Chapter 10: The Binding Light
Catherine felt her heartbeat quicken as Faelor's words settled in her mind. The weight of the stones in her pouch seemed heavier now, as though they knew the role they must play. A force beyond her understanding stirred within them—ancient, powerful, and dangerous.
Jake glanced between her and Faelor. "Is this the only way? There has to be another option."
Faelor's silver eyes burned like molten fire. "There is no other way. The stones are bound to her now. Only she can wield their power. Only she can stand between the darkness and the world's end."
Catherine's pulse thundered. "What do I have to do?"
"The stones must be placed around the fragment," Faelor said, his voice steady but grave. "They will create a barrier of light, but the energy will flow through you. Your will must be strong enough to guide it. If your heart falters, the light will shatter, and the darkness will consume you."
Jake stepped closer to Catherine, his hand brushing hers. "You don't have to do this alone. We'll face it together."
Faelor shook his head. "She must be the one. The stones have chosen her, and their power will not bend to another's hand."
Catherine looked into Jake's eyes, her fear reflected in his gaze. "I'm not sure I can do this."
"You've already done the impossible," he said gently. "You survived in the wilderness, raised by wolves, and now you're facing dangers most people wouldn't dream of. You're stronger than you think."
His words kindled a small flame of hope in her heart. She nodded slowly, drawing a deep breath. "All right. Tell me where to place them."
Faelor guided her to the pedestal. "One stone at each point of a triangle around the fragment. As the stones connect, focus on the light within you. Let it flow into the stones and bind the darkness."
With trembling fingers, Catherine reached into her pouch and drew out the first stone. It glowed faintly, its surface warm to the touch, and a soft hum filled the air as it responded to her presence. She placed it on the ground, her fingers brushing the cold stone floor.
The fragment of darkness atop the pedestal pulsed in response, a surge of shadow rippling outward like a heartbeat of malevolence.
"Be careful," Jake warned, his voice tight with tension.
Catherine ignored the pull of fear and drew the second stone. Its light flickered brighter, as though it recognized its purpose. She placed it opposite the first, completing one side of the triangle.
The shadows seemed to writhe more violently now, dark tendrils reaching toward her. She felt their icy touch graze her skin, a cold that seeped into her bones.
"Stay focused," Faelor urged. "Do not let it into your heart."
She clenched her jaw, her hands steady as she drew the final stone. It burned like fire in her grasp, but she did not let go. The moment she placed it on the ground, the stones blazed with light, their brilliance cutting through the darkness like a blade.
The fragment shuddered, its surface cracking as streams of shadow poured from within. A soundless scream reverberated through the cavern, shaking the very walls.
"Now!" Faelor roared. "Focus your light!"
Catherine closed her eyes, reaching deep within herself. She felt the warmth of the stones, the power waiting to be unleashed. She thought of her life with the wolves, their fierce loyalty and love. She thought of Jake, his unwavering belief in her. She thought of the light that had always burned inside her, even when she felt lost and alone.
Her heart became the flame, and the light poured from her soul into the stones.
The glow intensified, threads of radiant energy weaving between the stones like a living web. The darkness howled, fighting to break free, but the light held fast, tightening its grip.
Sweat beaded on Catherine's brow, her body trembling with the strain. The power surged through her like a torrent, threatening to tear her apart.
Jake's voice reached her through the storm. "You're almost there! Hold on!"
Her breath came in ragged gasps, but she did not falter. The memory of her mother's betrayal, the fear of abandonment, all the pain and doubt—she let them go, feeding them into the fire of her resolve.
"I am not afraid of you," she whispered to the darkness. "You will not win."
The fragment let out one final, desperate pulse, a shockwave that sent a blast of icy wind through the cavern. But the light surged higher, consuming the shadows until nothing remained.
When the darkness was gone, the stones dimmed, their light fading into a soft glow. The air grew still, and silence settled over the chamber.
Catherine opened her eyes, her body trembling with exhaustion. She collapsed to her knees, her heart racing, but relief flooded her as she saw the pedestal empty. The fragment was gone, its power sealed away.
Jake knelt beside her, his arms wrapping around her protectively. "You did it."
Tears streamed down her face as she leaned into him. "I couldn't have done it without you."
Faelor approached, his expression unreadable. "The darkness is bound—for now. But this victory is only the beginning. Others will come for the stones. They will seek the power you now hold."
Catherine met his gaze, her eyes fierce with newfound strength. "Let them come. I'll be ready."