Chereads / Echoes of Destiny: Shadows of Blood Valley / Chapter 5 - The Unexpected Light

Chapter 5 - The Unexpected Light

As Haizen, the shadow, sat on the couch surveying the room, a sudden brightness enveloped Nova's desk, startling him. Haizen was taken aback by this unexpected event, his senses on high alert as he tried to make sense of the situation. Nova, who had been reading a book at his desk, looked terrified as the bright light emanated from within the confines of his workspace. The intensity of the light was such that both brothers could sense a looming danger.Reacting instinctively, Nova attempted to stand up and flee from the source of the light, fearing an imminent explosion or some other calamity. Haizen, equally alarmed, rose from his seat, scanning the surroundings for any signs of danger. But before they could comprehend the situation fully, the bright light vanished as quickly as it had appeared.As Nova staggered to his feet, his expression contorted in pain, he collapsed onto the floor unconscious. Haizen, dumbfounded by the sudden turn of events, rushed to his brother's side, concern etched on his features. Despite Nova's unconscious state, Haizen could sense his heartbeat and steady breathing, a small comfort amidst the chaos.Gently lifting Nova's limp form, Haizen carefully placed him on the leather couch in their underground sanctuary. Worried thoughts raced through his mind as he pondered the cause of Nova's collapse and the strange phenomenon they had just witnessed. Haizen's mind was in turmoil as he approached the book that had caused the calamity. "Why? Why is it always happening to me?" he muttered to himself, his frustration and desperation evident in his voice. Memories of the massacre that had claimed their entire village flooded his mind, leaving him feeling helpless once again. Now, with his brother in danger because of a seemingly innocent book, Haizen's emotions boiled over.With a mix of anger and desperation, Haizen began to piece together the events leading up to this moment. Why had he taken this particular book? What had drawn him to it? He recalled how one of the wealthiest merchants in the city had purchased it from an auction, flaunting his wealth in a display of power. To Haizen, it seemed like a pointless extravagance, a symbol of vanity and excess.Yet, as he contemplated the book's significance, Haizen couldn't shake the feeling that there was more to it than met the eye. Perhaps others hadn't recognized its true value, but Nova's meticulous research suggested otherwise. Could it be that the book held some kind of hidden power, unknown to anyone but Nova?As Haizen pondered this possibility, a sense of unease settled over him. If Nova had indeed uncovered something extraordinary within the pages of the book, he must have activated some sort of spell or enchantment inadvertently. The consequences of such actions were now painfully clear.Haunted by guilt and regret, Haizen vowed to uncover the truth behind the mysterious book and protect his brother at all costs. With determination fueling his every step, he set out to unravel the secrets hidden within its pages, knowing that their lives depended on it.As Haizen opened the book, his eyes widened in horror at the sight before him. The pages were adorned with writing that seemed to materialize before his very eyes, written in what appeared to be blood. A new chapter titled "World of Illusions" unfolded before him, detailing the events that had just transpired. It was as if the book itself was alive, narrating its own sinister tale.Realization dawned on Haizen as he gazed upon the crimson letters. This was no ordinary ink; it was blood, likely drawn from Nova's unconscious form. The implications sent shivers down his spine. The book was using Nova's blood to write its own story, draining him in the process.Fear and anger coursed through Haizen as he watched the blood marks vanish from Nova's head. He knew he had to act quickly to save his brother from the clutches of this malevolent artifact. With trembling hands, he reached out to grab the book, his mind racing with thoughts of how to stop it before it could suck Nova dry.