"Theory 5: The Corruption Catalyst Hypothesis
My dearest Eena,
As I write these words, I am filled with a mix of emotions — trepidation, love, and a hint of sadness. I know that for you to be reading this, I am no more. The knowledge I've uncovered, the secrets I've unearthed, have led me down a perilous path. I fear that I may not survive to see the culmination of my research.
But I had to continue, my child. I had to push forward, no matter the cost. For I knew that the truth I sought was too important to be ignored. The mystical forest, with its twisted creatures and dark magic, holds secrets that could change the course of our world.
My fifth theory, The Corruption Catalyst Hypothesis, suggests that the creatures of the mystical forest are the remnants of an ancient civilization that worshipped foreign, forgotten gods. This civilization's dark magic corrupted the environment, giving rise to the terrifying beings that now roam the forest — in contrast to the rest of the Seven Theories.
I know that this knowledge will put you in danger, Sylteena. That's why I've taken every precaution to keep my research hidden. But I also know that you, my dear child, are the only one I can trust to carry on my legacy.
As you read these words, I implore you to be cautious. There are many who will stop at nothing to keep this knowledge suppressed. But I have faith in you, Sylteena. I know that you will use this knowledge to bring light to a world that has been shrouded in darkness for far too long.
Farewell, my child. May the truth guide you, and may you always find the courage to stand against the shadows. But always remember, my precious angel, there are more terrifying beings to dread than what lurks within those woods.
With all my love,
Benjamin."
Sylteena's eyes were already peeled wide as a drop of tear fell onto the dry parchment, spreading to form a moist spot.
She forgot to blink.
Feeling the world and air around her pause in the moment, her vision only blurred further from the outpouring flow of tears she didn't realize she was shedding.
The piercing pain in her heart seemed to have numbed in an instant.
Her lips gaped apart as a light breath escaped her stuffed chest, batting her eyelids in dawning realization.
A letter... from her father...
Not only had Sylteena never, for once, seen anything peculiar from her father to her — aside from their shared memories — but a letter? One addressed to her on the assumption of his death, years before it had even happened?
A bitter smile stretched on her cracked lips, staring at the parchment like a vivid dream that would soon fade from her grasp if she stared long enough.
But it felt real...
Everything around her, and everything stated on that page, was in the true realm of her existence at that very moment. She was really awake. In the library. Holding the parchment. Marred by her father's handwriting. Right before her eyes.
"Papa..." The word barely left her lips as her finger clutched tighter.
The ache in her chest returned — but beyond the endurable pierce of pain she felt from loneliness.
It was a burning ache that rooted far beyond misery.
It sprouted from the intense sense of self and awakening...
If what she was reading was indeed the truth — and her soul sought it to be — the death of her father, late Duke Benjamin Benedict, was no accident.
Sylteena's mismatched eyes slitted.
"Papa was murdered..."
• • •
The palace doors pulled shut with loud echoes, weaving closer the queue of guards that lined the hallway as they bowed to the royal presence.
Prince Anthony paced briskly with clenched fists, ignoring each word of acknowledgement greeted to him as he stormed up the staircase.
Each step beat harder to match the thudding vein on his forehead.
"Your Highness," one of the head guards jogged up to him.
"What?!" His voice was curt and unwelcoming.
The guard bowed. "Lady Clementine requests your audience first thing tomorrow before the council meeting, Your Highness."
His feet halted. "She left?!"
"Yes, Your High—"
"The council meeting is tomorrow! Why would she want to submit the tax documents I assigned her to complete before the meeting — on the morning of the meeting!?"
The loyal worker lowered his head. "She pardoned that her husband doesn't permit her staying out late."
A tut escaped his lips, rolling away his gaze as he proceeded forward. "That pedophile and his obsessive behaviors..." he muttered.
Having the guard now trail a few steps after him, Anthony finally reached the doors to his chamber before pausing with his hand above the knob.
"That thing..." He gazed over his shoulder. "...Is it in my chambers?"
Or worse — on his bed, Anthony cringed internally.
The guard took a moment of thought before asking, "Y-You mean Her Highnes—?"
"You know exactly what I mean!!" His strained voice drew impatient, forcing the guard to lower his eyes.
"U-Um... she is in the library, Your Highness. She has been there since Lady Clementine left."
So Lady Clementine interacts with that thing?...
Anthony's expression morphed into that of disgust. "Good..." He turned the knob. "Let it rot in the dust that suits it."
He walked in and slammed the door behind him.
The guard's expression weakened slightly underneath his helmet.