The torches of the Sanctuary flickered low as Zaber's voice crackled through the comm-link.
Zaber: "Sir, you're needed at the castle. They've arrived."
Siddik turned to Fakhrul, Tayeb, Zara, and Hridoy. "Let's go."
The Castle Courtyard
The gates of Spiral Castle creaked open. Siddik walked ahead. Behind him: Fakhrul, Zara, Hridoy, Tayeb. In front of him–his family.
His mother saw him first. Time collapsed. Her arms wrapped around him as tears filled her eyes.
Mother: "The world's been cruel to you… Hasn't it?"
Siddik (smiling): "I got what I earned, Mother. I was never meant to be gentle."
Mother (softly): "Maybe not to the world. But to me, you were always right."
His father approached, slower than before, but still tall.
Father: "Spiral needs a king like you. You were born for this."
Siddik: "No, Father. Brother Hasan was born to be the King of Spiral Island. I know what kind of king I was born to be. I ruled Spiral for eight years–with fear, not faith. He's the king Spiral truly needs.
Father: "Then what will you do?"
Siddik (smiling faintly): "I haven't decided yet. But will tell you tomorrow after my brother sits on the throne."
He knelt to meet the eyes of his niece.
Siddik: "Hey, baby! Be like your grandmother. She is a powerful queen."
Then Siddik stands up and keeps one hand on his nephew's shoulder.
Siddik: "Be prepared, my boy. Not always come. And don't be like me, be like your father. He is really a good guy with a powerful personality, but doesn't look like that. One day, I'll tell you the truth behind the fairy tale."
Nephew: "I want to be like you… And one day, I will be. Even if they fear me too."
Siddik: "The future of the family is in your hands. Don't lose your focus. Be what you want; you don't have to follow any of us."
Siddik stepped forward and embraced his elder brother, Hasan.
Hasan: "I always wanted to see you sitting on the throne."
Siddik: "That won't suit me. If you feel that you are not suitable for Spiral, that means my knowledge about you was a lie."
Hasan: "Then promise me, you won't leave us ever."
Siddik: "Let's go inside. Then we'll decide."
Hasan: "You never stop being a mystery."
They hugged. Harder than brothers. Like men who survived storms.
Then came Samia, standing with folded arms.
Samia (teasing): "So… I risked my life and don't even get a thank you?"
Siddik (grinning): "You get the loyalty of the King of War. What could be worth more?"
She walked forward and hugged him tightly, not caring who watched.
The Return of a Ghost
A man stepped through – aged, scarred, but familiar.
Siddik's Father gasped.
"Brother…?"
It was Siddik's uncle. Missing for years. Presumed dead. The two old men embraced like time had frozen.
Father: "You disappeared without a word."
Uncle: "I was waiting for the day your son would change the world."
Siddik is reading his uncle's face. His uncle stepped forward to him.
Uncle: "You did what any other man can never imagine. You are the man who changed the face of the world. But remember, boy — when you change the world, the world changes you."
Siddik gives him a cold smile without saying anything he walks away.
At Night, Dinner Table
Everyone was eating their dinner. Siddik, his family, his sisters and brothers-in-law, Samia, Fakhrul, Zara, Hridoy, and Tayeb, all were silent. Zaber, Rafi, Rafiq, and Darwin were standing at the corner. Suddenly, Siddik breaks the silence.
Siddik: "I have some announcements."
Father: "Yes, Siddik. Go ahead."
Siddik: "Tomorrow, Spiral Island will have the King it needs. And as for me, my duty no longer lies on a throne. And my Governors, make sure about the duties you have. Zaber, as you've got the post of governor, the Revenants will be under Darwin's direction. Give him all the reports about it. And Darwin, you will always stay with my family, no matter what."
Zaber and Darwin nodded. Siddik again starts.
Siddik: "Brother Fakhrul, you will train the new army for Spiral. And brother Hridoy and Zara will assist the new king with Spiral's internal affairs."
Everybody gets a surprise to hear the announcement.
The Crowning of the King
The next morning, the castle was filled with life and music. In the Grand Hall, Hasan stood in Spiral armor. Siddik's men placed the crown gently on his head.
Hasan is the King now. Officially. Publicly.
But… Siddik was missing.
No one saw him in the ceremony. His room was empty. His armor, weapons, sabers—gone.
A letter lay folded on his bed.
The Letter – To Family
"The Spiral Island deserves a true and worthy king. I am not that king.
And if I stay, my brother won't rule like his own.
So, I'm returning to where I belong. I've hurt many. I don't deserve forgiveness—so I'm not seeking this.
And Father, you were right. I was meant to be king…
But what you didn't say is this: I was also Spiral's greatest threat. From the day I was born.
Brother Hasan, look after the legacy of our family and also our people.
Tell the Governors—carry forward the legacy I left.
If you ever need me, I'll return. But not when you call.
I'll come when the world needs me.
Until then, I watch from afar.
—S."
There was silence in the hall after reading it.
Father (placing the letter down):
"He left again… but this time not in anger, not in rebellion.
This time… he left as a protector."
Zaber (quietly):
"He was never meant for walls and thrones. Siddik belongs to the storm."
The Letter – To Samia
Samia found a second letter tucked in the pages of her diary.
"Samia,
I was always yours.
But today, I had to go.
But I'll steal you. One day.
Be ready.
—Your S."
She smiled. Eyes wet.
And placed the letter beside her heart.
The World Moves Forward
Fakhrul, Zara, and Hridoy remained at Spiral Island. Training the young. Teaching defense. Rebuilding its heart.
The Governors—Darwin, Rafi, Musa, Rafiq, Zaber, Tayeb—began their new duties across the world.
And Hasan? He ruled justly. But always glanced at the horizon, as if waiting.
Far Away…
A lone figure stood atop a distant cliff,
Cloak rippling like war-torn flags in the night wind.
His face was hidden.
His eyes were watching.
A legend… now myth.
The Last King.
Watching. Waiting.