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Chapter 5.5 : The Past of LUKE STARK
The chamber was silent, filled with an air of unease as Ezra began to speak.
"Your father," he said solemnly, "was the second child of Desser and Ava Stark."
Kyle nodded. "I know."
Ezra's eyes darkened. "What you don't know is that your father had a brother."
Ashley frowned. "Mom never said anything about Dad having a brother."
Paul lifted a hand. "Can you let him talk, please?"
"Sorry," both Kyle and Ashley murmured.
Ezra continued, "Your father had two siblings — Catherine and Harry Stark."
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The Stark Children
Long ago, in the shining palaces of the Ten Realms, laughter echoed through marble halls.
"Come, let's play, big brother Luke!" cried young Catherine as she floated lightly through the gardens.
"Wait for me!" Luke laughed. "You're flying too fast. Why don't you join us, big brother Harry?"
But Harry stood apart, eyes cold and posture proud. "I don't have time for silly games. As the next ruler of the Ten Realms, I must always be serious."
Ava, their mother, smiled softly. "That's my boy… but a king must also have time for his family. Go join them, Harry."
Harry hesitated. "Yes, Mother."
Catherine giggled, touching her mother's belly. "Has he kicked again? Oh, I felt his hand!"
"Don't worry," Ava said warmly. "When I give birth, you'll have someone new to play with."
"Daddy's back!" Catherine shouted suddenly.
Dessers, their father, entered the hall carrying the carcass of a slain bull. "Look what I caught in the Calanthor Realm. It was terrorizing the people there."
Ava smiled, embracing him. "Welcome home, my love."
That evening, after dinner, Dessers gathered his family. "I have something important to announce," he said gravely.
Ezra and Valot were there too, as was an unfamiliar woman — the Usurper.
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The Cosmos' Decision
Ezra's expression hardened. "Why is the usurper here? Wherever she goes, trouble follows."
The woman smirked. "Good evening. I will proceed to the main issue." Her eyes glowed faintly. "Catherine Stark — the Cosmos Beings have approved you as the next King of Creations."
A hush fell over the room.
Young Harry's face twisted in disbelief. "No… impossible! That's my right! My throne, my crown! I am the firstborn!"
"Silence!" Dessers thundered. "The title of King of Creations is not about birthright."
Catherine shook her head. "I refuse. I want to build my own path, not rule realms."
The usurper frowned. "Then we will force you."
Dessers glared. "You may be a cosmos being, but do not touch my family."
"Very well," she said coldly. "Then it will be between Harry and Luke. The Cosmos Beings will judge in three months. You will be tested — even with life and death decisions."
Luke trembled. "I don't want to hurt anyone."
Harry smiled thinly. "It's fine, brother. A little rivalry makes us stronger."
But as the meeting ended, anger boiled inside him. "You planned to give my sister the throne?" Harry muttered. "Aren't you ashamed, Father?" He stormed out before anyone could stop him.
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The Whisper of Ether
That night, as the castle slept, a soft song echoed through the air.
🎵 "Harry, Harry, don't you cry. Ether is here to grant your wish…" 🎵
Harry jolted awake. "Who's there?"
A voice whispered in his mind. "Me? I'm in your head, little Harry."
"In my head? What are you?"
"I am what you call… your negative thoughts. In regular people, I remain silent — but to Creations, I speak. You called me, little one."
"I didn't call anyone!"
"Oh, but you did — through your hatred."
Harry swallowed hard. "Who are you?"
"I am Ether. I can grant you power greater than any Creation before — even Raymond or Ethan Stark."
Harry's eyes widened. "No one surpasses Raymond James Stark!"
"With me," Ether murmured, "you can surpass them all. Just say the word."
And Harry whispered, trembling, "I have been waiting for someone like you."
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The Night of Harry Songs
Dessers woke abruptly, sensing something dark. "Honey… Harry is in trouble."
Moments later, the castle alarm blared.
Young Harry stood in the courtyard, red energy seething around him. "Rise and shine, foolish family."
"Harry!" Catherine screamed. "Your body—it's glowing red!"
"Son," Dessers shouted, "let go of the negative element before it consumes you!"
"Shut up, old man! With this power, I can bury you in the ocean!"
Ava stepped forward. "Please, listen to me—"
But it was too late. A burst of crimson light erupted. Ava screamed, her body torn apart.
"Mom!" Catherine cried, running to her.
Harry's eyes widened in horror. "I didn't mean to! I—if only Father had stayed silent!"
Luke's voice trembled with fury. "Don't blame him! You're just greedy! All you ever wanted was power!"
Dessers cradled his dying wife. "Stay with me, my love… Ezra! Valot!"
They arrived moments too late.
Ezra's voice was heavy. "I can save only one — your wife or the unborn child. Choose."
Dessers froze. "I… I can't…"
Ava whispered faintly, "Forgive him, Dess… he's your son. Please… forgive him."
Her voice faded. Both she and the child were gone.
Dessers screamed into the night.
Catherine turned to Harry, tears burning her cheeks. "It's all your fault! I will never forgive you!"
"Try me," Harry hissed. "You think you can stop me?"
"Elemental Release — Universal Control!"
Harry dodged narrowly. "Impressive. No wonder the cosmos witch favored you."
Catherine's eyes glowed. "Elemental Release — My Will!" Sharp spikes of light shot toward Harry, piercing his flesh.
He laughed through the pain. "You destroyed half my body! Amazing… but not enough."
"Then die, brother," she whispered. "Elemental Release — Solo Destruction!"
The air trembled.
Harry screamed. "Ether—help me!"
Ether's voice returned, cold and delighted. "You called me, little Harry."
Darkness surged. Harry's body shifted, his eyes turning pitch-black.
"Now," Ether whispered, merging with him, "we are one."
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TO BE CONTINUED...
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