The chamber fell into complete silence.
No one dared to speak after hearing the mysterious voice.
The Dragon King slowly stepped forward, his eyes fixed on the Ancient Door.
“For thousands of years,” he whispered, “our ancestors waited for this moment.”
Kadosh looked at his father.
“Father…
what is happening?”
Before the Dragon King could answer, the glowing symbols on the Ancient Door began to spin.
A loud rumbling sound echoed throughout the palace.
The stone floor shook violently.
Suddenly…
A narrow line of golden light appeared in the center of the door.
The Ancient Door was opening.
Everyone watched in astonishment.
Slowly…
Very slowly…
The heavy stone door opened just enough to reveal a blinding white light beyond it.
A powerful wind rushed out of the opening.
The guards covered their faces.
Queen Amanda held onto Angelina and Prince Zuki.
The Dragon King struggled to remain standing.
Only Kadosh stood firm.
The light seemed to be calling him.
“Kadosh…” a gentle voice echoed from beyond the gate.
“Did you hear that?” Amanda asked.
“Hear what?” the Dragon King replied.
“Kadosh…” the voice came again.
Kadosh realized something.
“They can’t hear it…”
The voice was speaking only to him.
“Come.”
His heartbeat quickened.
“I don’t know who you are,” Kadosh said cautiously, “but why are you calling me?”
“Because your journey begins today.”
The Dragon King noticed Kadosh speaking to the light.
“Son…
who are you talking to?”
“Someone is calling my name.”
“We hear nothing,” the king answered.
The mysterious voice continued.
“Do not be afraid.”
“You were chosen long before you were born.”
Kadosh took one careful step toward the opening.
Immediately, the chamber filled with brilliant golden light.
The Greek inscriptions on the Ancient Door began to glow brighter than ever before.
The Dragon King reached out.
But an invisible force stopped him.
He could not move another step.
Queen Amanda tried to run forward.
She was stopped by the same unseen power.
Even the royal guards were unable to approach.
Only Kadosh could move.
The voice spoke once more.
“Only the chosen heir may cross the Gate.”
Kadosh looked back at his family.
His father’s eyes were filled with concern.
Amanda struggled to hold back her tears.
Angelina stepped forward, holding Prince Zuki close.
She smiled gently despite the fear in her heart.
“Go,” she said softly.
“If Heaven has called you…
then don’t be afraid.”
Prince Zuki looked at his father.
“Will you come back?”
Kadosh knelt and embraced his son.
“I promise.”
He stood, looked at his family one last time, and faced the Ancient Door.
Taking a deep breath, he stepped through the brilliant light.
The moment he disappeared…
The Ancient Door closed with a thunderous roar.
The entire palace became silent.