ULTIMATE WARRIORS

✨ Theodore's POV✨

I suspect most readers are unfamiliar with my identity. Allow me to introduce myself: I am Theodore, the sole son of my mother, Her Majesty Queen Elena, and the cherished child of my father, Lord King Tarsus.

My mother died when I was nine

According to the ancient customs of my kingdom, Arcadia, a king cannot ascend to the throne without a queen by his side. Therefore, my father, Lord King Tarsus, took my mother's younger sister, Aunt Naomi, as his wife, ensuring the continuation of our royal lineage.

The day Aunt Naomi crossed the palace threshold marked the beginning of my descent into despair. Her arrival unleashed a torrent of woes, plunging my life into darkness and misery that surpassed my darkest fears.

My father's unwavering affection and love reassured me, and I didn't give Aunt Naomi's arrival a second thought. His devotion exceeded my wildest expectations, enveloping me in a sense of security.

But little did I know, Aunt Naomi's subtle manipulations would soon disrupt our harmonious relationship, testing the bonds of my father's love.

Everything changed on my 17th birthday, just a week ago. That day marked a turning point in my life.

#Flashback

My father made a get together party which was held in the palace

The grand palace halls were abuzz with nobles, dignitaries, and guests from far and wide. My father, King Tarsus, stood tall, a warm smile on his face as he greeted the arrivals.

I, Theodore, stood by his side, trying to appear confident and charismatic, but my mind was elsewhere. The mysterious letter still lingered in my thoughts.

Aunt Naomi glided effortlessly through the crowd, exchanging laughter and pleasantries. Her eyes sparkled, but I detected a hint of cunning beneath.

As the night wore on, the music and chatter grew louder. I found myself at the edge of the hall, observing the festivities with a mix of disinterest and unease.

Suddenly, a soft voice whispered in my ear:

"Theodore, be cautious. Your aunt's intentions are not pure."

I turned to face the speaker, but they vanished into the crowd before I could see their face.

My heart racing, I scanned the room for Aunt Naomi. She was laughing with my father, her eyes locked on mine for a fleeting moment.

A shiver ran down my spine

Aunt Naomi and my stepbrother, Draco, were present at the high table. My Aunt Lucretia, my father's younger sister, was also in attendance. Everyone was enjoying themselves at the feast, which my father had arranged to coincide with the Full Moon Festival, also celebrating my 17th birthday.

Seated at my father's right-hand side, I felt honored. The atmosphere was filled with happiness and merriment as we drank and shared stories, with some even cracking jokes.

My father, Lord Tarsus, raised his wine glass and stood up, addressing the gathering.

"I suppose everyone knows why we've gathered here today," he began, "but let me remind you. Today marks the third day of the full moon, and we celebrate both this sacred festival and my son's 17th birthday."

He paced within the palace, surveying the room.

"By this time next year, my son will undergo his coronation as the crowned prince and heir to my throne."

The assembly erupted into applause, amazed by the announcement.

My stepmother Naomi's face twisted in anger, her eyes blazing with jealousy.

"Tarsus, what about my son?" she spat, her voice venomous. "What will become of Draco?"

She glared at my father, then stood up, grasping Draco's hand. "Come, son."

Without another word, they stormed out of the hall, heading towards her chambers.

"Naomi! Naomi!" Father called after her, but she didn't turn back.

The night wore on, the party ending as guests departed for their homes. Only Aunt Lucretia remained, sipping strawberry juice in the parlor.

I began to feel an intense headache, signaling my impending transformation. The full moon's pull was irresistible.

I rushed to my room, bolting the door behind me. My body started to shift, uncontrollable forces coursing through my veins.

When I regained awareness, I found myself naked, with shredded clothes scattered around me.

Stepping out of my room, I was met with a horrific sight:

Aunt Lucretia lay lifeless in the parlor, bleeding from a gash on her neck.

I rushed to her side, desperate to save her, but it was too late.

Just then, the palace doors swung open. Guards, my stepmother, and Father entered.

"What have you done?" Father thundered, his voice trembling with rage.

I stood, frozen, my heart heavy with guilt and confusion.

"Nothing, Father! I woke up and saw her lying lifeless," I pleaded, tears welling up in my eyes.

But Father wouldn't listen.

"Seize him!" he ordered.

I was dragged away, locked in the dungeon for six agonizing days.

On the seventh day, I was banished from the kingdom, humiliated in front of the villagers.

Left alone in the forest, I faced the merciless Cannibals.

With an empty stomach and parched throat, I trudged 120 kilometers into the wilderness.

As night fell, I grew desperate.

I needed food, water, and shelter.

Gathering dry wood, I used stones to spark a fire.

The flames danced, warding off wild animals.

Weary, I gathered palm leaves and created a makeshift bed.

Lying down, I gazed up at the stars.

Memories of my late mother flooded my mind.

"I wish she were still alive; this wouldn't have happened," I thought, sorrow overwhelming me.

The darkness closed in, and I succumbed to exhaustion.

I reminisced about the good old days with Mom and Dad in the palace. "Now everything has changed in the blink of an eye," I thought.

Lost in thought, I drifted off to sleep.

The warm sunlight awakened me.

"Oh, it's already morning," I said to myself, struggling to sit up from the palm leaves.

As I raised my head, I heard footsteps approaching.

Peering through the underbrush, I saw a group of twelve men marching toward me.

Some grasped spears, while others held bows.

No expert was needed to identify them – they were cannibals.

I sprang up and sprinted for my life.

The cannibals gave chase, relentless in their pursuit.

I surged forward, desperate to escape their sight.

A spear whizzed past my neck, narrowly missing its mark.

I ran as fast as my legs could carry me.

But luck eluded me this time.

An arrow pierced my back, its pain searing.

I stumbled, yet refused to surrender.

Fighting through agony, I pressed on.

Their footsteps closed in.

Would I escape, or become their next meal?

To be continue...