The Zelut's Awakening

My parents were devoted Muslims, who were from Thesuba, a country that is a force to be reckoned with. A place where both men and women, or it's citizens entirely where supernaturally powerful, spiritual and dedicated to the almighty Allah. 

It all started when I was in Saudi Arabia, before my parents told me to migrate to Thesuba, my homeland. Or should I say, my fatherland. I really couldn't recall what I did wrong or right to deserve the migration. But what I could spot, was the concern on their faces, like I was some kind of a hero, or a merchandise to be sold off.

They couldn't stop staring at me, even I could sense the expectations they had for me from their looks. What do I care? As a kid, I should be expected to be less productive. Doing the chores, going to school, and getting good grades was my aim in life at the time.

Most importantly, I knew we were going to Thesuba together, as a family. Instead of them to be happy, they looked pale and frustrated.

It's totally normal, I felt they were nervous cause they thought a lot would've changed and they probably haven't seen their own parents for years since they eloped.

My joy knew no bounds as we stepped into the airport. Again, my parents stared at me with an extreme grudge, my father looked quite disappointed and expectant at the same time, his eyes were fiery red like someone who had jaundice. My mum on the other hand, looked radiant and resilient, she looked so proud, even if I wasn't that good in my studies. I wondered what she was proud of.

Right there, on the plane, they both told me they'll be back to get me, I didn't understand what they meant, the plane was about to take off, that was certainly not the right time to leave her purse or forget something else at home. Maybe she wanted to pee, and dad escorted her to the toilet. But "get me," didn't sound like something that was going to happen soon. 

To clear my doubts, I removed the tight seat belts and rushed to the entrance, the plane was already taking off and my hope was that they were both in the toilet. But they weren't. The people in the plane weren't even bothered seeing a stressed kid running around, perhaps I was worrying for no reason.

Suddenly, someone approached me, dressed in a white jellabiya with diamonds laced all over. "Assalamu alaikum, my dear, my name is Khalid Al- Thesubi."

He tried to touch me, but he was unsure if I'd be conformable, so he hesitated.

"Thesubi? That's a funny name, mister." I remarked.

"Now don't be a clown, I'm a proud Thesubi, you should be too." He replied.

"So, Khalid sir! Why are you here?" I asked.

"I'm your new husband, didn't your mum tell you about me, Sarina?"

"Ugh, husband?" I muttered. "But I'm not even up to eighteen. I don't want to get married, I want to see my mum! I want to see my mum!"

"Calm down." He replied. "I'm just joking."

His eyes, I could sense something. I didn't know how, but I could tell he was lying.

"If you knew how grown you are, you won't be saying this. I know you're sixteen physically, but you're overly aged in the spirits. You will be mine..."

"What did you say?" I snapped.

"Nothing, nothing. Your parents are on their way, they will arrive at Thesuba as well. You should get some rest now, do you need anything?"

"Nothing," I replied, excited to hear my parents are coming. "Will they take another plane?"

"Yes, they will. Do you need anything else, my love?"

My love? Who does he think he's joking?

"I'll pretend I didn't hear that." I hissed, putting on the seat belts. Everything about Khalid seemed awkward, I felt there was something he wasn't telling me. I couldn't rest easy knowing that much about him.

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As I drifted off to sleep, I couldn't shake off the feeling that something was off. Khalid's words kept uttering in my mind: "You will be mine..." I tried to convince myself that he was just joking, but the tone of his voice and the glint in his eye told a different story.

I woke up to the sound of the plane landing. As I looked out the window, I saw the vast expanse of Atasran, the capital of Thesuba, unfolding before my eyes. The airport was smaller than I expected, with only a handful of planes on the tarmac.

Khalid helped me gather my belongings, and we walked out of the plane together. The dry air hit me like a slap in the face, and I felt a sudden, thirst.

Walking towards the airport terminal, I saw a group of people waiting for us. They were all dressed in traditional Thesuban attire, (Jellabiya with diamonds), and they looked like they had been waiting for a long time.

Khalid led me towards the group, and they parted to reveal a woman with a kind face and beautiful green eyes. When she smiled at me, I felt a sense of comfort.

"Assalamu alaikum, my dear," she said, opening her arms to me. "Welcome to Thesuba. I am your aunt, Fatima."

I hugged her tightly, it felt as though, relief washed over me. Maybe, just maybe, I was going to be okay in this strange new land, I assured myself.

But as I looked over my aunt's shoulder, I saw Khalid watching me with an intensity that made my skin crawl. I knew then that I wasn't going to be okay. Not as long as Khalid was around.

Aunt Fatima led me to a beautiful car, embellished with gold designs. Khalid opened the door for me, and I hesitated for a moment before getting in. She sat beside me, while Khalid took the driver's seat.

We drove through the winding roads of Atasran, I marveled at the breathtaking architecture. The buildings seemed to blend seamlessly into the surroundings, as if they had grown organically from the earth itself.

She pointed out various landmarks, telling me stories about the history and culture of Thesuba. I listened intently, fascinated by the heritage of my so-called ancestors. Although, everything sounded like a myth, and I couldn't comprehend some of the stories.

But despite the beauty of the city and the warmth of my aunt's hospitality, I couldn't shake off the feeling of uncertainty. Khalid's presence kept bothering me.

We approached a magnificent palace, aunt Fatima turned to me with a smile. "Welcome to your new home, Sarina," she said. "You'll be safe here, I promise."

"You promise?" I queried.

Suddenly, I felt a message of fright sweeping through my mind, "Sarina, I would never betray you and my sister. You must never trust the one with dark garments, dark armors and dark wings."

"Dark wings?" I muttered, "Did you say that aunty? I heard something, just now, in my mind."

"What's going on here?" Khalid interrupted. "Nothing, nothing..." She replied.

I felt a spike of confusion instantly, something is wrong.

Just as I was reveling in my thoughts, khalid yelled. "Step out of the car!" And when I did, he stared right into my eyes. I felt a shiver run down my spine. I knew then that I had to be careful, for in Thesuba, I was not safe.

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My heart pounded as I stepped into the grand hall of the palace. The palace was truly a feast for the senses, a riot of color and texture that seemed to defy gravity. Tall, slender columns embroided with stunning carvings soared above, supporting a ceiling that was a patchwork of keen mosaics and shimmering gold leaf.

Khalid's hands firmly entwined into mine, he led me through the maze of corridors. The air was thick with an exotic perfume, a heady blend of spices and flowers that filled my senses.

Finally, we reached a grand chamber, its walls depicted scenes of battles and triumphs. Including gods of different kinds. At the far end of the palace, a throne of gold and crimson sat atop, raised to the extreme. It's occupant was a figure shrouded in darkness.

Suddenly, the figure emerged from the shadows, revealing a man of imposing stature, he had an inscrutable expression. He gestured for me to kneel before him, and I did, my heart kept pouding in my chest. I didn't even know what was going on. Before I could ask where aunt Fatima was, I was silenced.

"You're not permitted to talk in the presence of Lord Z....."

"Silence!" The man interrupted his soldier. "Welcome, Sarina, daughter of the source pillar," his voice was low. "You have traveled far to be here, and I thank Anat for sending you here."

I wanted to ask how he knew my mum, but I couldn't. He was so scary, I looked around for aunt Fatima but she wasn't there, something was definitely going on. I kept hoping my mum didn't sell me off.

"I am sultan Ibrahim, ruler of Thesuba," the man continued. "And you, Sarina, are my son's chosen bride."

"Mr Ibrahim, I'm just a girl from a small city, not a princess destined to marry a sultan's son." I replied.

"I understand if you are surprised, but you are not here by chance. You were chosen for a reason." He continued.

His eyes scanned my face, "You are a child of the source pillar, Sarina, and you possess the strength and resilience that is rare even among your people. You are also a woman of great beauty and intelligence, qualities that make you worthy of the throne."

"Such a terrifying prospect, I'm not sure that I am worthy of such an honor. And why do you keep saying I am a child of the source pillar?" I questioned.

The sultan smiled. "Do not doubt yourself, Sarina. You are more than worthy. You have the courage, the strength, and the intelligence to be a worthy queen."

He paused again, his eyes seemed to be filled with a deep and fake emotion. "And you have my heart." He said, smiling unnecessarily.

I wasn't flattered by his words. Rather, I was confused. Where's this going to?

"My aunt, where is she?" I managed to speak.

"She's a traitor to the empire and is sentenced to death." He replied, "Her last wish was to welcome you to Thesuba and I couldn't deny her, since she's a citizen. Khalid will show you to your room."