Lara humbly acknowledges Lord Universe before gracefully departing through a portal conjured with a wave of her hand. Returning home, she stands in her room for the first time in years, having been confined to a dungeon by a bewitching curse. As Lara gazes around her room, she finds solace in its comfort compared to the darkness of her previous confinement. Moments later, two maidens enter.
“Forgive me, Princess, I was unaware of your return,” Sasha says, bowing respectfully.
“Yes, Princess, we had no knowledge of your arrival,” adds Tonia, also bowing in reverence to Princess Lara.
Lara is astonished to see that neither maiden looks at her with desire, instead showing genuine respect and deference. A sudden realization dawns on her, recalling the words of Lord Universe. Lost in her thoughts, Sasha and Tonia observe their princess with curiosity, witnessing her genuine happiness and laughter as she thought of her life on Earth.
Lara shifted her focus back to the maidens, still standing before her. “Why do you linger?” she inquired. “My Princess, forgive us, for we struggle to convey that this room was assigned to us by the Queen to reside in, as per King Arthur’s decree that no room remain empty,” explained Tonia.
“That means I shall vacate this room for you, maidens,” Lara declared.
“Oh, no, my Princess, you have returned, and we, your servants, have no right to inhabit your quarters,” protested Tonia. “Indeed, my Princess, permit us to gather our belongings and leave you to your rightful space,” added Sasha.
“You shall occupy this room, for I have no need of it any longer. However, it pleases me that you both reside in the room I was given at birth. Just remove that,” Lara pointed to the door’s label, which read “Our Princess’s Room.”
“Take it down, for this room now belongs to you,” Lara instructed as she exited the room to meet her father, King Arthur, who was unaware of her return from Lord Universe’s glorious presence. Queen Zara sat beside him, eagerly awaiting her daughter’s arrival.
“Greetings, Father. Greetings, Mother,” Lara greeted them. “Greetings, my daughter,” acknowledged King Arthur. “Welcome home, daughter,” Queen Zara said as she rose from her throne to embrace Lara, who reciprocated warmly. “It pleases me that you have returned, and now you shall sit with me for the first time in many years,” Queen Zara exclaimed.
“Yes, Father, I am delighted to stand before you. It has long been my desire to sit by your side and rule alongside you,” Lara expressed.
“Join me, daughter, for your throne has sat empty for many years,” King Arthur invited Lara.
Lara took her place beside her parents, observing the kingdom’s affairs for the first time through the magical monitor. She watched as her father, King Arthur, passed judgment on matters brought before him by the people of Sky City. After a long day at her father’s side, Arthur inquired, “Daughter, you haven’t yet spoken to us about your meeting with Lord Universe.”
“Forgive my delay, Father. I wished to spend this day with you before I depart,” Lara explained.
“Depart?” echoed King Arthur and Queen Zara in shock.
“Yes, Father. I have been summoned to save the realm of Salma from imminent danger in a different universe. I am to bring with me my true love, Collins,” Lara revealed.
“Oh, daughter, why must the Supreme Lord take you away from us just as you have returned?” lamented Queen Zara.
“Mother, it is my destiny, as spoken by Lord Universe, to save Salma before fully joining you in our kingdom,” Lara replied.
“His words are supreme, and we, as your parents, shall not oppose them,” agreed King Arthur. “But when are you to depart from us?”
“I must first return to Earth to meet Collins, my true love, and receive your blessings before departing with him. Lord Universe has bestowed upon him the status of a demigod,” Lara explained.
“Very well, but you must dine with us before returning to Earth. I am sure Collin’s family will be overjoyed to see you once more,” King Arthur insisted. Lara looked at the countenance of her mother and could tell she was please to see her becoming the goddess she is destined to be.
“Mother, I can’t wait for you to meet the man who has broken the curse,” Lara added. “I will bring him home before we depart for Salma.”
“I wait patiently to see this young man my daughter” said Queen Zara.
As evening descended, the maidens busily prepared a sumptuous meal for King Arthur and Queen Zara. They laid out the finest tableware and adorned the royal dining table with fresh flowers, creating an ambiance befitting the joyous occasion of Lara’s return.
King Arthur and Queen Zara, accompanied by Lara, entered the grand dining hall. The room was aglow with candlelight, casting a warm hue over the ornate furnishings. The table was set impeccably, with gleaming silverware and crystal goblets adorning each place setting.
As they took their seats, King Arthur and Queen Zara regaled Lara with tales of the kingdom’s happenings during her absence. They spoke of how they had answered the prayers of their subjects, resolving disputes and bringing prosperity to the land. Despite Lara’s absence, suitors still came seeking her hand, drawn by her beauty and grace.
Amidst the conversation, Queen Zara expressed her concern for Lara’s safety in the alternate universe she was destined to visit. King Arthur assured her that Lara possessed the strength and courage to fulfill her destiny, and they would support her every step of the way.
Lara listened intently, grateful for her parents’ unwavering love and guidance. As they enjoyed the delicious meal prepared by the maidens, they shared laughter and cherished moments, knowing that their bond would endure across realms and beyond.
In the quiet town of Crestwood, Collins Maxwell lived an ordinary life or so he thought. With his sister Jane and parents, Stella and Max, life revolved around mundane routines and ordinary days. But beneath the surface of normalcy, something extraordinary lurked within Collins, waiting to reveal itself. It began subtly, with strange occurrences that Collins couldn’t explain. Objects seemed to move on their own when he was near, and whispers of his name echoed in the wind. At first, he dismissed them as figments of his imagination, but as the incidents multiplied, he couldn’t ignore the undeniable truth they were supernatural. Fear gnawed at Collins as he grappled with the inexplicable events. He feared for his family, for what might happen if they discovered his secret. So, he kept silent, burying his confusion and trepidation deep within.
One evening, as Collins walked home from school, a sensation swept over him a surge of power coursing through his veins. With a single leap, he soared into the air, defying gravity with effortless grace. Panic gripped him as he hovered above the rooftops, his heart pounding in his chest. Flight, his newfound ability left him breathless, bewildered, and utterly perplexed.
Fearing discovery, Collins retreated to the solitude of his room, grappling with the enormity of his newfound power. How could he explain this to Jane, to his parents? How could he even begin to understand it himself?
Days turned into weeks, and Collins struggled to conceal his abilities, his secret weighing heavy on his shoulders. Yet, despite his efforts, his powers continued to manifest, each one more astounding than the last. Speed, strength, flight, the abilities defied comprehension, leaving Collins feeling like a stranger in his own skin. Meanwhile, Jane noticed subtle changes in her brother, his distant gaze, his preoccupation with secrecy. She sensed something amiss but couldn’t fathom the depths of his hidden turmoil. As for Stella and Max, they remained blissfully unaware, their lives untouched by the supernatural forces swirling around them. But secrets have a way of unraveling, and Collins’ carefully constructed façade began to crumble. One fateful afternoon, as he raced to save a child from a speeding car, Jane witnessed the impossible, her brother, moving with superhuman speed, defying the laws of nature. Shock gave way to understanding as Jane confronted Collins, her eyes wide with disbelief. Together, they grappled with the truth, piecing together the fragments of Collins’ shattered reality. In Jane, Collins found an unexpected ally, a confidante to share his burden, to unravel the mysteries of his newfound abilities.
Collins and Jane shared a tense moment on the edge of his bed, knowing it was time to reveal his newfound abilities to their parents.
“I can’t keep this hidden anymore, Jane. Mom and Dad need to know,” Collins asserted, his nerves palpable.
“I agree, Collins. They have a right to know, especially if it’s something dangerous,” Jane concurred, offering her brother a supportive nod.
Gathering his courage, Collins nodded, mentally preparing for the conversation ahead. Together, they approached their parents’ room, finding Max and Stella lost in a tender embrace.
“Hey, you two. What’s going on?” Max greeted them with a warm smile, oblivious to the bombshell awaiting them.
Collins cleared his throat, exchanging a hesitant glance with Jane, before summoning the courage to speak up.
“Mom, Dad, we need to talk to you about something important,” Collins began, his voice laced with seriousness.
Stella and Max turned their attention to their children, sensing the gravity of the moment. “Of course, what’s on your mind?” Stella inquired, her curiosity piqued.
Collins hesitated, grappling with how to broach the subject, but Jane’s encouragement spurred him on. “I’ve discovered that I have… powers,” he confessed, bracing himself for their reaction.
Max and Stella exchanged bewildered looks, struggling to comprehend the revelation. “Powers? What kind of powers, Collins?” Max asked, his tone tinged with disbelief.
Summoning his resolve, Collins detailed his abilities. “I have super strength, flight, and speed. It’s unbelievable, I know, but it’s true,” he explained, his words hanging in the air.
Stella’s brow furrowed in disbelief. “Flight? Are you certain, Collins? Have you tested this?” she queried, her concern evident.
Collins nodded with conviction. “Yes, I’m sure. I can demonstrate,” he asserted, preparing to showcase his abilities.
Closing his eyes, Collins focused, feeling the weightlessness as he levitated off the ground. Max and Stella gasped in astonishment, their disbelief giving way to awe.
Max struggled to find words. “This… it’s incredible,” he muttered, his mind racing to comprehend the implications.
Stella echoed his astonishment. “But… how is this possible?” she murmured, her gaze fixed on Collins with a mixture of wonder and concern.
Collins descended, meeting their gazes with determination. “I don’t have all the answers, but I knew I had to tell you,” he admitted, his voice unwavering.
Max and Stella shared a concerned glance, grappling with the implications of their son’s revelation.
Max finally spoke, his tone grave. “For now, we must keep this between us. No one else can know until we understand what’s happening,” he declared, his words heavy with responsibility.
Stella nodded in agreement. “We’ll seek answers, starting with Lara. But until then, promise us you won’t use your powers recklessly,” she implored, her eyes pleading.
Collins nodded solemnly, understanding the weight of their request. “I promise, Mom, Dad. I won’t take any unnecessary risks,” he vowed, his determination unwavering.
As they embraced, a sense of uncertainty hung in the air, but they knew they would face the challenges ahead together, as a family. As they left the room, Stella turned to Max, her worry evident.
“What’s happening? Could this be connected to the encounter with Lara, the goddess?” she pondered aloud.
Max sighed, troubled. “I’m not sure, especially since I’ve distanced myself from communicating to Lara in prayer. But perhaps it’s worth trying to communicate with her again,” he mused, his mind racing with possibilities.