Journal Entry 58

31.07.2026

The deep voice calling my name startled me out of my thoughts. I turned and pointed my mobile’s flashlight toward the staircase. Zechariah was slowly descending the steps before me. I should have known better. His eloquence and refined demeanor did not fit a bartender serving drinks to fishermen at Zum Alten Anker.

Was I truly that stupid? Why had I not brought a weapon to defend myself? Certainly, I worked out, but I had never needed to defend myself physically. It was always Jonas. My best friend. My King, who had always protected me.

Shouldn’t it have been the other way around? Shouldn’t a private secretary be his King’s defender?

Zechariah called my name again as he stepped onto the basement floor. Behind him, the staircase creaked once more.

I continued retreating into the darkness.

Zechariah continued walking toward me.

I began to lose my balance as I watched him raise his arm and point toward me.

Something hard and painful struck my skull.

I saw my children when they were infants. I saw Karina on our wedding day. I saw my parents decorating the Christmas tree. I saw ten candles on a cake before me.

I saw my King.

I saw darkness.