The following day, the sun just started to rise over the horizon, shining a gentle light into my window. The quiet noise of the group getting ready for our trip was audible to me. With a feeling of resolve, I stood up and put on my clothes, mentally getting ready for what was coming next.
Logan was standing in the courtyard, looking both serious and supportive, as he awaited my arrival. “Are you prepared for this?” he inquired, a faint smile appearing on his lips.
I inhaled deeply, sensing the gravity of our task. “I’m as prepared as I will ever be.”
“Okay,” he replied, grasping my hand. “Come, let’s locate the Silent Brothers.”
We went to the border of the territory as a group, with Mr. Castlefield in front. The twisted and rough path in front of us served as a warning of the difficulties that could lie ahead. With every stride I took, I could sense my heart beating faster, a mix of both thrill and nervousness.
“Keep calm,” Logan whispered to me while we neared the edge of the forest. We will be okay.
“I agree,” I said, holding his hand firmly.
Upon entering the thick trees, the atmosphere became heavy with excitement. The pack’s sounds grew faint as we moved forward, now surrounded by the rustling of leaves and the far-off cries of animals. I couldn’t get rid of the sensation that there was something observing us, hiding just out of sight.
All of a sudden, Mr. Castlefield halted and motioned for us to be silent by raising his hand. “We are near,” he whispered quietly. “Remain vigilant.”
I looked at Logan and felt a sudden surge of fear run through me. “What happens if they are not willing to assist us?” “I inquired in a hushed voice.”
“Then we will discover an alternative method,” he answered with determination. “We refuse to retreat.”
Mr. Castlefield led us deeper into the forest, and the air grew thick with anticipation. Every rustle of leaves seemed to amplify my nerves, and I felt the weight of the moment pressing down on me.
As we approached a clearing, the sound of rushing water filled the air, creating an almost ethereal atmosphere. The trees parted to reveal a serene pond, its surface shimmering under the early morning light. In the center stood three figures, cloaked and imposing, their features obscured by shadows.
“Welcome,” one of the figures intoned, their voice reverberating through the clearing. “You seek the knowledge of the Silent Brothers. But first, you must prove your worthiness.”
Logan’s grip tightened around my hand, and I felt a surge of strength from his presence. “We’re here for the Eternity Book,” he declared, his voice steady and confident.
The Silent Brothers exchanged glances, their expressions unreadable. “Many have come seeking knowledge, but few have been prepared to pay the price,” the eldest brother replied, his eyes narrowing. “What are you willing to sacrifice?”
I swallowed hard, glancing at Logan. The weight of his question hung heavily in the air, making my heart race. “We’ll do whatever it takes,” Logan answered without hesitation, his resolve unshakeable.
“Very well,” the brother said, stepping forward. “To prove your commitment, you must each face your greatest fear. Only then will we determine if you are worthy of our guidance.”
My stomach twisted at the thought. Facing my greatest fear? It felt like a monumental task. I had no idea what that might look like for me.
I hesitated, the weight of the Silent Brother’s words sinking in. My greatest fear? I didn’t even know what that was. My mind raced through all the terrifying possibilities-losing Logan, being alone, failing my pack-but none of them felt like the fear. The one that would paralyze me.
“I… I don’t even know what my greatest fear is,” I admitted, my voice trembling slightly as I glanced up at the Silent Brothers. “How can I face something I haven’t even defined?”
The eldest brother’s eyes bore into mine, his expression inscrutable. “Your greatest fear lies deep within you. It is not for you to know yet, but it will reveal itself when the time comes.”
Logan turned to me, his brow furrowed with concern. “You don’t have to do this alone, Audrey. Whatever it is, we’ll face it together.”
I shook my head, my pulse quickening. “But what if… what if I can’t handle it? What if it’s too much?”
Logan squeezed my hand, his voice soft but firm. “You’ve already faced more than most people could. You’re stronger than you realize.”
The Silent Brother who had spoken before stepped forward, his gaze still fixed on me. “Strength comes not from denying fear, but from facing it head-on. When the moment arrives, you will be ready.”
I swallowed hard, unsure if I believed him, but knowing I had no other choice. We needed the Eternity Book. The future of the pack depended on it.
The brothers motioned for us to step forward, closer to the pond. The serene surface rippled as though it were responding to our presence, the water darkening with every step we took.
“Enter the water,” the eldest brother instructed. “There, your fears will rise. Face them, conquer them, and only then will you be deemed worthy.”
I glanced at Logan, who nodded. Together, we approached the edge of the pond, the cool water lapping at our feet. As we stepped in, the world around us seemed to fade. The trees, the Silent Brothers, even the sky dissolved into a swirling darkness. I felt Logan’s hand slip from mine, and panic surged through me.
“Logan!” I called out, spinning in every direction, but there was no trace of him. The silence pressed down on me, the darkness stretching endlessly in every direction. I was alone. Completely alone.
And that’s when it hit me-this was my fear.
Being abandoned, left with nothing and no one, utterly lost in the void.