The forest stretched endlessly before Sera, each shadow morphing into a potential threat. The cool dawn air stung her lungs as she ran, her heart pounding against her ribcage. Behind her, the sounds of battle echoed—Aidan's roars of defiance, the crackling of dark energy, and Elara's cruel laughter.
She wanted to stop, to turn back and fight alongside him, but Aidan's voice replayed in her mind: "Run. Live. Fight another day."
Branches clawed at her arms as she pushed forward, her feet skidding on the damp earth. The oppressive energy of the council loomed closer, a reminder that this wasn't just a chase—it was a hunt.
Suddenly, a sharp crack split the air, and the ground erupted in front of her. Sera stumbled and fell, dirt and debris flying around her. She scrambled to her feet, turning to see one of the council members emerging from the shadows.
The figure was cloaked in black, their face obscured, but their voice dripped with menace. "You can't run from us, girl. You carry a power that doesn't belong to you."
Sera's heart sank. They knew.
Before she could react, the figure raised a hand, and a wave of energy shot toward her. Sera threw up her arms instinctively, expecting the impact. But instead of pain, she felt something surge within her—a burst of light that erupted from her palms, countering the attack.
The figure staggered, their surprise evident even beneath the cloak. "So, it's true. He gave it to you."
Sera didn't wait for them to recover. She turned and ran, her mind racing. What just happened? She had felt something—a flicker of Aidan's power—but how?
The forest blurred around her as adrenaline took over. She needed to find a safe place to hide, to regroup. But the council wouldn't stop until they had her, and Aidan's sacrifice would mean nothing if she didn't survive.
---
Back at the cabin, the battle raged on. Aidan was a whirlwind of fury, his strikes relentless as he faced off against Elara and Dante.
"You've gotten stronger," Elara sneered, dodging his attack with ease. "But strength won't save you. Not this time."
Aidan ignored her taunts, his focus razor-sharp. He lunged, forcing her to retreat. But before he could press the advantage, Dante intervened, blocking his path.
"Move, Dante!" Aidan growled, his voice thick with anger.
Dante hesitated, his blade trembling in his grip. "Don't make me do this, Aidan."
"You've already made your choice," Aidan snapped, his crimson eyes glowing with power. "But if you think I'll let you win, you're mistaken."
Their clash was brutal, a flurry of strikes and counters that left no room for mercy. Aidan fought with everything he had, but he could feel the toll the battle was taking on him. Elara's presence was like a poison, sapping his strength with every passing second.
He had to end this quickly.
---
Sera finally reached the edge of the forest, her legs trembling from exhaustion. Ahead, she saw a small clearing with a dilapidated chapel, its stone walls covered in ivy. It looked abandoned, but it was her only option.
She pushed open the heavy wooden door, the creak echoing through the empty space. Inside, the air was cool and still, the faint scent of incense lingering. She collapsed onto a pew, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.
Her mind raced as she replayed the events. The power she had felt—it wasn't just a fluke. Somehow, Aidan's abilities had transferred to her. But why? And how could she use them?
Before she could think further, a voice interrupted her thoughts.
"You shouldn't have come here."
Sera's head snapped up, her eyes widening in shock. Standing in the shadows was another council member, their figure tall and imposing. Unlike the others, this one wasn't cloaked. Their piercing silver eyes locked onto hers, a cruel smile playing on their lips.
"You've been quite the troublemaker," they said, stepping closer. "But it ends here."
Sera's pulse quickened. She tried to summon the power again, to feel that surge of light, but nothing happened. Panic set in as the council member closed the distance.
"Let's see if you're as special as he thinks you are," they sneered, raising a hand.
Before the attack could land, a blur of motion swept through the chapel. The council member was thrown back, crashing into the stone wall.
Sera's breath caught as she saw who had saved her.
"Aidan!"
He stood in the doorway, bloodied and battered, but alive. His eyes met hers, a flicker of relief passing over his face before he turned back to the enemy.
"We're not done yet," he said, his voice low and dangerous.
Sera felt a surge of hope. Together, they might still have a chance.