Prologue

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The rainfall was relentless over the lush landscapes of the planet Elysium, a celestial symphony of nature’s weeping under the gaze of the three diamond moons. These moons, ever watchful, shone past the Jonquil colored world below and through the dark clouds, casting a silvery glow on a lone mother. This lone mother known as Nanaya trudged determinedly through this downpour, her bare footsteps leaving a trail through the sodden soil.

Clutched tightly in her arms was her son, Omari, barely two days old, yet already a harbinger of change. He lay nestled against Nanaya’s chest, his tiny form shielded from the elements by the warmth of his mother’s embrace. With each step, Nanaya drew closer to her destination — the High Temple of Anu.

The temple, dedicated to Anu, the god of the sky and king of the gods on Elysium, stood majestic and imposing. Nanaya breathed a sigh of relief as she eyed the towering spires that reached toward the heavens and the grand doors carved with celestial symbols that guarded its sacred interior. With determination, Nanaya entered the High Temple. Inside, the air is thick with the rich scent of cinnamon, mingling with the soft murmur of prayers echoing through the hallowed halls. The priests, draped in their flowing white robes, turned their gazes upon her — some with curiosity, others with disdain.

High Priestess Iisha steps forward, her eyes narrowing upon Nanaya. “What is this?” she demands, her voice a sharp reprimand. “A commoner, soaked and bedraggled, dares to disturb the sanctity of the temple at this time of night? Come back in the morning.”

Unflinchingly, Nanaya met Iisha’s gaze. “I come seeking the truth of my son’s birth. He is the child of Anu. The king of the gods came to me in a dream nine months ago. I reported it to Queen Ereshkigal.”

A ripple of shock passed through the gathered priests, yet Iisha’s skepticism remained unchanged. She laughed with a snort, “You wash our garments, correct? You know the penalty for disturbing the Priests and I’d hate to discover what you had to go without because of the extra tithes you’ll pay during next week’s service. Go on, girl. This is your last opportunity.”

Nanaya sneered, her resolve unwavering as she kissed Omari’s forehead. “My son will receive his birthright just as your daughter will.”

At the mention of her newborn, Iisha stepped into Nanaya’s face. “My daughter, Kyrah, was born two days ago of the goddess Kishar. The goddess answered my prayer exclusively. What proof do you bring of your child’s divine parentage?”

In response, Nanaya gently pulled back the cloth around Omari’s face, revealing eyes of mesmerizing labradorite. The boy’s flickering with hues of blue, green, yellow, orange, red, and gold. A collective gasp echoes through the chamber, drawing the attention of all present. From the inner sanctum of the temple, the Queen of Elysium, Ereshkigal, emerged. Her presence silenced the room. 

With the strength of conviction in her heart, Nanaya spoke up. “He possesses the eyes of Anu. I ask for Ereshkigal’s judgment.”

Iisha’s lips thinned, poised to respond, but before she could, the authoritative voice of the Queen filled the temple. “Enough! Let the boy be brought forth.”

Ereshkigal’s gaze swept over the assembly, settling on Omari. “Bring the child to me.”

Nanaya’s heart pounded as she approached the queen, a silent prayer on her lips. Ereshkigal extended her arms, and with reverence, Nanaya placed Omari into them. The Queen studied him thoughtfully. After a few moments, her expression softened into a reverent smile.

“He is indeed touched by the divine. Anu’s spirit resides within him,” Ereshkigal declared, returning Omari to Nanaya. “Raise him with love, Nanaya.”

Bowing slowly, Nanaya turned to leave, but Ereshkigal’s voice stopped her. “Where are you going, girl?”

Confused, Nanaya turned back. “With all due respect, my Queen, I received what I came for.”

Ereshkigal’s tone was gentle yet firm. “Your child’s destiny is intertwined with the fate of Elysium.” Murmurs of objection sweep through the temple, but Ereshkigal’s authority is unyielding. “You and your son will remain here tonight, and he will receive his blessings in the morning. Iisha, take a few Priests and get a room ready.”

High Priestess Iisha was the only one with the courage to protest. “She’s going to stay in the High Temple — a commoner?”

Ereshkigal’s gaze was steely. “Do you have an issue with this?”

Iisha hesitated. “Tomorrow was supposed to be Kyrah’s day of blessings.”

Ereshkigal’s response was final. “I doubt that Kishar will be offended that her heir shares its day with Anu’s.”

Silenced by the finality of Ereshkigal’s decree, High Priestess Iisha bowed, retreating with a nasty look cast at Nanaya.

Nanaya bows before Ereshkigal, gratitude in her heart. “Thank you, my Queen.”

As the temple settled into its quietude, Nanaya stood resolute. Her journey with Omari was just beginning. …Under the watchful eyes of the gods.