Chapter 54: The Dark Force
I couldn't shake off the feeling that we were in over our heads. The rumors of Niamh's father making a pact with a dark force sent a chill down my spine. What kind of power were we dealing with?
Ava and I decided to investigate further, seeking out any information we could find about the dark force. We spoke to the villagers, but they seemed reluctant to talk about it.
"It's not safe to discuss such things," one of the villagers said, glancing nervously over her shoulder. "The Order has ears everywhere. If they find out you're asking questions, they'll silence you."
I nodded, understanding the fear that gripped the villagers. But I knew we couldn't back down now. We had to know the truth.
As the sun began to set, Ava and I decided to seek out a local expert on the supernatural. We had heard rumors of a wise old man who lived on the outskirts of the village, a man who possessed knowledge of the dark arts.
We found the old man's hut, nestled deep in the forest. The air was thick with the scent of herbs and incense, and the sound of chanting could be heard coming from within.
Ava and I exchanged a nervous glance before knocking on the door. The old man answered, his eyes gleaming with a knowing light.
"Welcome, young ones," he said, beckoning us inside. "I have been expecting you. You seek knowledge of the dark force, do you not?"
I nodded, feeling a sense of trepidation. What would we learn?
The old man nodded, his eyes clouding over. "The dark force is an ancient power, one that has been awakened by Niamh's father. It is a power that feeds on fear and darkness, growing stronger with each passing day."
Ava's eyes widened in horror. "What can we do to stop it?"
The old man's expression turned grave. "The only way to stop the dark force is to find the source of its power. But be warned, young ones, the journey will be treacherous, and the cost may be higher than you are willing to pay."