Chapter 50 Chapter 50. Rare Moments
The soft glow of the stage added to the serenity of the event. Spasio University is not globally competitive.
So when Hyaza Lon, a world-famous fantasy writer, announced that she will be doing her book signing at Spasio University where she herself graduated, the writing department of the university was in an uproar.
Professors cancelled classes and required their students to attend the book launching, Klishei being one of them. The blonde author smiled all the time that she was talking on the stage.
The event began with Hyaza sharing her journey, the inspiration behind her book, and her hopes for her readers. Klishei listened intently, taking notes of her tips.
“Now, I am opening the floor for questions,” Hyaza said, stepping out of the podium and walking down towards the audience. “By the way, you’re free to speculate, especially that I wrote Starcrux with the intention of giving it a mysterious ending.”
Hands shot up. A freshman lady on the front row was chosen. “Ms. Lon, may I ask if you really intended the death of Gade, one of your supporting characters?”
Hyaza’s lips curved upward. “Hmm, interesting. What made you ask that question?”
“Well, it’s just that… His death was unexpected.” The freshman twirled her hair, suddenly conscious of herself. “I understand that in your story, someone had to be sacrificed for the war to end but a lot of us were thinking that his death didn’t really do much? Although the battle did stop, it was only temporary. Forgive me for assuming but if it was Willian who died, it was to be expected because he was the prince and the war would have forever been stopped according to the prophecy.”
Starcrux features a mix of historical fantasy set in an alternate Earth torn by ancient conflicts with the Starlites, a species that descended from the stars. Centuries ago, the humans lost in the war in the taking of the starcrux, a powerful gem that held the balance of Earth. Because of their loss, the humans were forced to work under the Starlites as the starcrux represented the life force of the Earth. If the humans rebelled, the Starlites would cover the gem and the planet would be plagued with pestilences. The Starlites were safe because they could just retreat to the stars.
Willian, the brave prince, formed a group that successfully penetrated the hideout of the Starlites . He was the fulfillment of the prophecy that someone would be able to save humanity. However, the prophecy also mentioned a sacrifice. The starcrux always required a life to be offered in exchange for it to recognize who its masters were.
When Klishei read it, she was also expecting that ultimately, it would be Willian who would have to make the sacrifice. That’s why she was also baffled when it was Gade, the guard of the prince, who made the sacrifice. And just like what the freshman pointed out, the Starlites were only forced to return back to the stars but they were not wiped out, contrary to the promise of the prophecy. The ending was a mysterious one. That’s where fans got the impression that maybe because it was the wrong sacrifice.
“As to my intention of Gade’s death, yes, that was my plan from the very start. However, as to whether he was the correct sacrifice or not, I will leave that to your imagination.” Hyaza was known for speculative endings. It was what fans were always looking forward to. Readers would dissect her story and compare notes with others online, creating a global community.
Klishei aimed to be that kind of writer. Although she was not seeing herself as a novel writer, she wanted Hyaza’s way of connecting to the people.
“I can’t wait to share this with Yeseus,” she whispered to herself.
Then, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived–the book signing. As Klishei stood in line, she clutched her copy tightly to her chest, feeling her heart fluttering in anticipation as she got closer to Hyaza.
When it was her turn, the author greeted her kindly, her blue eyes stunning Klishei. Klishei felt a rush of joy as she held out her copy of Starcrux.
“Ms. Lon, I believe Gade’s role was just proper and that the prophecy was fulfilled perfectly,” she blurted out. “Gade was not the sacrifice. It was Willian.”
The author looked at her, surprised. Then, she motioned for Klishei to bend and whispered, “Why did you say so?”
Klishei instinctively lowered her voice. “The prophecy talked about a man with royal blood who would be the ultimate sacrifice. The prophecy did not specify that the sacrifice would be death. Therefore, Willian fulfilled that when he gave up his status as the next king to save the people. He lost an arm, a leg, and an eye in the last war, automatically making him unfit to be king.” Her confidence increased with every word.
“But how about the fact that the Starlites were not erased? That was part of the prophecy,” Hyaza asserted.
“That’s because Earth has not yet been completely saved. The part of the sacrifice was not yet finished. Willian still has to use the power of the Starcrux. I believe during the reading of the ancient book, it was mentioned that the gem had to be ‘wielded’ because it was essentially a weapon. That’s why I was also surprised that the story ended without any mention of what happened to the starcrux. By chance, is there a second book?”
Slowly, Hyaza extended her arms towards Klishei. When they hugged, the author whispered in Klishei's ears. “Bingo, my darling.”
Klishei could not contain her happiness and she giggled. They took a photo and the smile on Klishei’s face did not fade even until she reached her house.
“What’s with the sparkle in your eyes?” Yeseus asked. He was cooking dinner. Klishei told him what happened that day. She did not stop talking until dinner was already placed at the table.
Yeseus chuckled. “Okay, I get it, genius. You can continue bragging after we eat. Your voice is already parched.”
Eating dinner normally for how many nights straight felt weird because just a week ago, they had just stopped an invasion of an undead army.
“Klishei?” Yeseus asked, noticing the drop in her mood.
“It’s nothing. I’m just glad that no weird things seem to have happened lately.” She nibbled on the last piece of meat. “I hope things stay like this. Forever.”
The silence made Klishei regret that she spoke. “Sorry, I spoiled the mood.”
Yeseus stretched his long arm towards her head and gave her a soft pat. “You don’t know how much I’m worrying every time that you go to the university. I want to accompany you but I’m afraid that my presence will be more dangerous to you. My fear is that there are still other surviving Entities. At least when we’re together here at night, I can protect you confidently with the help of the moon.”
Yeseus stopped. “Ah, dang. Now I have worsened the mood.” He pulled the sniffling Klishei into a hug. “Don’t worry. I will protect you forever, Klishei.”