Magical Summons

Darius decides to lean into the magical side.

Kale whipped around as the voice echoed through his skull, eyes wide. “Did that thing just say...son?”

Darius didn’t answer. He was frozen, the candlelight flickering over his face, draining the color from his skin.

Elara’s hand went to her dagger. “That voice...that was real, wasn’t it?”

The glass eyed lizard blinked slowly, its gaze fixed on Darius. The voice returned, calm but resonant, ancient yet intimate.

“You tried so hard to not use the magical gifts you were given, and now that you have, it’s time you took your place amongst your family.”

“Elara,” Darius said, barely above a whisper. “Step back.”

The flame of the candle flared suddenly, nearly going out. A low hum rose from the pedestal. The vines along the walls began to shift; curling back like fingers, revealing the cracked stone beneath.

Kale’s voice trembled. “What is this place?”

“I don’t know,” Darius said. “But my father's brought us here.”

The lizard’s eyes shimmered again. “Blood calls to blood, and magic answers when it's claimed. You claimed yours, Darius. You opened the way.”

A sharp crack echoed from the wall behind the pedestal as a hidden panel slid open, revealing a staircase that spiraled down into darkness.

“I found it,” Kale said quietly, stepping toward the opening. “A hidden passage.”

“No,” Darius said firmly. “Not just a passage. A summons.”

The lizard closed its glassy eyes, and the voice grew faint, like a memory crumbling.

“Go now. The path only opens to those who are finally ready to see.”

The candle guttered, then steadied. Rockford gave a low growl, the fur on his neck standing on end.

Darius stared into the passage, shoulders taut.

“Whatever this place is,” he said, “it knows me. And I think it’s time I knew it too.”