Elaro freeze, her eyes were locked on Lucian. Memories of their last encounter was flooded in her mind, filling her with anger and confusion. He had betrayed her once, yet here he was, reappearing as if nothing had happened. Beside her, Karo and Eldin was also tense, their hands go on their weapons as they prepared for whatever Lucian tries.
"Lucian," she said, her voice was steady despite the emotions spinning in her. "What are you doing here?"
Lucian's gaze went over the group, briefly on Karo before returning to Elaro. "I came to warn you, Elaro. The Order of Ash isn't the only threat you face. There's more here than you understand."
Karo scoff, his expression was filled with distrust. "And you think we are supposed to believe you? After everything you have done so far?"
Lucian's jaw tightens, but he kept his eyes on Elaro. "I know you have no reason to trust me. But you need to understand that there are forces far greater than Order at work here. The Red Flame has a purpose, one that you've only began to uncover."
Elaro crossed her arms, her eyes get hard. "Then explain. What do you know about the flame that I don't?"
Lucian hesitated, glancing around as if expecting someone or something to be listening. He took a step closer; his voice lowers to a whisper. "The flame isn't just a weapon, Elaro. It's a key, one that can unlock realms beyond our own. The Order wants that power for themselves but they don't understand the consequences."
Eldin eyes narrowed. "Realms beyond our own? What are you talking about?"
Lucian's gaze darkens. "There is a realm where the Red Flame was born, a place of an unimaginable power and danger. If the Order succeeds in finding out the flame's full strength, they will have the means to tear open the wall between the worlds and release something we can't control."
Elaro feels a chill running in her. She had always sensed that her power was different, but this secret took her by surprise. If what Lucian said was true, then her journey wasn't over.
Karo shake his head, his expression was unconvinced. "And why should we believe you? What's stopping you from betraying us again?" Lucian meet Karo's gaze. "I have made a lot mistakes, but I'm here because I want to stop the Order as much as you do. I know them better than anyone and I know their weaknesses."
Elaro studies Lucian's face, searching for any hint of deception. She didn't fully trust him, but his words ring with a truth she couldn't ignore. The Order of Ash was powerful, and if they truly had the plan to open a portal to another world, then they were a threat to everyone.
She made her decision. "We'll work together for now. But the moment you give me a reason to doubt you, Lucian, I won't hesitate to kill you."
Lucian nod, his expression was relieved. "Understood."
They continue to move deeper into the Dark Forest. The trees grew taller and denser, their branches were linking to create a cover that blocked out the sun. Shadows seem to loom around them, and the air grew even colder with each step.
As they walked, Lucian began to explain more about the Order's plans. "The Order has been searching for the lost Sanctum of Flames, a place hidden deep in the Dark Forest. It is said to be where the first master of the Red Flame learned to control its power."
Elaro feels a rush of excitement and fear. If the Sanctum truly exist, it could hold the answers that she had been finding. But she also knew that the Order wouldn't be far behind. Time was running out.
Eldin, ever cautious, looked at Lucian. "And how exactly do you know where this Sanctum is?" Lucian gave a light smile. "Because I used to be one of them."
Elaro eyes widen, surprise overflowing her. "You… you were part of the Order?"
Lucian nod. "I joined them because I thought they could help me understand my own powers. But their desires went far beyond my knowledge, they wanted control. They wanted to build the world according to their vision, no matter at cost."
Karo's expression darkens, but he kept his silence, allowing Lucian to continue. "I left when I realized the truth," Lucian said, his voice was soft. "But leaving the Order isn't easy. They see anyone who opposes them as a threat, they eliminate them."
Elaro feel a strange mixture of sympathy and suspicion. Lucian's story was tragic, but she knew that his past could be complicated for their mission. Still, she had made her choice, and she would see it through.
They reached a clear path, where a massive stone was there, covered in ancient symbols. The air was thick with magic and Elaro's flame within her was responding, as if recognizing the power that lay beyond the stone.
Lucian steps forward, studying the runes. "This is it, the entrance to the Sanctum. But be warned, the trials inside are made to test your powers. Only those who are worthy can pass it." With a deep breath, Elaro stepped through the stone path, followed closely by Karo, Eldin, and Lucian.
The moment they crossed the threshold line, the world shifted. They found themselves in a vast chamber filled with long columns and flames that seems to dance to an invisible beat. Shadows moved along the walls, and Elaro feels a fear as she realized they were not alone.
A voice echoes in the chamber, cold and unforgiving. "Only the worthy may pass. To control the Red Flame, you must first meet your own darkness."
The shadows combined, taking on familiar forms like faces from their pasts, memories of their greatest fears and failures. Elaro's heart raced as a figure step towards her, a twisted version of herself, her eyes were blazing with a dark and horrible flame.
The dark Elaro smirks, her voice was filled with contempt. "You think you can control me? You are nothing but a mere pawn of forces you can't understand."
Elaro clenched. She had faced her inner darkness before, but this was different. This was a battle with the very essence of her power that could either consume her or become her greatest strength.
She moved forward, meeting the dark version of herself head-on. "You are a part of me," she said, her voice was steady. "But you don't control me. I will choose my own path." The dark Elaro laughed, her voice echoes in whole chamber. "Then prove it. Show me that you are worthy of the Red Flame."
The dark Elaro attacked, her movements were fast and brutal, her blade covered in black flame. Elaro fought back, her own flame was burning brighter, more strongminded. Their clash lite up the chamber, the flames clashing as they battled, each strike was more powerful than ever.
Karo and Eldin watched from the sidelines, their expressions were tensed as they witnessed the struggle of Elaro. Lucian stood beside them, his eyes were fixed on Elaro, admiration in his eyes.
Elaro could feel her strength weakening, the dark flame pressing down on her, threatening to consume her. But she refused to give in. She focused on the warmth of her flame, the strength it gave her, and the memories of those who stood by her, Karo, Eldin, and even Lucian.
With a final and powerful strike, she released all of her strength into her blade, her flame burns away the darkness. The dark Elaro let out a final scream before dissolving into ashes, the shadows also disappear as the chamber returned to silence.
Elaro collapsed to her knees, gasping hardly for breath, but a sense of victory fills her. She had faced her darkness with her strong-will, and she was able to control her power.
The voice from before comes through the chamber once more. "You have proven yourself worthy, Elaro. The Red Flame is yours to command but remember, its power is a gift and also a burden. Use it wisely."
The chamber began to glow, revealing a path that led them deeper into the Sanctum. Elaro glanced at Karo, Eldin, and Lucian, she was grateful for their support and ready for what lay ahead.
The flame had chosen her for a reason, and she was determined to uncover its true purpose even if it is meant facing more challenges, more dangers, and more of her own darkness.
To Be Continued