In polytheistic belief systems, even the most powerful gods tremble at the thought of being overthrown.
Look at the Greek gods for example. Cronus, the mighty Titan, was so consumed by the fear of his own offspring rising up against him that he resorted to swallowing them whole. And Zeus, the thunderbolt-wielding lord of Olympus himself, was haunted by the constant worry that someday, an even mightier being would emerge to claim his place.
Seojun’s blue truck rattled and groaned as it bounced along the dirt track cutting through the thick woods. Every bone-jarring bump slammed his head against the roof, a dull ache throbbing in his temples as stress gnawed at him. He jerked awake, teeth clenched in frustration. How the hell had he managed to get so lost?
A chill slithered down my spine as I stared at the wax tablet in Callister’s hand. This felt like that horror movie trope – you know, where the creepy doll you swore you destroyed mysteriously reappears. Except this wasn’t a doll, it was that damn wax tablet. And it was back.
Johan watched the invisible footsteps creep across the towels, at first hesitant, like a dancer testing the stage. Only the balls of the feet touched the plush fabric, as if trying to remain undetected. But as the unseen intruder gained confidence, it shed its caution and sprinted towards Johan with a frenzied patter of steps.
You expect me to accept a blessing from a god convicted of treason? A god currently serving his sentence? Are you out of your mind?
I can’t imagine a faster way to utterly destroy my life.
Nope, not happening. Not in a million years.
Lindy emerged from beneath the bed, her fiery red hair matted with blood, scarlet rivulets streaking down her face like grotesque war paint. Her skin, stained crimson, made the whites of her eyes and flash of teeth even more jarring. Chest heaving with frenzied exhilaration, she spoke in a giddy, breathless rush.
“You a cop or something?”
“Nope, definitely not.”
The woman at the front desk barely looked up from her magazine. “Then sorry, no can do on the guest info.”
“Come on, not even a tiny exception?” Johan flashed his most charming smile.
Huh? The Research Director?
Why on earth would the Research Director be here of all places?
[Meaning... Yes, that’s it! Meaning arises from difference. Information is born from these ‘differences’ and distinctions. If we filter out the meaningless and retain only that which holds significance...]
Seojun’s usually sluggish mind suddenly kicked into overdrive. The unsettling DULC233E channel playing on the TV was a clear omen: that nameless, unseen entity was about to emerge from the shadows under the bed! Cold sweat trickled down his forehead as sheer panic took hold, its icy grip tightening around his racing heart.
What did Athanas realize?
Is Callister dangerous? Should I be worried about what he might find out?
I couldn’t resist sneaking a peek at Callister, only to catch him staring right back, eyes locked on us like a hawk.