Chapter 25: Into the Witch’s Den
Melissa’s POV
The air grew cooler as we moved deeper into Lyra’s domain. The trees surrounding us seemed to twist and whisper, their shadows stretching like claws across the woodland floor. Each stride felt heavier, dragged down by an unseen power that gnawed at my resolve.
Kane walked beside me, his expression steely and intent. Jared and Selena walked silently behind us, their gazes sweeping the unsettling area. We had no time to make any mistakes.
Selena’s voice was hardly audible above a whisper when she whispered, “We’re getting close.” “Just past that ridge is a cave where the artefact is concealed.”
Keeping the dagger by my side, I nodded. I wasn’t helpless, but my abilities were still restrained. Not entirely.
Kane’s voice was low but forceful as he continued, “Everyone, stay alert.” “Anywhere could be home to Lyra’s forces.”
The crunch of leaves beneath our feet was the only sound to break the quiet as we went carefully. Every ruffle of the breeze made my heart race, and the stress was oppressive.
Jared lowered himself to my side and said, “Melissa.” “Are you certain of this? We have no idea what we’re getting into.
I tried to hide my dread as I looked into his eyes. “I must be certain. It will be worth the risk if this item can break Damon’s spell.
Jared gave a reluctant nod, but he didn’t seem persuaded.
The ground became more rugged as we ascended the ridge, with rocky rocks and prickly plants across the trail. Selena stopped and raised a hand, her gaze narrowing.
“Hold on,” she said. “Something is not right.”
“What is it?” With his hand already on his sword’s hilt, Kane posed the question.
Selena pointed forward. “Take a look there.”
I could see the dim glow of a campfire through the trees. It was surrounded by shadows of Lyra’s patrol.
Selena whispered, “They are protecting the path.” “We’ll need to visit each location.”
Or, in Kane’s harsh voice, “We remove them before they have a chance to warn anyone.”
I paused, conflicted. “We run the risk of attracting attention if we assault. However, we might waste time if we travel about.
Kane’s eyes remained fixed on me. “Melissa, your call.”
I inhaled deeply as my thoughts raced. “We’ll move about. Fighting them now would be too dangerous.
I could see the hesitation in Kane’s eyes as he agreed. “All right let’s go. Quietly.”
We slid into the shadows, surrounding the camp as stealthily as we could. My heart hammered in my chest, each step felt like an eternity.
Selena led the way, her motions fast and perfect. I followed close behind, trying not to think about what would happen if we were caught.
Finally, we reached the cave. Its entryway was cloaked in darkness, a subtle hum of energy coming from within. Even without my abilities, I sensed it an old, throbbing force that made my skin itch.
Selena remarked, her voice hardly audible, “This is it.” “It contains the artefact.”
I took a step forward because I was more determined than afraid. “Remain here. I’ll enter.
Kane quickly reached out and grabbed my arm. “You are not alone.”
I gave a headshake. “I don’t want anyone else to suffer if something goes wrong. I can do this.
Although Kane’s jaw tensed, he let go of me. “Take caution.”
The air was heavy with the smell of decay and earth, and the cave was damp and cold. The energy intensified the farther I travelled until it seemed to be vibrating through my bones.
The artefact rested on a black stone pedestal in the middle of the cave. The light swirled and changed like liquid fire, a tiny, incandescent sphere.
My fingers were shaking as I reached out. I felt an electric, scorching surge of power as soon as I touched it.
However, a problem arose.
Damon’s mark, the cursed talisman around my neck, also started to glow, its dark energy clashing ferociously with the light of the relic. I let out a cry and fell to my knees as pain shot through me.
“Elissa!” With Jared and Selena at his heels, Kane hurried inside the cave, his voice echoing through it.
“I… I’m powerless over it!” With the energy of the relic exploding, I gasped.
Selena took a step forward, chanting something under her breath while her hands moved in complex patterns. The tumultuous energy gradually subsided, and I managed to release the item.
“Are you alright?” Pulling me to my feet, Kane questioned.
I nodded shakily, though my body still felt like it was on fire. “I think so.”
But before we could celebrate, a cold, mocking voice permeated the cave.
“How heartwarming.”
Lyra was standing at the entrance, her dark robes fluttering as though she were being carried by an unseen wind, when we turned around. A ruthless smirk played on her lips as her eyes sparkled with malice.
She scoffed and said, “Did you think you could just waltz into my territory and take what’s mine?”
I made myself stand up straight and stated, “It doesn’t belong to you.”
The icy sound of Lyra’s laughter reverberated off the cave walls. “Oh, Melissa. So bold, so stupid. If you turn over the relic, I might allow your friends to survive.
Sword in hand, Kane moved ahead of me. “You must first pass through me.”
Lyra grinned broadly and cocked her head. “With pleasure.”
As Lyra lifted her hands, her power was dark and oppressive, magic crackled in the air. When he lunged at her, Kane crashed against the cave wall after she waved a hand.
“Stop!” I stepped forward and yelled. “This is just between us. Don’t involve them.
Lyra’s eyes were bright with laughter. How honourable, oh. But, dear niece, you don’t understand. You can’t win this battle.
Her words struck me hard. “Niece?”
Lyra’s grin turned sly. Did you believe that Damon had all the secrets? I am fully aware of both your and his plans. But maybe we can work something out.
My hands clenched as my heart raced. “What sort of arrangement?”
Lyra’s voice was velvety, enticing. “Join forces with me, Melissa. Together, we can stop Damon and take the power he covets for ourselves. Think about it you, me, and the item. We could govern this world.”
I hesitated, the weight of her words pushing down on me. Was she lying? Or was this my chance to grab the upper hand?
Kane gasped from where he lay, his voice faint yet firm. Melissa doesn’t listen to her.
Lyra’s smile faded as her eyes shifted to him. “Tick-tock, sweetheart.” Choose wisely.
As I stood there, caught between the impossible and the unimaginable, the cave seemed to hold its breath. The artefact’s brightness pulsed in sync with my pounding heart as my hands closed tighter around it.
“What’s it going to be, Melissa?” With a lethal whisper, Lyra inquired.
I stared into her eyes, uncertainties and concerns racing through my head. But before I could respond, the ground underneath us started to tremble as the artefact flared with light.
It was no longer my choice.