This isn’t goodbye

Nana closes the book with a soft but somber thud, her eyes clouded with worry.

“The Karmic Realm is a place of great danger,” she begins, her voice trembling slightly. “It’s where the worst of all species are reincarnated. The darkest, most lost souls of all time gather there.”

My heart sinks at the gravity of her words.

“There’s never been one true ruler of that realm,” she continues, her fingers tracing the worn edges of the book. “Instead, it’s a realm where many have laid claim through pathways of bloodshed. Currently, there are five main rulers I know of: the Dark Sorcerer, the Vampire King, the Giant King, the Lycan King, and the Elven Queen. But… there are rumors of other rulers—ones from the sea and the sky.”

Her eyes flicker with concern as she meets my gaze. “This is highly problematic for a Fairy Queen. You’re destined to rule an entire realm, but the Karmic Realm has many rulers—rulers who would never give up their power easily.”

A heavy silence falls between us as her words sink in. My heart pounds, not from fear, but from a deep, overwhelming sadness. The lives of the souls in the Karmic Realm flash in my mind, their suffering, their pain, their isolation.

“If this is my destiny,” I say, my voice soft but resolute, “then I need to go. I need to help those souls. If they are my people… I must be there for them.”

Nana’s eyes soften, a gentle smile spreading across her face despite the tears brimming in her eyes. “You truly are special, my dear,” she whispers. “You make me so proud. Take this book with you, along with the prophecy. Perhaps you’ll find more answers when you reach the Karmic Realm.”

She hands me the book and a tablet inscribed with the prophecy. I carefully slip both into my pouch, the weight of them feeling far heavier than their physical forms.

Nana’s voice quivers slightly as she continues, “These years I’ve spent with you have been the most fulfilling of my life, darling. Never forget your potential. You are destined for greatness.”

Her hands grasp mine, her gaze intense with love and unwavering support. “Use the magic mirror to contact me at any time, no matter how big or small the problem. I will always do my best to help you. I love you so much, Lenora. You are the brightest light to ever shine.”

Tears well up in my eyes as we embrace, holding each other tightly as if we never want to let go. Both of us are crying now, our tears soaking into each other’s clothes.

“I love you too, Nana,” I choke out between sobs. “This isn’t goodbye.”

We linger in the embrace for a long moment, clinging to each other before finally, with great difficulty, we let go. Our eyes meet one last time, swollen from crying, but filled with love and determination.

I take a deep breath, close my eyes, and think of the Karmic Realm.