51

  The library of Aurum had grown quiet as the sun arced past midday, the tall windows spilling golden light over the rows of ancient tomes. Finn, Maxi, and Katherine scoured the shelves for anything resembling the elusive Fabric of the World, though none of the texts seemed to mention it directly. Healing, gemstones, magical theory—everything was there except the one book that might explain the way home.

  Finn had fully recovered. The mark of his druidic blood was clear: he healed faster than anyone expected, though the trio remained unsure how his own magic had fought against the curse from the Karit. Every so often, they would watch Marco and William duel in the training yard, sometimes invited to ride horses through the castle grounds, but more often they wandered, discovering corridors, staircases, and hidden balconies that the castle offered. Despite the wonders around them, they were still outsiders in this world, treated as honored guests but constantly seeking answers.

  Sophia often joined them, and gradually the tension between her and Katherine lessened. They never spoke directly about Finn, but the quiet understanding between them allowed a fragile friendship to grow. Sophia’s curiosity about the trio’s world never waned; she was enthralled by tales of small conveniences like books with moving pictures, machines that transported food, or clothing made from simple cotton. Katherine, in turn, began to see Sophia not as a rival, but as a curious soul like herself, also learning to navigate the strange reality they found themselves in.

  It was on one of their long walks along the covered pathway from the east wing to the west wing that the unexpected happened. A woman stood at the far end of the corridor, humming a soft melody. She wore a dark green leather coat, ash-brown hair tied neatly at her back, and pants tucked into sturdy boots. The sun glinted off the pathway tiles as they approached, and the woman’s song floated lightly in the air.

  Finn halted. His instincts screamed recognition. Slowly, he turned to face her fully. The woman’s eyes caught his, and she smiled gently, the kind of smile that made the weight of unspoken memories press against his chest.

  “You… seem familiar,” Finn said softly, stepping closer.

  The woman bent slightly, letting him observe her face. There was an aura of joy and calm around her, something oddly comforting yet powerful.

  Katherine and Maxi exchanged glances before following, curiosity and anticipation in their steps. The woman continued humming, and Finn, almost instinctively, joined in.

  “Elven kings in silver glade, gifted us the traveler’s gate…” he sang, his voice hesitant at first, then surer.

  The woman’s eyes widened, and her lips curved into a triumphant grin.

  “How… how do you know that song?” Finn asked, bewildered.

  The woman tapped his forehead lightly, and suddenly a vivid memory surged into Finn’s mind. He was four years old, small and wide-eyed, standing in a sunlit grove with someone guiding him.

  “Aunt Lir…?” Finn stammered, recognition dawning.

  “Bingo,” Lir barked with a grin that was part teasing, part relief.

  Maxi froze, staring, confused. “Wait… aunt? Finn… who is this woman?” he whispered to himself. Katherine’s brow furrowed in equal confusion.

  Finn couldn’t hold back. He ran forward and embraced Lir. She hugged back, and a strange weight lifted from him—a burden he hadn’t realized he’d been carrying. For the first time since arriving in Maharlika, the path forward seemed a little clearer. Lir then turned her gaze to Maxi, tilting his head slightly, and tapped him on the head with her finger in mock reprimand.

  “And you,” she said, pointing at Katherine, “so… is he your boyfriend?” Her teasing tone brought a bright blush to Katherine’s cheeks.

  The four gathered in Finn and Maxi’s chamber soon after. Lir sat and explained the situation carefully, guiding them through a mix of fact and caution.

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  “You were brought here for a reason,” she said, her gaze on Finn, “though I do not know by whom. The most important thing is that you are safe.”

  She paused, letting the weight of her words sink in. “This world is called Maharlika. Your bloodline—yours, Finn and Maxi—once lived here. Your abilities, your heritage, they are why you have survived.”

  Maxi’s grin widened as usual. “So… you mean our dad’s some kind of super guy?” he said, pride swelling in his chest.

  Lir nodded, ignoring his teasing tone. “Your father is important, yes, but now is not the time to dwell on him. What matters is that your family’s legacy continues—you, Finn, and Maxi. The Reborn is coming, and the line between light and dark must be maintained. Only druid blood can control the dragon, and someone is seeking the Goblet of Blood to gain power over it.”

  Finn’s mind raced. His past encounters—his healing, his fight with the dark elf form of William, his instinctive protection of Sophia—were starting to make sense. He realized the weight of his bloodline and the responsibility it carried.

  Lir turned to him and placed a hand lightly on his chest. “I believe you are a true druid. A druid never shirks responsibility. I will guide you, but the choice is yours.”

  Katherine, seeing the determination in Finn’s eyes, felt a mixture of relief and worry. He had a sense of duty so strong that it would be hard to convince him otherwise. Yet she was comforted by Lir’s confidence in him.

  Maxi leaned forward, tapping his chest dramatically. “Well, if I get to be part of this, I’m in. Sounds like an adventure,” he said with his usual bravado. A small smirk of approval passed between him and Lir, an unspoken understanding forming. He was growing to admire Mundi and the discipline of their guidance, feeling a connection he hadn’t known before.

  The preparations were swift. Lir advised them to meet at the south gate of the castle. Hector was informed, and he nodded silently, knowing the trio was in capable hands. Maxi packed the wooden box filled with gold and jewels, though Finn seemed unbothered by material wealth. Sophia entered quietly, her modesty intact, her eyes reflecting her emotions.

  “I wish we could see each other again,” Sophia said softly. She placed a delicate gold ring with intricate patterns into Finn’s hand. Her smile was sweet, her cheeks flushed with emotion. She pressed a kiss to his cheek and stepped back.

  Katherine witnessed the exchange, her heart tightening, a mix of sadness and understanding. She wanted Finn, but she knew his heart was torn. Finn noticed Katherine’s gaze and walked toward her, hesitating. Their eyes met. No words were spoken, but an unspoken bond passed between them.

  “I’m… sorry, Kath,” Finn whispered, his voice tinged with guilt.

  As they approached the south gate, a sudden whoosh stirred the air. Maxi’s eyes narrowed. “Don’t tell me… you again?” he muttered, recognizing the presence calling him. He ignored it and continued walking, only for the force to catch him, tugging at his collar.

  “C’mon…” he muttered, shaking his head. “I’ll catch up. I just need to talk to someone.”

  He ducked into the alchemy lab, He holds the Karit, and again He was in the same hill under the tree.

  “What now, Mr. Elf?” Maxi barked.

  “I felt you leaving… so I offer another of myself,” Mundi said, pride and mischief mingled in his tone.

  “I don’t want you,” Maxi replied flatly.

  “C’mon, I can help. The way is dangerous, you saw how you…, we fought before, right?” Mundi pleaded.

  Maxi laughed, shaking his head. “You know what..? In my world, you Karit.., we only used you as a… as a grass cutter. Not to run around like this.”

  “Okay, don’t take me, I am needed anyway. I can stay here all day. Im nothing”, Mundi continued sarcastically.

  Maxi was about to leave, then finally, Mundi’s tone softened. “Wait… I’ll tell you a secret, one known only to elves.”

  Maxi’s ears perked. “Okay, I’m listening.”

  Minutes later, Maxi returned to the south gate, his resolve stronger, the Karit hidden on his back. Lir, Finn, and Katherine waited. A sudden gust of wind signaled the arrival of a massive bird—the Haribon—descending with wings spanning the gate. The guards froze in awe.

  Lir motioned them forward. Hesitant but determined, the trio climbed onto the Haribon’s back, its feathers shimmering with a mystical aura. Maxi felt Mundi’s presence inside the Karit, a subtle pulse of guidance and camaraderie.

  Lir settled behind them, her hands steady, her eyes filled with confidence. “Hold on,” she instructed. “This is only the beginning.”

  With a powerful beat of its wings, the Haribon rose into the sky. Below, Aurum receded, rivers and mountains gleaming. Above, the air was crisp, and the wind carried with it the promise of adventure, responsibility, and discovery.

  Finn looked over at Katherine, a silent understanding passing between them. Sophia’s gift and her heartfelt farewell lingered in his mind, but he knew that with Lir, Katherine, and Maxi by his side, they were finally moving toward their destiny.

  Maxi, grinning despite the wind, whispered, “Guess this is gonna be one hell of a ride.”

  Lir glanced at the three, her face serene. “It will be more than a ride. It will be your path… and I will make sure you walk it safely.”

  Above the clouds, the Haribon soared, carrying the three companions toward Maharlika’s unknown horizon, where dragons, destiny, and druidic legacy awaited.