The air was thick with anticipation, electric whispers weaving through the crowd like tendrils of smoke. The earthy scent of damp soil mingled with the metallic tang of blood, a grim reminder of the stakes. As the blood moon peaked, casting its eerie crimson light, the inseparable trio stood side by side, hands clasped, hearts pounding in sync as there turns finally arrived.
They had shared everything since their days in the orphanage, and now, it was time. As they ascended the stage, their anxiety overwhelmed them as they overlooked the vast crowd. As the oracles passed between them, handing them chalices that could change their faiths, they looked down at the black concoction with hope. The crowd's eyes peered at the stage with anticipation, awaiting to see who of the individuals on the stage would be changed and who would be sent home. The Oracles started their chants once more.
With trembling hands, they drank deeply, incantations reverberating like a war drum in their ears.
A piercing ring rippled through the air, so high-pitched it made the beasts in attendance groan. Chaos erupted as the wind howled, pain surged through their bodies, and a hollow scream echoed through the grove. Black veins writhed beneath their skin as their bodies convulsed, collapsing onto the ground.
The crowd gasped in shock as the Oracles rushed to surround the three girls.
"What's happening to them?" an oracle gasped.
"I don't know! This has never happened before!" came the frantic reply.
"Someone bring the healers!" they shouted.
Therion watched the scene unfold, compelled forward by an unseen force. He pushed through the crowd, a storm of emotions threatening to drown him as his heartbeat accelerated. His eye landed on one of the women writhing on the ground.
Healers rushed in, trying his best to check their vitals, but their shaking form made it harder.
"What's the issue?" Therion demanded.
"They're—" a healer started, then fell silent as Aysha groaned, her eyes flickering open.
A piercing scream escaping her lips.
A hush fell over the crowd soon after. Aysha's left eye blazed a vivid red, a mark of the gods' choice. But it was her milky white right eye that sent shockwaves through the gathering.
Awe filled the faces of the Oracles as revelation spread through those that knew. It was known among the beast that the eye colours after the ritual were the mark of those successfully chosen by the Gods. Red confirmed they were linked to the Lykin species whilst yellow proved that they were kin of the Scythians, the last being the icy hue of blues that indicated they belong to the Abyssliths.
"We need to get them somewhere secluded!" the lead oracle commanded, urgency lacing her tone.
"I can't touch her—she's burning!" one healer protested.
Therion stepped forward, an inexplicable connection tugging at his soul. "I'll carry her," he said, his voice steady despite the heat radiating from her body.
As he lifted Aysha into his arms, a surge of electricity coursed through him. This was the woman he had longed for, a lifetime of heartache flooding back as he raced toward the medic bay, the shadows of the looming twilights bearing down on them.
"Move out of the way!" Therion demanded as he was struck by an inexplicable sense of urgency. He felt and unbreakable connection, a primordial force that tugged at his soul as he raced to get her somewhere safe.
"Lay them down here!" the oracle instructed, pointing to the aluminum-covered beds.
"What do we do now?" Redrick asked, anxiety creeping into his voice.
"No sighting of the rebels yet; we must wait," Therion replied, the weight of responsibility heavy on his shoulders.
Outside, the wind howled, and the shadows shifted in the trees. A dilemma arose as the they knew the Twilights were looming somewhere nears, but the unexpected arrival of the three woman made things more complicated.
"If my deduction is right, judging by their abnormalities, one of if not all three of these women are who the Twilights looking for, if not it's an oddly ironic coincidence" Kyros chuckled sarcastically, his fingers brushing Chaya's forehead, a light trail of steam emitting from her as his flesh melted.
"A much pestering coincidence it seems" Icarus glared, his cold glaze bearing down at Leyna.
I suggest you three change and recuperate, we don't know when hell will break loose.
Cassius informed the Champions. Observing their burnt clothes and flesh.
"Do one last swipe of the grounds in the meanwhile, inform the oracles to gather everyone to vacate as soon as the last participant is finished. Send word if anything out of the ordinary occurs" Therion ordered as he made his way outside. Leaving the healers.
"They could not have come at a more inconvenient time" Kyros chuckled, eyes lingering at the bedridden women before the door closed.
"Good or not, we came here to eradicate those vermin once and for all" Icarus agitatedly stated. "Guard the doors, no one goes in until we get back." he commended his guards as he disappeared into the mountains, followed by Therion and Kyros.