The Lantern Bearer

"Well, then, perhaps we better make a deal." The voice that emanated from the shadowy figure was as smooth as the surface of a still pond. Its deceptive calmness masked the underlying threat, an undercurrent of danger that slithered through every syllable."Deal?""I can put his spirit in the lantern. As long as the flame stays lit, he will live on inside." The words dripped with a sinister allure, like honey laced with poison. "Take on the task of lantern bearer... Or watch your brother perish."Even though the creature was shrouded in darkness, the boy could almost sense the malevolent grin that tugged at the corners of its inscrutable form."Come here."He sighed, mind racing, desperately searching for any alternative, any way to save his brother without succumbing to the sinister offer that dangled before him. Yet, his thoughts were trapped in a relentless loop, a never-ending spiral that relentlessly circled the same harrowing image: his brother's impending demise, a dark specter looming over him, all because of his choices."Okay."With a trembling hand, he reached out, not hesitating to grasp the outstretched, shadow-shrouded hand before him.Then everything went dark.