Trigger warnings: Brief mentions of blood, rape, and abortion

He didn't want to admit it, but he was looking forward to hearing her story. The time it took for him to sleep, eat, and wait for the sirens to leave took far too long for him. He was nearly shaking in anticipation by the time the female siren had left the cave.

Mizimu chuckled. "Well, aren't you excited."

He huffed. "I'm not excited. I'm just... impatient."

"That's believable."

"Hey!"

"Are you sure you're ready to hear what I have to say? Our story will be a lot to take in."

"It's not our story, it's yours."

"I'm afraid you're wrong there, our story is centered around you."

"Excuse me?"

"Yes, the immortals and Mungu did not agree with what you were meant to do."

"You're going to have to explain yourself because you are not making any sense."

"I'll start at the beginning. Mungu and I were given a space to create our own world, just as you were given a space to create your universe when you were possessing that little vampire. We created the eight kingdoms."

"The seven kingdoms of the living and your kingdom."

"Correct. I had my own kingdom, and Mungu had his seven kingdoms. He created most of the immortals, but I had a hand in the creation of your mother and father, along with a couple of others. Now don't you get all upset. You didn't know Kivuli like I did. Your mother and father used to be the best of friends. They were inseparable, and I needed them to create you."

"Why Kivuli? I thought that Akili would be a good match with my mother to create the ideal Seer."

"That is what Mungu believed. I, too, thought about using death and intelligence. However, I needed an immortal born of the shadows and death, the ultimate god of death. Your role in resurrecting immortals requires you to be in contact with spirits. Your mother provided you with the ability to see and interact with the spirit realm wherever you stand. Your father has an aptitude for combat, lie detection, and shadow travel, all abilities I believe you will find to be the most useful in your true roles in Ufalme. You've already seen how each of these have benefited you."

"I don't believe that choosing Kivuli over Akili is what created the rift between you and Mungu."

"You would once again be correct. I had told your mother that her firstborn would be the Seer. She was thrilled. However, she knew at the time that her mate was Akili, and the two were already planning their lives. I didn't tell her who the father was meant to be. I didn't want her to lose Akili, she loved him. I let it slip to Mungu that Kivuli was to be your father, and that you were to be named Herobrine, the Shadow Prince destined to be Kivuli's final judge. He was angry that I had planned a child between two immortals that were soulmates to another, but he was furious when I told him that you were to live with me and resurrect the dead."

"Why?"

"Mungu believed that death should be permanent, the highest form of punishment. He did not want an immortal that he had called to be executed to be brought back to the lands of the living. What he did not understand is that he had created his immortals to be the rulers of the seven kingdoms. The kingdoms could live under the Crown Prince or Princess for a while, but the kingdoms thrived under the hands of the true rulers. I had created my kingdom to be Limbo for the executed immortals. They would stay in isolation for as long as necessary. At the end of their punishment, they would be reformed and ready to return to the lands of the living."

"What happened next?"

"Mungu told all twenty-four of the immortals about my plans for you. They too were not pleased with the idea that you would be out of their reach, unable to tell them of your visions. To find out that you were going to resurrect immortals was just the cherry on top. Mungu rallied the immortals and declared war against my kingdom. I was forced to hide the entrance to my kingdom to keep the dragons and lands safe. I didn't want to risk their lives over a disagreement that had escalated too far. However, a few of my dragons were captured before they had the chance to flee. I believe that you have met them, the level 5 prisoners in Kipengele."

He blinked. "Those mentalists are dragons?"

"Yes, and I'm sure that they've grown bored in those cells. Dragons are an intelligent species and were made to serve my kingdom. Without the constant stimulation they find with me, they will retreat into their own minds. Since they are all in close proximity, they are sharing a mind link to talk with one another. The mind link can take a lot of energy and they likely don't wish to interact with the people in Kipengele. That is why they appear to be unresponsive in the cells.

"As for your father's actions, I will take full responsibility for what happened to your mother. Once I declared that something was to occur, there was nothing I could do to stop it. Your father did not mind that you were to be his son, but your mother was horrified that she would have you as the result of an affair. This is the rift that initially drove your parents apart. Shortly after your mother ended her friendship with Kivuli, Mungu created a new rule regarding hybrids. You've heard about this rule: A hybrid can only be born through non-consensual sexual intercourse rather than simply be the result of an affair. As a result of the hybrid rule, your parents' rift, and your prophesied birth, Kivuli was corrupted. I did not intend for your birth to be so violent, so I must apologize to you and your parents."

He hesitated, then bowed his head. "I accept your apology. From what you've told me, you could not stop Kivuli's corruption. I do not sense any lies from you, so I must believe what you have told me."

"Thank you, my Seer. I am grateful for your kindness."

"May I ask you a question?"

"Hmm?"

"If Kivuli was corrupted, then what is his current state? He is dead, correct?"

"Yes, you were successful with your father's murder. You don't have to look so uncomfortable. You may not have known at the time, but killing Kivuli saved him. His death destroyed his corruption, and he has shown much remorse for his actions since he arrived. You are cleaning up my messes. I cannot express how grateful I am to you. You have grown into an incredibly wise and kind prince. I am proud of you and what you've accomplished."

His cheeks reddened.

"I do believe that it is time for you to sleep again. We have been talking for a long time and you must be exhausted."

"But I'm not tired." He yawned. "Okay, maybe I am a little tired."

She chuckled.

He lay down on the stone floor and snuggled beneath his cloak. "Mizimu, may I ask one last question?"

"Of course."

"Did Mungu and my mother ever plan on me being the Hekiman Crown Prince?"

She was silent. He didn't like when she was quiet.

"Mizimu?"

"No, I don't believe that Mungu truly believed that you were the heir to the throne. Your mother may have raised you as the heir, but she did it out of desperation to prove that you were worth keeping alive."

He clutched his cloak. "My mother told me when I was young that Mungu offered over and over to end her pregnancy with me. She refused every time."

"Your mother loves you. You are her son, she would never risk your life. Now go to sleep; I know you can barely keep your eyes open."

He sighed and closed his eyes. "Good night, my lady."

"Good night, my Seer."

The next few decades seemed to pass by in a blur. He could now stand for longer than a few minutes at a time. He could also stay awake for hours rather than minutes without feeling drowsy. His sight had healed enough so he could see in the night without going blind, but dawn and dusk were still too bright. The mermaids continued to bring fish to him, but the pair had started to bring him blood to consume. The blood had helped him to regain his strength much faster than the fish. He talked to the voice every day, but his thoughts had turned from simple curiosity to plotting against his so-called family.

"What do you want me to do when I reach the top of the cliff? You can't possibly expect me to return to Hekima."

"That will be up to you, my Seer. I want you to remain in Ufalme to continue healing from the lake, but I cannot tell you where to go next."

"I would like to go to your kingdom, my lady."

"I see. You may choose which kingdom in the lands of the living to live in while you heal. I have a good feeling that the Council will give you that option. Once you have finished healing, you will ride to me."

"Will you lead me to you?"

"No, I cannot risk keeping our mental link open while Mungu is monitoring you. If he suspects that we have communicated with one another, he will execute you on sight."

"How will I find your kingdom?"

"You will have to ride hard and fast toward the Joka Mountains. I will send out spirits to guide you to a cave in the mountain. The cave contains the entrance to my lands, illusioned as a wall, much like your own illusions."

"I see."

"You cannot be seen by anyone when you come to me. If anyone reports back to Mungu that you have left, he can and will dispose of you without a second thought. He will not risk you coming to me. You must swear to me that you will not allow anyone to see you leave Ufalme."

"I-"

"Swear it."

"I swear it will be done."

"Good. Now, it is time to get out of this cave and start your ascent back to Ufalme."

"Are you sure? I don't think I can reach the top of the cliff within a night."

"And you won't. It will take weeks for you to finish your climb. There are many ledges and caves that are found in the cliff. You will climb it in many sessions. The first climb will end when you reach the next cave. You can rest there while you regain your strength. Trust me when I say that you will need to rest for several days before you can attempt the next climb."

"Do you really believe that I can reach the cave in time?"

"I do. It will take all the energy you have, but you will make it. You will see your family again in just a few short weeks."

He grumbled, swearing under his breath.

"Now get up. It is time."