> In a world painted with light and joy, despair always lingers in the shadows.
From that despair, kings of evil are born.
Arkin walks a tragic road where no hand reaches for him — only darkness welcomes his soul.
As he surrenders to rage and grief, one question remains:
Will he rise as a lord of evil… or be devoured by the abyss within?
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Author's Note:
Hey everyone! It's your boy Arkin, a dark-fantasy lover writing from the heart. ❤️
This is my original story — if something feels similar elsewhere, let me know!
I hope you enjoy this journey through light and despair. 🌙
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Chapter 5: Erin and Arkin — Fate of Despair
A few days passed, the sun still shining brightly over the beautiful city of Elandor.
The streets were alive — merchants shouting joyfully, children laughing, and the scent of fresh bread floating through the air. Everything seemed peaceful, yet fate was quietly weaving a cruel thread in the background — a fate of despair waiting for our heroes, Erin and his companion Arkin.
After returning from the expedition, Erin and his friends tried to settle back into their normal lives. But peace was an illusion. The haunting memories of what they had seen in the woods followed them everywhere. The image of Arkin's broken body, his lifeless eyes, returned every night in Erin's dreams.
Despair clung to him like a shadow. Day by day, it hollowed him out. Erin began skipping meals, avoiding training, and even missing the academy. His once bright eyes now looked dull and distant, and his family began to worry deeply.
One evening, as the sun set and the orange glow filled their small home, Erin's father quietly approached. He sat beside his son, who was staring blankly at the floor.
> "Hey, Erin," his father said softly. "You haven't been yourself lately. If something's bothering you, talk to me. Whatever it is, I'll listen. You're not alone, my son."
Hearing those words, Erin's eyes filled with tears. He tried to hold them back, but the pain was too much. He broke down and hugged his father tightly, trembling as if holding onto the last piece of comfort left in the world.
Through broken sobs, Erin told him everything — about the expedition, the horrors they faced, the fate of Arkin, and the despair that followed them home. His father listened quietly, his expression unreadable, his hands resting gently on Erin's shoulders.
When Erin finally finished, his father embraced him again and said firmly,
> "Erin, this world is cruel. You will face much worse than this, but that doesn't mean you are weak. What happened… it was fate. You can't carry that guilt forever. Instead, grow stronger — stronger than anyone. Work hard, and become someone who can protect others from the same despair.
Losing someone hurts, but remember this — every defeat teaches you something. The goddess's blessing still watches over him. He will find peace. And you… you must not give up. We are always here for you."
Erin's heart eased slightly as his father's words sank in. He wiped his tears and managed a faint smile.
> "Father… I think I just need some rest. Thank you for everything."
His father nodded, smiling warmly.
> "Take your time, son. We're here when you need us."
The next few days passed quietly. Erin began to recover — little by little. He resumed training, went back to the academy, and worked harder than ever before. Though the memories still haunted him, he no longer ran from them. Instead, he used the pain as strength.
Despair tried to consume him, but Erin stood firm. The light in his eyes slowly returned.
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Meanwhile… far beyond the mortal world…
A faint light flickered in a place between life and death. Arkin's eyes slowly opened. Everything around him was hazy — soft golden light, floating petals, and a strange warmth in the air.
> "Where… am I?" he whispered. "The last thing I remember was darkness… a fall… pain…"
As his vision cleared, Arkin saw something breathtaking. A massive castle of gold and marble, glowing under a sky that shone brighter than any sun. The air itself shimmered with divine energy.
> "What is this place? Is this… heaven?"
He walked forward, his bare feet brushing against soft, glowing grass. The gates of the castle opened with a gentle hum, as if welcoming him. Inside was a garden — flowers of every color imaginable, streams of light flowing like rivers, and at its center sat a woman so beautiful he could hardly breathe.
Long golden hair cascaded over her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled like twin stars. She sat calmly, sipping from a crystal cup.
Arkin stepped closer, his heart trembling.
> "Are you… the Goddess Syrial?"
The woman turned slowly, her gaze piercing through him. But instead of kindness, her eyes were filled with disgust.
> "Who are you?" she said coldly. "Who allowed a mortal to enter my sacred realm?"
Arkin froze. "I… I died. I thought this was—"
Before he could finish, she stood and raised her hand. Guards in shining armor appeared instantly, surrounding him.
> "How dare you step into my chamber, filth of the earth!" she spat. "Remove this creature at once."
Arkin's heart shattered. Her words sliced through him like blades. "Filth…?" he whispered. "I fought for your blessing… I prayed to you every day…"
But the goddess only looked away, her expression filled with contempt. The guards struck him to the ground.
> "Stay where you belong, mortal," one of them said harshly.
Pain coursed through his body. Rage flared within him. He clenched his fists, trembling.
> "Why… why would the goddess of light treat me this way?" he cried. "Was all my suffering for nothing?!"
Arkin lunged in anger, but the guards easily overpowered him. The goddess lifted her hand once more. A massive surge of divine energy surrounded Arkin.
> "Begone from my sight!" she commanded.
The force hit him like a storm. Arkin's body was thrown far beyond the golden gates, through endless clouds and light. He screamed as he fell, his soul consumed by anguish.
Despair tightened around his heart like chains. All hope vanished.
> "Is this… truly the goddess we prayed to?" he whispered as darkness began to swallow him. "Then what… was it all for?"
His voice faded. His soul drifted between heaven and earth — lost, broken, and consumed by vengeance.
Within the silence, despair began to twist into something darker. His sorrow turned to fury, his faith to hatred. The light around him flickered, replaced by shadows that whispered to him — "Rise again…"
Arkin's eyes closed as his body fell deeper into the void, his heart filled with nothing but anger and despair.
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What awaits him beyond this fall?
Will Arkin rise again… or be forever consumed by the darkness?
Find out in the next chapter.
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Author: "IT'S ME ARKIN."
Creation is hard! Motivate me with your votes 💪
Your boy Arkin signing out — show me you're worthy of reading this! See you in the next chapter 😎🔥
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