Kalai's Point of View
Kalai – Tell me… who is trying to bring Annora back?
Sylas sits restrained, yet eerily calm.
Sylas – All of them. Hydrangea. Leonor. Leonora…
Kalai – They all died thousands of years ago.
Sylas – You pretend to be blind. But soon you'll see. The eyes of the world will open.
He lowers his head and begins whispering over and over:
"What Plexvey began, what Farahlin finished…
What Plexvey began, what Farahlin finished…"
Kalai rises and leaves the interrogation room, circling around to observe through the reinforced glass. Sylas continues, unbroken:
"What Plexvey began, what Farahlin finished…"
A tall, imposing man steps beside Kalai.
Man – Do you know what that means?
Kalai – He's still too evasive. Hard to distinguish what's truth from madness.
Man – "What Plexvey began and Farahlin finished?"
Kalai – You've started saying it too? Seems contagious.
The man chuckles.
Man – No. That was a question.
Kalai exhales.
Kalai – Plexvey began something… and Farahlin ended it. Perhaps an incomplete ritual?
The man's expression softens.
Man – Farahlin… I miss her. Her smile used to light this entire place.
Kalai – I wish I'd known her.
Man – I believe she would've liked to know you.
In fact… I think she would've liked your daughter even more.
Kalai blinks.
Kalai – Really? Why?
Man – I see the same spark in Alicia's eyes. The same energy radiating from her. They're different, yes—but the similarities are undeniable.
Kalai hesitates.
Kalai – Could that be Annora's influence?
Man – Absolutely not. That energy isn't miasma. It's not intoxicating. It's… pure.
Kalai turns back to the glass.
Kalai – Then maybe that's it.
Man – What is?
Kalai – What Plexvey began and Farahlin finished.
Man – Say it clearly.
Kalai nods.
Kalai – Plexvey ignited the clan rebellion that nearly led to the Second War Between Kingdoms.
Farahlin ended it when she sealed Plexvey—and sacrificed herself to break Annora's cycle of resurrection.
The man grows serious.
Man – And what does that imply?
Kalai – Either they're trying to break the first seal and free Plexvey…
or they're attempting to replicate his actions and start another war.
Suddenly, Sylas hurls himself against the glass.
Sylas – You're so naïve! The door has already been opened! Plexvey has already begun working! Hahahaha! You're fools! FOOLS!
Kalai presses a button. Guards rush in.
Kalai – Take him to Prime Cell.
Guards – Yes, sir.
They drag Sylas away, still laughing.
Kalai remains still.
Kalai – And now? What do we do?
The man's voice is steady.
Man – We prepare for war.
---
Author's Reflection
Hello.
I'm João Victor Harlequin, writer and creator of the universe of O Caminho. I hope you enjoyed this spin-off.
I devoted two full years to writing this story, striving to build something unique. Though this is the first published book within O Caminho, I've been writing tales in this universe for nearly seven years.
Thank you—truly—for walking this far with me. And know this: the journey of Alicia, Violet, Maya (Amaya), Gregor, Khawlah, Mandy (Amanda), and Albert does not end here. This story was written to clarify essential threads before the official immersion into the universe of O Caminho. I hope you love this journey as much as—or even more than—I do.
One character in particular was created in honor of a very close friend who sadly lost her battle with depression. She loved repeating a phrase immortalized in the song Na Semana que Vem by Pitty, words that also echoed through Violet in Chapter 25:
"Always say what needs to be said.
Risk more, so you don't live with regret."
With this dedication, I honor her memory and carry forward the message she believed in so deeply.
Thank you for following O Caminho.
We will meet again soon.
---
A Boy's Point of View
A man grabs a boy by the collar, shouting.
Man – I don't care, kid! How are you going to pay for the boss's car?!
Boy – I didn't mean to! It was an accident!
Another man squints at him.
Man 2 – Look! He's wearing a KeySand's uniform. Must be one of those spoiled rich brats!
Man – Oh? So you've got money? Time to pay up.
Boy – I'm on scholarship! I have nothing! I… I live on the other side of the bridge!
The man scoffs.
Man – Yeah, right. Nobody from that side gets opportunities like that. Either you stole that uniform or you're lying. Doesn't matter. I want money.
Or you'll pay with your life.
The boy clenches his fist.
A blinding light erupts—forcing the men to shield their eyes.
When their vision clears…
The boy is gone.
[Alícia and her friends will return…]