No… please," Kabul whispered, his voice breaking. "Think about yourself for once, Mom."
Queen Cara smiled gently, her fading strength wrapped in warmth.
"That's exactly why…" she murmured softly, "I've always adored you."
Her trembling hand rose once more, brushing away the tears on his cheeks—for the very last time.
"That's my boy…"
Her voice weakened, yet her words carried the weight of a final command.
"Promise me this… protect your brother. No matter what happens… do not let your emotions guide you."
Kabul's lips quivered.
"This is my final wish… as your mother… and as your Queen."
From the doorway, Abenator stood in silence.
But there was no grief in his eyes.
Only something darker.
Something burning.
Kabul tightened his grip on his mother's hand.
"I promise, Mom," he said, his voice trembling. "Your legacy will live on."
Cara's fingers twitched weakly against his.
Then—
With one final, peaceful breath…
She was gone.
"Mom…?"
Kabul shook her gently.
"Mom, talk to me… please…"
His voice rose, desperation spilling out uncontrollably.
"No… no, this can't be happening… You have to live… please…"
His cries shattered the silence of the chamber.
And then—
A scream.
Raw.
Broken.
It echoed through the halls of the castle, reaching every corner of Taytozena.
Within moments, hurried footsteps filled the corridors.
King Liam burst through the doors, followed closely by royal guards.
"What's going on here?" he demanded, breathless.
Abenator stood aside, avoiding his father's gaze.
Liam stepped into the room—
And froze.
The sword slipped from his hand, clattering loudly against the floor.
"By the gods…"
His voice cracked.
Tears welled in his eyes as he stared at Cara's lifeless form.
"How… how did we come to this?"
His breathing grew uneven.
"H-how…?"
He turned to Kabul, grabbing his shoulders with trembling hands.
"Answer me!"
But Kabul couldn't.
He collapsed into his father's chest instead, his body shaking with uncontrollable sobs.
Liam held him tightly.
And together, father and son sank to the floor—broken, grieving, and powerless.
For a long time, the castle fell into silence.
No footsteps.
No voices.
No movement.
Only grief.
Only loss.
Only the quiet sound of two shattered hearts mourning their Queen.
At last, King Liam spoke.
His voice was barely recognizable.
"Lower the flag… to half-mast."
He paused, swallowing the pain lodged in his throat.
"And… light the black firecracker."
The guards stood still, waiting.
"Let the people of Taytozena know…"
His voice broke again.
"…that their Queen is gone."
A single explosion pierced the sky.
Dark smoke blossomed above the kingdom—a signal no one wished to see.
Across Taytozena, people stopped where they stood.
Shops fell silent.
Children clung to their parents.
And slowly… the truth spread.
Their Queen was dead.
A sorrowful melody rose through the air, carried by voices unseen.
Once upon a morning gold, in lands where rivers gleam,
A crown was worn with gentle hands, and hearts that dared to dream.
The people gathered at the castle gates, their faces heavy with grief.
Taytozena, blessed and bright, with soil of jeweled light,
Where kings were just, and queens would pray beneath the stars each night…
Royal guards stood in formation, striking their swords against their shields in solemn rhythm.
Oh Taytozena, cradle of fate,
Whispers of joy, yet shadows await…
Among the crowd, whispers began.
Fear.
Uncertainty.
And something else…
A brother veiled in wolfish grace,
With envy carved upon his face…
High above, the castle loomed—silent, watching.
Where blood may smile and kin may lie,
And thrones may fall though angels cry…
The song deepened, darker now.
A cradle sings, a dagger sleeps,
In shadows deep, the serpent creeps…
And with it came a truth no one yet understood—
This was only the beginning.
Silence returned to the kingdom.
Even the wind seemed to mourn.
Even the birds no longer sang.