Maze was in the middle of her meditation when she felt it, a shift in the air that sent shivers down her spine. A familiar scent and aura flooded her senses, wrapping around her like an unwelcome embrace. Slowly, her eyes fluttered open, and she stood, brushing the dust off her robe as her heart raced. She hadn't expected anyone , least of all him.
"Lord Maximus... Master," Maze stammered, her voice barely above a whisper as the tall, imposing figure stepped closer. His golden robes gleamed faintly, even in the dim light of the room, and his usual air of serenity was marred by something darker. She couldn't quite place it, but it unsettled her.
"Maze, my child," he greeted with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. His voice was warm, yet something about it felt forced. "You've grown, as I expected. The surprise on your face tells me you didn't think I'd come."
Maze struggled to find her voice. It had been fifty years since anyone from the heavenly realms had visited her. For all those years, she had buried herself in solitude, trying to cultivate her powers and find answers to the questions that plagued her. Why now, she wondered? Why him?
"I'm dazed, Master," she admitted, bowing slightly. "What do I owe this visit?"
Maximus stepped closer, his hand reaching out to rest lightly on her shoulder. "The realm feels empty without you," he said, his voice soothing, yet Maze couldn't shake the growing unease in her chest. "We miss your presence, child. I decided it was time to visit and see how you've been faring."
Maze's instincts screamed that something was wrong. Lord Maximus was never one for idle chatter. He was a man of precision, rarely speaking unless absolutely necessary. This newfound warmth felt... unnatural.
As if sensing her discomfort, Vesper trotted into the room and immediately began barking, his small frame tense with aggression. "It's okay, little one," Maze said, bending down to pat him reassuringly. "This is my master."
But Vesper ignored her, his barking growing louder and more urgent. His eyes glowed faintly as he tried to communicate, but Maze's weakened state made it impossible for her to understand his warnings. Frustrated, Vesper continued his relentless yapping, his small body vibrating with energy.
Maximus tilted his head, his golden eyes narrowing ever so slightly. "Still harboring that little creature, I see. He seems... agitated."
Maze straightened, trying to mask her unease. "He's been my companion for years now. He's loyal and protective." Clearing her throat, she added, "You must be tired from your journey. Please, take a seat. I'll prepare some tea." She said walking towards the kitchen, as far as she remembered, Lord Maximus never knew she had Vesper
Maximus's expression hardened in an instant. "I don't have time for tea!" he snapped, his voice echoing unnaturally. Flames burst from his hand, curling like living serpents before dissipating into the air.
Maze froze, her breath hitching. That wasn't normal. Maximus's powers were controlled, refined, never wild or erratic. She turned to face him fully, her mind racing. His demeanor, his aura, it was all wrong. The man before her might look like her master, but something was off.
Vesper's barking turned into low, guttural growls, his fur bristling as he positioned himself protectively in front of Maze. The small dog's glowing eyes locked onto Maximus, and his growls deepened, reverberating through the room like a warning bell.
"Master," Maze said cautiously, her voice trembling despite her best efforts. "You just got here. Surely, there's no rush. We could..."
The room grew unnaturally dark, the light from the lanterns snuffed out as if by an invisible hand. Maze's heart pounded as she instinctively tried to summon light, but her energy fizzled out before it could manifest. A thick, oppressive aura settled over the room, making it hard to breathe.
Then, from the shadows, a towering figure emerged, his presence radiating a dark energy that made Maze's knees buckle. As he stepped closer, the dim light revealed sharp, angular features and piercing crimson eyes that glowed like embers. His raven-black cloak billowed around him, and his presence dwarfed even that of Lord Maximus.
Maze's breath caught in her throat as recognition slammed into her like a tidal wave. "Thorold," she whispered, her voice barely audible.
Thorold's gaze was fixed on Maximus, his expression cold and unyielding. "So," he said, his voice a low rumble that sent shivers down Maze's spine. "This is the form you chose to deceive her with?"
Maximus, or the entity masquerading as him smirked, his features twisting into something grotesque. His golden eyes turned black, and his warm aura was replaced by a chilling darkness. "You always were too protective of her," the impostor sneered. "You can't shield her forever, Thorold."
Thorold stepped forward, his crimson eyes blazing with fury. "You've made a grave mistake coming here," he growled, his hands crackling with dark energy. "She's under my protection."
The impostor laughed, the sound echoing unnaturally. "Your protection? She doesn't even know the full extent of her powers, let alone how to control them. What can you possibly do to stop me?"
Maze, still frozen in place, tried to make sense of what was happening. Thorold was here, in her sanctuary, confronting this... creature. But why? And how had he known she was in danger?
"Vesper," Thorold said sharply, not taking his eyes off the impostor. "Get her out of here. Now."
Vesper barked in response, nudging Maze's leg urgently. But Maze shook her head, finding her voice at last. "No," she said firmly. "I'm not leaving. This is my fight too."
Thorold shot her a warning look. "Don't be foolish, Maze. You're not ready for this."
"She's right," the impostor taunted. "Let her stay. Let her see what happens when she tries to defy the inevitable."
Before anyone could react, the impostor lunged at Thorold, his form shifting into a monstrous shadow as he attacked. Thorold met him head-on, their energies colliding in a burst of light and darkness that shook the room. Maze stumbled, the force of the clash nearly knocking her off her feet.
"Thorold!" she called, her voice laced with fear and desperation.
"Stay back!" Thorold barked, his voice strained as he struggled against the creature. "Focus on saving yourself. I'll handle this."
Maze clenched her fists, frustration boiling inside her. She hated feeling helpless, but she knew Thorold was right. She wasn't strong enough yet, not for this. Taking a deep breath, she closed her eyes and began to focus, drawing on the faint reserves of energy she had left. If she couldn't fight, she could at least prepare herself for whatever came next.
Vesper stood by her side, his growls turning into soft whines as he nudged her leg. "I'll be fine," she whispered, though she wasn't sure if she was trying to reassure him or herself.
The battle raged on, the room a blur of fire, shadows, and flashes of light. But amidst the chaos, Vesper made sure not to let Maze out of his sight or an inch closer to Thorold