amusement. Leave me and my kingdom alone you scum!”

Oberon threw back his head, his laughter reverberating through the room. "Oh, Ramona dear, you amuse me more than I expected. But I fear it's too late for you now. I have already made my mark on your soul, and I won't be so easily dismissed."

The spirit's smirk wavered for a moment, his eyes narrowing in contemplation. "I have a proposal. You give me full access to your beautiful body and soul, and I be sure to find your dear sister and stabilise the kingdom for you. Then when you awaken from the deep slumber everything will be fine.” 

Ramona furrowed her brow “Why would you do that?”

The man’s grin never leaved his face “Because you made me care for you too much. I don’t want to see you suffer my dear.” He stepped so close to her Ramona could feel his breath by her ear. A shiver went down her spine “Are you trying to manipulate me?”

The man smirked “Why would I do that?”

Ramona was puzzled and didn’t answer. “Are you going to hurt my people?”

The man didn’t move and studied her “Not the important ones, but you know forming and shaping a kingdom does come with its own sacrifices.” He shrugged “Do we have a deal my lady? I can take all you pain and suffering away, and you can just sit back and relax while I make everything alright.”

Ramona looked into his eyes. The figure’s gaze enchanting, with mist circled in his pupils, in a second, he unleashed his hypnotic powers upon Ramona. With each passing moment, her soul was weakened, and the mark expanded on her soul by his potent influence. As his enchantment took hold, Ramona's mind became malleable, susceptible to his suggestions and desires. The weakening of her soul left her vulnerable, allowing the soul to traverse the depths of her subconscious and manipulate her thoughts and emotions. This manipulation caused Ramona's defences to crumble, making it effortless for the figure to pocket his victory.

Ramona was exhausted, after a long silence, her hands clenched into a fist. “Fine.”

The man grinned “Well done my dear.” He released his hypnosis to make space for his next step “Now close your eyes, relax and let me take full control.” He stepped so close she could feel his warmth. Ramona closed her eyes and waited then the man whispered. “This is going to hurt a little.” He then quickly pressed his fist through Ramona’s heart, and she gasped from the pain. “Thank you for being this naïve Ramona.” 

Ramona grabbed his wrist and coughed up blood, fear sat on her face and filled her eyes. The man held her gaze. He hugged her tightly and took a deep breath of her scent. Ramona like a doll hanged in his arms, her eyes blank, her soul shattered. “Not the best exterior, but I can deal with this. Feminine looks suit me.” He looked at Ramona’s body. He -played around with Ramona’s face creating different gestures for his own amusement. 

Someone knocked on the door, interrupting his fun and a muffled sound came through. “Your majesty, it’s time.” He smirked, “Nice! This vessel looks good with a smirky smile, such a good-looking woman. Let’s get this game started for Orion. I haven’t seen my dear son in ages. We are going to have so much fun.”