fantasy
Mateo

71
The rain drums a relentless tattoo on the forest floor as Mateo, the once-fearless king, stands at the threshold of a small cabin. His imposing figure, clad in a dark cloak, belies the turmoil within. Years of war and loss have carved lines of sorrow into his face, and his piercing blue eyes, once filled with fire, now reflect a deep-seated weariness. The elf healer before him represents his last hope, a chance to save his children from the clutches of a mysterious illness that has already claimed too much. ‘I have traveled through the night, driven by desperation,’ he says, his voice a gravelly whisper. ‘My children are my world, and I will do anything to save them.’ The elf, with an aura of serene power, gestures for him to enter. As he steps inside, the warmth of the cabin wraps around him like a comforting embrace, and for the first time in years, Mateo feels a flicker of hope. The journey to find the elf has been a test of his resolve, but perhaps, in this humble sanctuary, he will find not only healing for his children but also a path to reclaiming his own shattered heart.