Dawn slowly crept in, and Castian, lying in his bed, couldn’t sleep. The silence of the night was interrupted only by the soft sound of the wind blowing through the slightly open windows. However, within him, a true turmoil was unfolding. The entity that now inhabited his mind whispered, a constant presence he could not ignore.
“Castian...” the voice resonated in his mind, grave and firm. “How much longer will you hide the truth from your parents? You know this is inevitable.”
Castian furrowed his brow, turning in bed as if he could escape the thoughts haunting him. He knew that eventually, he would have to talk to Mei and Cheng, but the fear of the unknown held him back.
“They wouldn’t understand,” he whispered in response. “They couldn’t comprehend what’s happening to me. How can I tell them something like this without frightening them?”
The entity fell silent for a moment but soon resumed with a calm, almost persuasive voice. “You underestimate their love, Castian. Your mother and father love you more than anything in this world. They have always wanted what is best for you, and knowing the truth won’t change that. You don’t need to fear their judgment.”
Castian sighed, feeling the weight of the truth in the entity’s words. There was a part of him that knew hiding this was a ticking time bomb. But at the same time, admitting that a powerful and unknown entity was now part of his existence... that could be too much for them.
“Believe me, Castian,” the entity insisted, its voice soft and enveloping. “You are in control. They will see that. They will see you are still the same son as before. The bond that unites you is stronger than any supernatural power.”
“You speak as if you know what it’s like to have a family,” Castian retorted, a touch of irony in his voice.
The entity fell silent for a moment, as if reflecting on Castian’s words. “I may not have had a family like yours, but I understand the bonds that connect people. And the fear you feel now, Castian, should not define your actions. Your mother and father deserve the truth. The longer you delay, the harder it will be.”
Castian stared at the ceiling, his eyes glazed as he processed what he had just heard. Part of him was reluctant to accept that the entity was right. But deep down, he knew he needed to be honest. He couldn’t carry that secret alone for much longer.
“Maybe you’re right...” he murmured, feeling exhausted. “I will talk to them... tomorrow.”
The entity remained silent, as if it knew its words had been heard. Castian closed his eyes, trying to calm his mind. The decision had been made, and the weight of the next day awaited him.
***
The next morning, the sun gently rose on the horizon, casting its first golden rays over the village. Castian woke up with light streaming through the window, his heart beating a little faster than normal. The thought of the conversation he would have with his parents made him anxious, but he knew he couldn’t turn back now.
He descended the stairs and found Mei in the kitchen, preparing breakfast. The smell of freshly baked bread and herbal tea filled the air, bringing a momentary sense of comfort. Mei smiled upon seeing her son, but her expression soon turned worried when she noticed his serious demeanor.
“Good morning, my dear,” she said softly as she placed the kettle on the stove. “Did you sleep well?”
“Not much, Mom,” Castian admitted, trying to find the words for what would come next. “Actually, I need to talk to you about something... something important.”
Mei stopped what she was doing, turning all her attention to her son. Her maternal instinct knew something was wrong. She pulled out a chair and sat at the table, gesturing for him to sit next to her.
“Of course, son. What’s going on?”
Castian took a deep breath, feeling the pressure in his chest grow. He looked into his mother’s gentle eyes, seeking the courage to speak. The entity was quiet in his mind, as if it knew this was a moment Castian needed to face alone.
“Do you remember the trip we took to the cave with Shen?” he began, his voice hesitant. “Well, we found something there... something I didn’t expect. An... entity, an ancient spirit, was sealed inside.”
Mei frowned, worried, but did not interrupt, allowing Castian to continue.
“It all happened very quickly,” he explained, his heart racing. “The entity... it bonded with me. Now, it’s here, inside me, as if it’s part of me. I can hear it, feel its presence.”
Mei’s eyes widened, and she brought a hand to her mouth, trying to process what her son was saying. There was a mix of shock and concern on her face, but she remained silent, letting him finish.
“I know this sounds scary,” Castian continued quickly, trying to calm her. “But, Mom, I’m in control. Don’t worry; I won’t let it take over me. That’s why I’m telling you this now, because I trust you. And I need you to trust me too.”
Mei blinked, trying to find the right words to respond. Her heart raced, but she knew her son wouldn’t lie about something so serious. There was fear in her heart, yes, but there was also love and trust in the son she had raised.
“Castian...” she began, her voice trembling. “I... don’t know what to say. This is... it’s a lot to process.” She took a deep breath, looking into his eyes. “Are you... sure you’re in control? And this... entity, is it dangerous?”
“Yes, I’m in control,” Castian affirmed, with more confidence this time. “The entity is there, but it has no power over me. I keep it in check. And for now, everything is fine.”
Mei remained silent for a moment, her eyes fixed on her son’s face, searching for signs of who he was. Finally, she sighed and leaned in, holding Castian’s hand firmly.
“I trust you, my dear.” Her voice was soft but determined. “I know you wouldn’t do anything to put your family in danger. If you say you’re in control, then I believe you.”
Castian felt a wave of relief wash over him. His mother’s acceptance was something he had feared he wouldn’t achieve, but her words brought a calm he hadn’t expected.
“Thank you, Mom,” he whispered, squeezing her hand in return. “I promise I’ll be okay. I just need you to trust me through this process.”
“We’ll face this together, Castian,” Mei said, the maternal love shining in her eyes. “You are our son. And no matter what happens, we will always be by your side.”
Castian smiled, a small flame of hope growing within him. The entity remained silent, as if it too knew this was a moment of triumph for the young warrior.
As the day progressed, Castian felt lighter. The first part of his journey—the one of accepting the entity’s presence and telling the truth to his mother—was complete. There were still many challenges ahead, but he knew that with the support of his family and friends, he could face them with courage.
And though the entity was an ancient and mysterious power, Castian was not alone. Mei had told him what he needed to hear: that love and trust were stronger than any darkness.