Shadows of the Past
When the door closed behind them, the echo reverberated through the cavern, as if warning that there was no turning back. The space ahead felt like a strange mix of reality and a dream. The bluish glow emanating from the symbols on the walls only emphasized the unnaturalness of the place.
Simon felt the fire within him stir, reacting to the alien energy surrounding them.
"This place... it's alive," muttered Adelina, touching the wall. "It feels like we're being watched."
Simon nodded silently but didn't admit he felt the same. Every step echoed, and the whispering in his mind grew louder.
"Simon... why have you come here?"
His heart beat faster.
"The voices again," he whispered.
"Don't listen to them," Adelina snapped, catching Simon's gaze. "They're trying to manipulate you."
"But what if they're right?" he asked, stopping in his tracks. "What if these voices are something more than just noise?"
Adelina turned away, but her face betrayed uncertainty.
---
Secrets of the Altar
In the center of the vast cavern stood a massive stone altar. Symbols on its surface pulsed with light, as if breathing.
"This is a key," Adelina said quietly. "The altar must control something."
Simon stepped closer, feeling his inner fire resonate with the power of the altar.
"There's only one way to find out," he said, raising his hand.
"Wait!" Adelina said sharply. "You don't know what this might do!"
But Simon had already touched the surface of the altar. Instantly, a surge of energy poured into him. His consciousness plunged into darkness, and images flashed before his eyes.
---
Visions from the Abyss
Simon saw the world consumed by darkness. Giant rifts opened in the ground, spewing forth monsters that brought death and destruction. People screamed, fought, but it was all in vain.
"Is this the future?" he thought.
"No," replied a voice that felt familiar. "This is the present. You are merely a part of a larger plan."
In the vision, he saw himself engulfed in flames, standing in the center of a rift. His hands were covered in black magic, and his eyes glowed.
"You are the fire that must burn the darkness... or become a part of it."
---
Returning
Simon jerked back from the altar, clutching his head. His breathing was erratic, and his heart pounded like a drum.
"What did you see?" Adelina asked, stepping closer.
"The Abyss," he said. "And I was at its center."
Adelina frowned.
"This place is playing with our minds. We can't let it break us."
"You don't understand," Simon interrupted. "These aren't just images. They're a warning."
---
Voices and Traps
As they moved away from the altar, the whispering grew louder. Now it wasn't just in Simon's head but all around them.
"Why do you resist, Simon?"
"Adelina... do you hear it too?"
She nodded, gripping her sword tighter.
"They know our names. That's bad."
"Or it's just another trick," Simon said, trying not to show his fear.
Suddenly, the ground beneath them began to shift. Pieces of stone moved aside, revealing dark chasms.
"Run!" Adelina yelled, grabbing his arm.
They ran forward, dodging falling chunks of the wall.
---
Edges of Truth
When they emerged into another corridor, Simon's breathing was labored.
"This place isn't just trying to destroy us," he said, looking around. "It's testing us."
"For what?" Adelina asked.
"For our readiness to embrace the darkness."
She paused, considering his words.
"If that's true, what choice do we have?"
Simon looked at her, feeling the fire within him grow stronger.
"To keep going. Or burn out."
---
The Path Ahead
The corridor led them to another massive chamber. On the floor, a map of the world was etched. Some territories were marked, others erased.
"It's like... a map of the Abyss," Adelina said, studying the symbols.
Simon stood before the map, touching it with his fingers. Suddenly, certain areas began to glow.
"These are the places where it's already broken through into the world," he said. "And if we don't stop it..."
"Everything will end," Adelina finished.
They stood in silence, as the whispers around them became almost deafening.
"You will change nothing, Simon. You are just a spark in an ocean of darkness."
"Enough," he whispered, feeling his fire flare out of control. "I'll show you what a spark can do."