"Why like this?" These were Ethan's words as he was being bullied at school.

Ethan, a first-year high school student, is fatherless. He grew up never knowing his dad. Raised solely by his mother, she has been his steadfast companion from the very beginning. His closest friend is Oliver, whom he met in kindergarten, sharing the highs and lows of life together. Yet, even Oliver has not been spared from bullying and humiliation.

With his frail body, blue eyes, black hair, and pale skin, Ethan has been a target for bullying since his first year of middle school. James, Lucas, and Monica made it their daily routine to torment him.

The heavy hours of school drag by, and with the setting sun, Ethan returns home, trying to hide the deepening scars on his heart. He quietly opens the door, careful not to wake his mother, but the loud creak of the door alerts her:

"My dear boy, you're back? Come, your mom missed you."

Ethan sets down his bag, removes his shoes, and enters his mother's room with a small smile. He approaches her and hugs her as though a warrior returning from a grueling battle. A tear sparkles on his cheek without him realizing, and he quickly wipes it away.

"How was your day, my slim little gazelle?" she asks.
Ethan smiles, scratching his head:"It was a great day. Oliver and I had fun with our new friends."

Noticing his hidden sadness, she chooses not to press him further.

"I'm glad to hear that, my son."
Ethan stands up, offering a small smile:"Rest, Mom. I'll clean the house and prepare dinner."

Two hours later, Ethan feeds his mother until she's satisfied, then steps out of the house. As his mother gazes at the wall, she speaks with a voice heavy with sorrow:

"My son, I know you're suffering at school. Your lies don't fool me; you scratch your head every time you lie. Forgive me, my boy... I don't have the strength to change this situation. Louis, why did you leave me to endure this alone? Your son and I need you..."

Outside, Ethan reaches a dense forest bathed in the silver light of the moon. Memories of the bullying and their mocking laughter echo in his mind.
He screams in rage:

"Why? Why is my life like this? Patience has its limits! I'm a fool, a useless coward!"

He punches a tree with all his might, crying until he trips over a branch and falls into a deep pit.
He whispers:

"Is this the end? Yes... Mom, forgive me; I'm going to meet Dad."

His head strikes something, and he falls unconscious.

Hours later, he awakens with a throbbing head. A red glow fills the space as he stands, searching for its source. Before him is a Roman-style stone pillar, atop which rests a chess piece shaped like a bull.

He approaches and touches it. The piece draws toward him, emitting a bright red light. An excruciating pain shoots through his arm, and he screams. The ground shakes violently as if it's about to collapse.

Ethan runs through rocks and roots toward a glowing exit, narrowly escaping. The opening seals shut behind him with stones. He sits to catch his breath, then glances at his arm to find a strange bull-shaped tattoo.

"What is this? A tattoo?"

Message from the Author:
Hello, dear readers,

This is the beginning of my new novel, "The Saga of Souls." I hope you'll enjoy the mystery and excitement I've prepared for you. 🖋️📖

I'd love to hear your thoughts: should I focus solely on this novel, or divide my time equally between publishing this one and my previous novel? 🤔✍️

By the way, I have some fantastic news! I won the Eight-Chapter Challenge 🎊🔥, an achievement I couldn't have reached without your unwavering support and encouragement. Thank you to everyone who stood by me and cheered me on during this journey. Your presence means the world to me! ❤️🙏

Looking forward to your opinions and comments! 🫶💬

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