Chapter 21: The Ring

An unnatural silence hung over the city. Through the dirty glass of the window, in the distance, flickering neon lanterns blurred like memories in the rain. The clock on the wall struck two in the morning. But that meant nothing. Time, as always, was an illusion - something that only worked on the surface, until you had to go deeper, where the real mechanisms moved reality. They knew that in a moment something would begin that could no longer be stopped. A decisive showdown was inevitable. Alex and Alessandra sat in silence, their gazes crossed, but their minds wandered into the distance. Though unspoken thoughts separated them at the moment, the physical proximity was like an anchor, something tangible in an ocean of uncertainty. They were together. That was what mattered. Perhaps the only thing that still kept them sane. Each of them knew there was no turning back.

- We will overcome this," Alex broke the silence, his voice sounding quiet but confident, as if he was reciting an old incantation, trying to strengthen his words. - Together we are stronger.

Alessandra raised the corners of her mouth slightly in response, though the smile was more a shadow of hope than true joy. But it was enough. The look they exchanged was more than just understanding. It was almost like an oath - not just in front of them, but in front of what was to come. They could not fail. Not now. Too much was at stake.

At the same time, Elias, Luca and Malachite returned from their last night of freedom, or rather a substitute for it. The spiked alcohol did not quell the tension, but perhaps it allowed them to forget for a moment what they had agreed to. Now, in the cool morning light, they were returning with renewed energy. Determination beat from their steps, like that of soldiers heading for the battlefield, where every action had to be precisely planned, because one moment of hesitation could cost lives.

- It's time to move," Malachite said, turning to face the others.

His gaze flicked over the faces of his companions, as if he wanted to make sure everyone understood what they had in front of them.

- We don't have a moment to waste.

They went downstairs, ready for what was to come. There was no more room for doubt, for fear. Each of them had his own task, and the strength of the team was based on precise cooperation, on mutual trust. This was a fight not just for Venice, not just for their future. It was a fight for something bigger. For what existed beyond the boundaries of their own fears and limitations. Darkness slowly descended on the city. The shadows of the streets lengthened, disappearing into the gaps between the buildings, creating the illusion that the city was swallowing itself. Every sound, every rustle became a warning that the enemy might be closer than they thought. But they were not retreating. They knew there was no turning back now. What pushed them forward was not courage - it was desperation, the last spark of hope that maybe, just maybe, they could end it all.

They reached a strategic point. Malachite unfolded before them a hastily drawn plan of the Brotherhood's base, his hands moving quickly, pointing out more details. His mind worked like a machine - analysis, elimination, exit.

- Here," he said, tapping his finger in the center of the sketch where the ring was located. - This is our destination. We need to get there as fast as we can before they have time to figure out what's going on.

- We must act in a coordinated and precise manner," Alex added, his voice a little rougher than usual. - This is our only chance.

Malachite looked at Alessandra.

- You have a key role. Your intuition will help us find the ring. You must focus on locating it, no matter what happens. We can't afford to make a mistake.

Alessandra nodded, though her heart was pounding harder with each passing moment. This was more than a mission - this was destiny tightening its fingers on her.

- Elias - Malachite turned to the monk. - You will create confusion. We need to get them off balance before they have time to react.

Elias nodded, closing his eyes for a moment, mentally preparing himself for what was to come. There was no room for mistakes. Not now.

- Alex," said Malachite, looking into his eyes, as if he wanted to convey something that could not be expressed in words. - You will be our battering ram. You will clear the way for us and protect Alessandra. It will be difficult, but I know you can do it.

Alex felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders, like a metal hoop tightening around his chest. Every move, every heartbeat now seemed crucial. This was no longer just a fight for the city. This was a fight for their lives, for Alessandra's life, and for something that lay far beyond them. Something that was going to shape the future of the world as they had not yet known it.

- We will not fail," he finally said, though the words sounded more like a promise he was making to himself than to anyone else. The hour of truth was coming.

After the final preparations, they set off. The plan that had seemed so detailed when they drew it up was now turning into reality - harsh, cold and unpredictable. Each step resonated with quiet echoes in the narrow, damp streets of the city. A city that seemed to be dying by the minute, as if it could sense for itself what was coming. There was no room for illusions here - neglected buildings with abandoned shutters, cracked sidewalks, shadows cast on the faces of people who passed them without a word. Passersby were like ghosts - faces closed in expressions of silent trepidation. They glanced stealthily, only to quickly avert their eyes, as if the mere awareness of the group's presence could bring upon them the wrath of the Brotherhood. A Brotherhood that was everywhere. In every shadow, in every silence, in every movement of the air.

When they reached the area where the Brotherhood's headquarters was to be located, they stopped in an alley. It was a dead zone - not a living soul, not a sound, just their quiet, rhythmic breathing and the tension pulsing under their skin. Each of them felt that elusive moment before the clash, when it was still possible to turn back. But no one thought of turning back. Everyone knew that this moment would come. And that there was no escape from it.

- We must act quickly and smartly," Malachite whispered, breaking the tension by glancing at his watch.

Time passed faster than they would have liked.

- The Brotherhood has not left the place without adequate protection. Traps, guards, alarm systems.... we can't ignore them.

Alessandra took a deep breath, trying to get herself under control. Her thoughts revolved around the ring - an artifact that had been passed down in her family for generations. It wasn't just a mission. It was a legacy. She realized that retrieving the ring wasn't just a fight against the Brotherhood. It's a fight for survival - hers, her comrades and everyone who had no idea of the power the ring hid.

- Remember," Alex broke the silence. In his voice there was a mixture of determination and anxiety. - It's not just a ring. It's much more than that. If the Brotherhood gets it, our efforts will be in vain. The whole world could change.

Elias, standing a bit behind, looked at his companion, and his eyes betrayed what everyone was trying to hide - fear. But Elias wasn't afraid of death. He was afraid of what might follow if they failed. Looking at Alex, he knew they both felt the same burden. The mission was not just a task. It was a test they had to pass, no matter the cost.

- We can do it," he said quietly, but his voice carried more confidence than ever. - We are ready.

The words were like a mantra they repeated to each other to believe. And in that moment, they had to believe. In the silence that fell after their exchange of words, their hearts beat in one rhythm - together, as one unit, one mind.

They set off toward the headquarters of the Brotherhood. The air around them seemed to thicken, as if the city itself objected to their presence. Footsteps echoed silently off the dilapidated walls of the buildings. There was something surreal about it, as if they were moving in slow motion, in a reality that was about to explode. They knew they were approaching danger, but the adrenaline made every movement more alert, every sense sharpened. The Kusdod ring they were looking for was supposed to be the key to secrets that could change the course of history. But with it also came a danger that could not be ignored. Alessandra felt her heart beating harder, but her thoughts were focused - she had one goal, one point she had to reach.

- We're there," Malachite said, glancing at the entrance.

Each of them took up a position. The weapons in their hands seemed heavier than usual, and every second was at a premium. At this moment, they had no room for error. They knew they had to push forward, even though each of them felt the breath of danger on their necks. But they kept going nonetheless, because they had no choice.

- Let's go in," threw Alex briefly, and his voice cut through the silence like a blade.

They were ready.

Inside, the world around them began to change. At first subtly - tiny symbols painted on the walls, too regular to be random, runic signs of the Brotherhood that seemed to vibrate in the twilight. Later - the silence became too deep, the air seemed to thicken. Each breath seemed to weigh more than usual. There was something about the place that attracted attention, although it would have been better not to look. They moved quietly, trying to blend in with their surroundings, though they knew it didn't matter.

- We must be careful," Malachite whispered, his voice seeming to sink into that thick silence. - The Brotherhood's protection is everywhere. One mistake and we won't reach our destination.

Their footsteps were almost silent, and yet it seemed that any slightest sound could betray their presence. They walked like shadows past figures in black cloaks, masks and with weapons in their hands. They stood still, holding their breath, while patrols passed them in unconsciousness. Each moment seemed to take an eternity, but eventually they reached their destination.

- It's here," Malachite said, pointing to a steel door that looked as if nothing could move it.

However, they were the only entrance. Inside, a maze awaited them. The corridors stretched like a tangle of serpentine paths that could confuse anyone unfamiliar with the place. But Malachite knew where to go. He led them with unwavering certainty, turning into the right branches, avoiding hidden traps, until they reached the point where they had to stop.

- A moment of respite," said Malachite, leaning against the wall. Droplets of sweat were dripping from his forehead, although his face was calm. - We need to calm our breaths. Alessandra, you know what to do when we find the ring.

Alessandra nodded, but her heart was beating like a hammer. She held a weapon in her hands, but it wasn't the steel that would determine the outcome of this mission. She knew that she was the one who had to reach the ring - her abilities were crucial. What she carried within her was going to determine the fate of this clash.

After a brief pause, they moved on, penetrating deeper and deeper into the depths of the base. New sounds began to appear around them - conversations, the clatter of footsteps, sometimes the clank of metal. The awareness that they were so close made their every step more measured. They were approaching the center, and that meant there was no turning back. Finally, they reached the place. The central chamber was open, and inside swarmed with members of the Brotherhood. Several figures, clad in dark robes, circled around a huge stone tablet decorated with symbols.

- Take it easy. Wait for the signal," whispered Alex, tightening his hands on his weapon. His eyes moved around the room, calculating the number of enemies.

Suddenly, without warning, a figure emerged from a side corridor. The guard. Alex, without thinking, dashed toward him, hitting him in the neck and twisting his arm. The bodyguard settled to the ground silently, and the rest of the team moved forward. They rushed into the room, launching their attack. The first shots echoed off the stone walls. Screams filled the space, and members of the Brotherhood rushed into battle. Chaos engulfed the room - the sounds of gunshots, metal hitting metal, falling bodies and broken screams.

Alex, Elias, Luca and Malachite moved like a unit. Agile, fast, merciless. However, the Brotherhood was not unprepared - their opponents reacted instantly, and the fight became brutal and fierce. Alex led a series of punches, repelling the attacks of one of the enemies, and Elias surprised his opponent from the side, striking him full force in the jaw. All around, a fight erupted. At that moment, Alessandra felt it. The ring. Its power pulsed like a heartbeat, calling to her. With every step she took, she felt more and more pressure. The world around her swirled, as if time was slowing down. The Brotherhood may have been well organized, but it didn't matter. They had to win.

- Go! - shouted Alex when he noticed that Alessandra was beginning to hesitate.

She stood in the middle of the battlefield, staring at the space in front of her, as if mesmerized. Then she made a decision. She leaped forward, dodging a blow from one of the Brotherhood members, agile as a cat, and landed right next to the board. Taking advantage of the confusion, she moved forward. The chaos around her worked in her favor, but time was running out. Her heart was beating faster and faster, and the rhythm of the impending clash was ringing in her ears. She saw a member of the Brotherhood in front of her, a tall, hunched silhouette in a dark cloak. She had to act quickly, but she couldn't betray herself. She concentrated, trying to read his thoughts, through the power of the prophetess, to enter his mind enough to find out what their plans were. His mind was dark and disciplined, but she was able to pick up echoes of fear. He was not expecting her.

Remember, you only have a moment," she repeated to herself, while her eyes never strayed from her opponent. She dashed through the narrow corridors, always one step behind him, like a shadow. When he finally reached the door - the right door - Alessandra's heart sped up even more.

It's now or never.

She gathered all her power and sent a thought, precise as an arrow:

Go to the ring. 

The man paused for a moment, his steps hesitating. He furrowed his eyebrows, probably wondering where the thought came from, but he didn't have time to think further. He moved toward the door. He opened it and stepped inside moving in the set direction. Alessandra took the opportunity to flash through the door, which he left unattended.

Inside, wrapped in a faint, flickering light, was what they had come here for - the Kusdod ring. It was locked in a glass case, like a trophy that no one was ever supposed to see. Alessandra came closer, feeling its power beating against her like a pulse. It was like a summons, hypnotic and irresistible. She quickened her breathing, but could not lose her cool now.

Focus, Alessandra. Think coolly.

She focused her energy on the Brotherhood member, who was still somewhere outside the door. She sent him another thought, a stronger, more suggestive one:

Open the showcase.

For a moment she felt resistance, as if his consciousness was struggling, but then.... it subsided. With trembling hands, the man moved toward the display case and opened it with a magnetic card, unconsciously making movements that should never belong to him. Alessandra did not wait. As soon as the glass cover lifted, she grabbed the ring. She felt the power of the artifact flow through her body, as if it was trying to unite with her. A wave of energy filled her entire insides, overwhelming, almost painful, but she knew it was only a prelude. She had no time to think. She stunned the Brotherhood member in the head and ran out.

Then she heard Malachite's voice, sharp and sudden.

 - Alessandra. We have to run away!

Those were the last words she heard before the door opened with a bang. Members of the Brotherhood rushed into the room, their faces contorted with anger and fear. They understood. They knew the ring had been stolen. It was too late for subtleties. The alarm sounded throughout the complex, a deafening sound filled the space, and Alessandra, holding the ring in her hands, dashed backwards, straight into the hallway.

Run. Run

Her body was running on autopilot. She rushed through the maze of corridors, feeling each step reverberate in her chest, as if her legs were made of lead and her heart wanted to explode. The enemies' footsteps sounded behind her, closer with each passing second, and their screams reverberated off the walls. She felt them getting closer, but she had to confuse them. She focused and sent another wave of thoughts to confuse their trail, creating the illusion that she had turned in a different direction.

I have to get to Alex, Luc and Elias - that was her only thought now. She had to hand over the ring to them before the Brotherhood regained control of it. She turned abruptly into the next corridor, her breathing was shallow, and each step seemed to cost her more and more. But finally she saw them - waiting in the darkness, ready for anything.

- We got it," she said, panting, handing the ring to Alex.

His hands confidently entwined the artifact, and his eyes sparkled.

- This is our chance to end this once and for all," he said, clenching the ring in his hand.

Alessandra, looking at her comrades, felt that although it wasn't over yet, they had the upper hand. But she also knew that the Brotherhood would not let go - their time was numbered.

After retrieving the ring and leaving the base, the group decided to take refuge in a place Malachite considered safe - an abandoned cabin in the mountains hidden among a wild forest, far from civilization, and its isolation offered the hope of temporary peace. A cleansing wind hummed in the treetops, and each gust seemed to remind them that their real enemy might be closer than they expected. By the time they arrived in the evening, the sun had almost disappeared behind the horizon, and the world had gone gray in the pre-evening twilight. The light of day was giving way to an ominous silence, broken only by the rustling of leaves and the distant, indistinct echoes of mountain streams. There was something intangible hanging in the air, as if the place itself was a keeper of secrets they had yet to learn.

- It's here," Malachite said, his voice muffled, as if he didn't want to disturb the silence. His gaze swept around the abandoned hut, whose walls were filled with darkness. - Here the Brotherhood will not find us.

They went inside, trying to disturb the surrounding tranquility as little as possible. Despite the dilapidated furniture and long-forgotten objects, the place had something about it - some ancient kind of energy that Alessandra could sense in the air. They lit a campfire. The warmth of the flames contrasted with the chill of the mountain night, and their faces, bathed in flickering shadows, betrayed fatigue but also determination.

- In fact, this is just the beginning of the battle," said Alessandra, her eyes still sparkling from adrenaline.

- We must get rid of this ring once and for all. If it falls into the wrong hands, everything we fought for will be lost. - replied Malachite.

- This is true," replied Alex, lifting his gaze to the darkening sky. - But remember, the power of the ring is neutral. It is a tool, nothing more. It is up to us to decide whether to use it for good or evil. Its fate depends on our choices.

They sat in silence, absorbed in thought. Alessandra did not take her eyes off the ring, feeling its subtle tremor resonate with her inner struggle. She was exhausted, but she knew they had no time to delay. The sun had long since disappeared behind the mountains, and the shadows cast by the campfire seemed to dance on the walls of the hut like ghostly figures from another world. The silence was broken by Luca, clenching his clenched fists. His face was stern, like that of a warrior, ready for any fight, even with the unknown.

- We can't just sit here doing nothing. This place... - He looked at the forest around them, as if searching for danger in the darkness. - It seems peaceful, but I feel we must act before the Brotherhood finds us.

Brother Elias, who had remained silent until now, watched the flames with uncertainty. He was the least experienced of the group, and their situation seemed to be beyond him. But hope could be seen in his eyes.

- This place," he began slowly, his voice trembling slightly, "may for a while soothe our fatigue and put our thoughts in order, and will give answers to what we will do next with the ring. And I think we will decide as per heart and reason will indicate.

Alessandra looked at him intently. She knew that Elias was not a fighter like Alex, but he had an intuition that the others lacked. His words, though uncertain, made sense. With each step they stopped being ordinary people and became part of something bigger - an unknown force that had no place in their previous reality. Alessandra looked at Alex, who was staring into the woods with a strange, focused expression. She knew that he too was feeling the weight of this journey. This wasn't just a fight for the ring. It was a struggle to understand what lay beyond the boundaries of their world. She felt that something inevitable was coming, something that would change their fate forever.

Whatever awaited them on this journey, they had to be ready.