1524 (Mystical forest of Jordan)
As the chaos subsides, Elysian finds himself magically transported to a serene mountain surrounded by towering mystical trees. The air is filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh pine, and the trees themselves seem to breathe in unison, their leaves rustling in a harmonious whisper. The trees exude a palpable energy that resonates with Elysian, making him feel both awed and apprehensive.
The trees' voices merge into a soothing chorus, their words conveying a profound sense of relief and joy at his arrival. They explain that Elysian, now imbued with the Essence of the Torch, is no longer merely mortal but has ascended to become the God of Nature. His presence is essential to the balance of the natural world.
Elysian is stunned. "A god? But I'm just a mortal. How can this be?"
The trees' voices are gentle yet firm. "The Torch has granted you immortality and divine powers. You are the last hope for the world's magic and nature."
Before Elysian can fully grasp this revelation, a woman emerges from the center of the trees. She is ethereal, with a luminous glow that seems to merge with the forest's light. Her robes flow like liquid starlight, and her eyes reflect the depths of ancient wisdom.
"Greetings, Elysian," she says, her voice like the whisper of the wind through leaves. "I am Sylvara, the Custodian of the Mystical Trees. Our existence is now intertwined with yours."
Sylvara demonstrates the trees' powers by causing them to bloom and shift, their branches creating intricate patterns of light and shadow. Elysian feels a surge of energy coursing through him, a sensation unlike anything he has ever experienced. The trees' power pulses rhythmically, aligning with his heartbeat.
Sylvara's expression turns grave. "The gods are dead, and Irene's malevolence grows stronger. She seeks to claim the power of the gods and the Torch for herself. If she succeeds, the natural world will be consumed by darkness."
Elysian shudders at the thought. "What can I do? I'm just learning to understand these powers."
Sylvara's eyes are filled with sorrow. "I have seen a vision of what's to come. Irene will unleash a beast of unimaginable power, an entity that will ravage the world and extinguish all magic. The destruction of the gods and the trees will lead to the end of all natural life."
A chill runs down Elysian's spine as he absorbs this information. "But why would Azriel betray me? I cannot believe that."
Sylvara's gaze is unwavering. "Azriel's love for Irene and his conflicted emotions may be his downfall. Irene's rage at being cast aside has fueled her resolve. She will stop at nothing to destroy you and claim the Torch's power."
Elysian's heart sinks. "I refuse to believe Azriel would betray me. He wouldn't."
Sylvara's voice softens, but her words cut deep. "Azriel's feelings for Irene might be more profound than you know. His struggle between his love for you and his own desires could lead him to be used against you. The fate of the world depends on you, and you must be prepared for the possibility of betrayal."
Elysian's mind reels with this new knowledge. His feelings for Azriel are conflicted, and he struggles to come to terms with the idea of his beloved betraying him. Yet, he knows he must act. He has no choice but to face Irene and protect what remains of the world's magic.
Back at Mount Olympus, Irene stands in a grand chamber surrounded by darkness. The once majestic palace is now a realm of shadows and dread. Irene has prepared a ritual circle, etched into the floor with intricate, menacing symbols that pulse with a dark, eerie light. The circle is surrounded by twenty red candles, each flame flickering with a sinister intensity.
Her sisters, Selene and Thalia, appear concerned but curious. "What are you doing, Irene?" Selene asks, her voice trembling slightly.
Irene's gaze is cold, her expression one of fierce determination. "I am harnessing the full power of the Shadow Spell. The gods have denied me my rightful place. Now, I will show them the true power of a woman."
She begins chanting in Latin, her voice resonating with dark authority. The words are a guttural incantation, echoing through the chamber:
"Umbra, ignis, et natura, Aperi viam ad potestas obscura. Spiritus deorum, exsisto numen, Ardente ira, factus est imperium."
As she chants, the room trembles violently. The candles flare, their flames merging into a single, swirling vortex of dark energy. The ritual circle glows with an ominous light, and the ground shakes as if protesting the power being unleashed.
Selene and Thalia watch in horror as the circle erupts in a blinding explosion of darkness. The energy rips through Mount Olympus, causing massive destruction. The gods around are struck by waves of infernal fire, their cries of agony piercing through the chaos.
Selene and Thalia try to flee, but they are caught in the maelstrom of energy. Selene is struck by a surge of dark fire, her body disintegrating into ashes. Thalia, in a desperate attempt to escape, is engulfed by a torrent of shadow magic, her form twisted and torn apart in a gruesome spectacle.
As the chamber falls silent, Irene completes the ritual. The power she has harnessed forms a new dimension—a realm of unending darkness and despair. She names it the Black Dragon Domain, a place of her own creation where she will wield absolute power.
The Torch of Light remains the last piece of her grand design. Irene's eyes gleam with malevolent intent. "The Torch and Elysian will be mine. With them, I will reshape the world in my image."
The Betrayal
Meanwhile, Elysian, desperate to find Azriel and reconnect with him, uses his powers to locate him. The scene he encounters is unsettling. The once vibrant forest is now a desolate, eerie wasteland. The air is heavy with a sinister energy, and the sky is shrouded in an unnatural twilight.
Elysian reaches a crumbling cemetery, the gravestones twisted and broken. An unsettling chill pervades the area, and the ground seems to pulse with an ominous energy. In the center, he sees Azriel standing amidst the shadows.
Without hesitation, Elysian rushes forward, his heart racing with relief. "Azriel! I've missed you."
As he embraces Azriel, a searing pain erupts through him. He feels a dark, demonic energy seeping into his body. Realization dawns too late—this is not Azriel. It's a trap.
Irene emerges from the darkness, her eyes gleaming with triumph. With a swift motion, she stabs Elysian with a deadly flower—Blue Ivy, a rare poison that only grows in the Dark Trench. The pain is excruciating, and Elysian's scream echoes through the cemetery.
"No!" Elysian cries out, using his remaining strength to blast Irene away. She is thrown against a crumbling wall, but she remains defiant, her eyes filled with rage.
Elysian attempts to disappear, but the spell's power prevents him from escaping. He knows he must survive; the world depends on him. He limps away, his strength waning, blood staining the ground as he fights to stay alive.
As he stumbles through the desolate landscape, Elysian's thoughts are a whirlwind of fear and determination. He knows he must confront Irene, protect the remaining magic, and seek out his lover Azriel where could he be was he alright?. The fate of the world rests on his shoulders, and he can't afford to give up now, but he needed to stay safe Irene defeating him would be disastrous so he must heal but his last option was the Mystical tress but he can't go there, if he leaves right then it means luring Irene to the tress, and she would end up destroying everything.