My heart pounded in my chest as I stared at the dark figure on the throne. I could feel the malice and hatred emanating from him, like a physical force pressing down on me. My mind raced, trying to come up with a plan to escape this nightmare. But the sudden realization that the darkness controlled my brother, forcing him into submission, caused my resolve to waver. I had lost him to the darkness, and I couldn't bear to see him suffer the same fate.
The darkness continued to gaze at me with a cruel smirk, and I could feel the weight of his power pressing down on me. I swallowed hard, trying to find my voice in this abyss of darkness.
"What do you want from me?" I croaked out, my voice barely a whisper.
The darkness leaned forward with a predatory glint in his eyes. "I am so glad you asked that," he purred, "I will give you three choices. Choose wisely, for the fate of your loved ones and perhaps the world rests in your hands."
I stared at him, feeling the weight of the world on my shoulders. "What are my choices?"
The darkness smiled, his teeth sharp and jagged. "Choice one: You pledge loyalty to me, and in return, I will release your brother from my grasp and allow you to live in relative peace."
I paused, swallowing hard. "And if I don't choose this option?"
The darkness's smile widened. "Choice two: You defy me, and I will enforce my wrath upon you and your loved ones, destroying everything you hold dear."
My heart raced as I considered the gravity of these choices. "What's the third option?"
The darkness chuckled. Option three: You will join me as the queen of darkness, ruling by my side. However, you must prove your loyalty first. I need you to manipulate the emotions that the elemental gods hold for you and turn them against their own kind. Complete your training with them and strike when they are most vulnerable, absorbing their essence and becoming a vessel for their power. You would be strong beyond your wildest fantasies.
I scoffed and stated, "Power doesn't hold any appeal for me." The darkness responded with a twisted grin, "What about a fourth option? I have the ability to ensure your family and loved ones never suffer the fate that your presence brought upon your village. I can strip you of your powers, bestow them upon Derek, and let you return to your simple life as a mere mortal."
My eyes widened, taking in the darkness's offer, considering the futures that lay ahead depending on my decision. Images flashed before me, both of a peaceful life with my family and loved ones and a powerful life by the side of darkness. The scent of fear and apprehension hung heavy in the air as I contemplated the darkness's proposition, my nostrils flaring with each deep breath. Tears welled up in my widened eyes, blurring the image of the darkness in front of me. My vision flickered between the memories of my carefree life before my powers and the reality of my current situation. My fingers trembled as they ran through my hair, my nervous habit kicking in. I could feel the weight of the darkness's presence bearing down on me, suffocating and heavy.
I looked at Derek, and his cold, distant eyes met mine. I could see his pain, his confusion, and his fear, but I could also see the darkness that had been slowly consuming him. Wrapped in the darkness, I felt the elements of the air, the earth, the wind, and even the dormant water. Their power had been a part of me, but now they felt distant, almost foreign. A part of me wanted to embrace the darkness, to join with it, be stronger than I could ever imagine, and use it to protect the world's inhabitants. But I knew that the power it promised would come with a price, one that I wasn't willing to pay.
Torn between the darkness and the light, I felt the struggle within me—a battle between the elements and the darkness. My heart raced with the tumultuous emotions of fear, despair, and anger. My eyes flicked between Derek and the darkness on the throne, and I could see the damage that the darkness had done to him.
I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath, and tried to focus on the elements to feel their power coursing through me. I could feel the fire, the water, the earth, and the wind, all of them urging me to make a choice—to use my abilities for good instead of evil. I could hear their whispers and their pleas for me to make the right decision.
"You would strip me of my powers?" I gasped, the idea making me feel empty. It felt like a part of me would be ripped away.
The darkness gave me a sly grin, slowly standing up, "Yes, all of them. You wouldn't even be able to lift a finger if you chose this path. Derek would take your place, and he would rule the world with an iron fist."
I frowned, "And what about you?"
He chuckled darkly, "I'm sure you've noticed the power I already wield, Kyla."
"Is that what you really want?" I asked, my voice barely a whisper. "To control the world and claim victory?"
He simply stared at me, his piercing eyes flickering with a hint of amusement.
"It's a big decision. I would like some time to think." I told the god.
The darkness's face twisted into a sneer: "Make your choice."
I took another deep breath, feeling the elements coursing through me and urging me to make the right decision. My eyes flicked to Derek, and I could see the darkness in him—the same cold, distant look in his eyes that I never wanted to see again. I knew that whatever choice I made, it would affect not only me but also my loved ones.
I closed my eyes, trying to focus on the elements' voices, each one pleading with me to make the right choice. I could feel their power, their warmth, and their familiarity. They were a part of me, and I knew that I couldn't live without them.
As I pondered my options, I realized that I was holding my breath; the tension in the room was palpable. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew past. As I pondered my options, I realized that I was holding my breath; the tension in the room was palpable. Suddenly, a gust of wind blew past me, blowing out the candles and causing the darkness to recoil slightly. The elemental gods had arrived, their powers buoying me up and giving me the strength I needed.
"Kyla." Zane's voice came out, his eyes filled with concern. "What's going on?"
The darkness snarled, "You're too late. This is none of your concern."
But Niam stepped forward, his eyes shining with determination. "It's always our concern, darkness. We won't let you harm Kyla or her family."
Brod and Jace stood behind them, their faces set in determination. Their powers crackled around them, a warning to the darkness.
The darkness sneered, "You think you can stop me? You're deceiving yourselves if you believe that."
I looked at the four gods, their faces filled with concern, their powers humming like a
thunderstorm.
"I can't do this," I whispered, tears streaming down my cheeks. "I can't choose between the darkness and the light, between my power and my family. I just want to be with all of you."
Zane's eyes softened, and he stepped forward, wrapping his arms around me. "Kyla, you don't have to make a choice. We're on your side. It's our responsibility to protect you and your family. We'll figure this out together."
Niam placed a hand on my shoulder, his voice a whisper. "You have nothing to fear when you're with us. We'll stand by you, no matter what."
Brod and Jace nodded in agreement, their expressions serious but filled with compassion.
The darkness snarled, "You won't win, mortals. You're playing with powers beyond your understanding."
"Can't we solve this like gentlemen?" Jace asked the darkness god. "There was a time when we settled the disputes in the immortal realm using our words."
The darkness scoffed at Jace's proposition. "I've heard of your arrogance. Your time in the mortal world has softened you. Your words will bring you no closer to victory."
The four elemental gods exchanged glances, each trying to decipher the intentions of the darkness. They knew they had to be cautious, for he was a master of manipulation and deception.
The darkness smirked. "Let's see how your words will triumph over my power." The air around them crackled with energy—a sense of tension that hung in the air.
"We ask of you, darkness, to release Kyla from your grasp," Niam began, his voice strong and clear. "Let her go and allow her to return with us."
The darkness scoffed, "You barge into my domain making requests. What will you offer me in return for sparing your lives and hers?"
"She will make her choice when her training is completed. You have my word." The water god affirmed, his eyes fixed on the powerful being sitting on the throne."
The darkness considered their words for a long moment before finally nodding. "Very well. I will release her from my grasp, and we shall discuss the terms later."
The tension in the room was palpable, and the atmosphere was charged with electricity. The elemental gods closed their eyes and focused on their powers, weaving a delicate web of magic around me, protecting me from the darkness.
As the darkness released its hold on me, I felt the familiar warmth of the elements flow back into her, the fire, earth, and wind coursing through my veins. I took a deep breath, feeling alive and invigorated, knowing that the gods had made the right choice.
"Thank you," I whispered to the elemental gods, tears of relief streaming down my cheeks.
"But the young man stays with me." The darkness said, snapping his fingers. Two of his guards moved in front of Derek to prevent the elemental gods from reaching him.
Derek stood behind the two guards, his expression unreadable. The elemental gods looked at each other in confusion, unsure of why the darkness would want to keep Derek by his side.
"Why do you wish for him to stay with you?" Brod asked, taking a step forward.
The darkness grinned, revealing sharp fangs. "I see potential in this mortal. He possesses a strong connection to the elements, even without knowing it."
The elemental gods exchanged worried glances.
"You cannot keep him here against his will," Niam said firmly. "He belongs in the mortal realm with Kyla. The realm of darkness will poison his mind and drive him mad."
The darkness chuckled darkly. "Nobody can leave my domain unless I allow it. And I have no intention of letting him go until she makes her choice."
Derek stepped out from behind the guards, looking determined. "I may not have been born into your world, but I feel like I belong here with all of you."
"You're not going to let him stay, right?" Zane asked Jace, concern etched on his face. "Please remember the ice maker."
"He doesn't have powers yet." Niam reminded Zane. "He needs hers."
The darkness growled impatiently. You've wasted enough time here." He turned toward Derek and extended a hand toward him. "Let me show you how to harness her powers and make them yours."