The child rested lifelessly in Kaelith's embrace, her pale eyes once vibrant now dull. Any energy that had surged within her was now dormant once more in her delicate form, like a flickering ember concealed within ash. Kaelith held her closer, this time pressing her nearer despite the frost seeping into her own limbs from the child's skin.
Jareth ignited a match and stepped forward to survey the area. 'Who is she?' he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
"Doesn't matter who she is," replied Kaelith, "it matters what she said." She pivoted towards the drawing room and nodded to the couches. "We need to make her comfortable."
Corven had leaned against the door, straining to hear. "There are no soldiers outside," he said. "No movement. Whatever this is, it came to us without a soul noticing." His grip on the door handle had turned painfully tight.
"Still, it's a temporary reprieve." Kaelith exhaled. "Not a permanent peace."
Jareth hurried into the room, blanket in hand. The remaining three carefully wrapped the child in the blanket and settled her by the crackling fire, attempting to warm her.
As the flames intensified, the color started to return to her cheeks. Her pulse, weak at first, began to strengthen.
Abruptly, the girl opened her striking gold eyes once again. "The king… shall rise from the ashes…and the queen must conquer or, in turn, become ashes herself." The voice was different…it was older, far more ancient, definitely not a child's. "Your choices will shape the future. The clock has already started."
Then her eyes fell shut again, and the ancient voice went mute.
"What king?" Jareth whispered. "Who's the queen in this story?"
"It's me." Kaelith pressed her lips together. "I am the queen… whether I desire it or not."
"It explains the scroll, the armor…the legacy you carry," Corven said as he finally started to connect the dots. "The Ravencourts were meant to safeguard something greater. It's all tying back to you."
The trio sat in silence as they contemplated their intertwined fates.
"It means we have to move faster," Kaelith declared as she stood up. "We cannot wait for our enemies to find us. We need allies…resources, and soldiers who will follow us into battle with the crown."
Jareth nodded. "Your first move, Your Majesty?" he said, his tone playful yet loyal.
"The first move"—Kaelith tightened her grip on the scroll—"is unlocking whatever power this holds and allowin
g it to illuminate our path."