Chapter 8 - The Shadow Revealed

Despite the heroic efforts of Raven, Declan, and Elara, Xarath's power was overwhelming.

When everything seemed lost, Xarath was hit by a powerful burst of energy from the mysterious creature emerging from the shadows.

The figure moved forward, revealing something shocking as they gathered their breath.

Aria was the being that supported Elara throughout her journey although in a negative way. 

"Why?" Elara enquired, her voice vibrating with passion.

Aria had a serious expression. Elara, I apologize. I was a noble being once, but the very power I fought to keep safe corrupted me.

I used you to fulfill the prophecy and bring about the end of the world." 

Elara had a sensation similar to a gut hit. She deeply felt betrayed by Aria because she had trusted her.

Raven and Declan stood speechless, not knowing what to do. This information was devastating to them as well, since they had also trusted Aria.

Aria went on, regret weighing heavily in her voice. But I recognized my mistake when I saw you evolve and succeed.

I made an effort to apologize, but it was too late. Xarath had already begun executing his scheme." 

Elara's hurt and rage erupted. "You took advantage of me! You misled me! How could you harm any of us?

With tears in her eyes, Aria nodded. "Elara, I am aware. And I sincerely apologize for it.

But please, you have to stop Xarath. If you don't, he will destroy everything."

Elara's determination hardened. "I won't stop him for you, but I will. For me, and for the world.

Even though you deceived me, I won't allow you to succeed." 

Elara, Declan, and Raven marched onward, prepared to confront whatever lied ahead, their determination unwavering.

Aria watched them go, a profound sadness shining in her eyes. 

They continued their quest and came across even more dangerous terrain and formidable opponents.

However, Elara's pain and rage gave her strength, and she battled with a fierceness she was unaware of. 

She recalled all the time Aria had been there for her, had listened to her confide in her.

All of it had been deceit and deception meant to bring about the end of the planet.

Elara's heart hurt with betrayal, but she refused to let it consume her.

After several challenges, they eventually arrived to the center of Xarath's stronghold.

With his eyes burning with vengeance, the Dark Lord waited for them.

"You idiots," Xarath mocked them. Do you believe you could stop me? As the one in control of the prophecy, I shall bring about the end of the world." 

With her strength soaring, Elara fixed her gaze on Xarath.

"Xarath, I'll stop you. Additionally, I'll see to it that you pay for your actions." 

Elara, Declan, and Raven engaged in life-threatening combat as the decisive struggle continued.

Although Xarath was a strong opponent, Elara was propelled forward by her strength and fierceness. 

When the fight came to a head, Elara was up against Xarath by herself. The sound of her sword striking his echoed throughout the castle.

"It seems like you turned on me, Aria," Elara firmly stated. "However, I'll prevent you from winning. I'll stop you before you ruin the world.

Elara saw the dread in Xarath's eyes beneath his sneer. He was aware of his defeat.

Elara dealt Xarath a last-ditch punch. The Dark Lord collapsed, losing strength.

Though triumphant, Elara's heart felt sorrowful. The world had been saved by her, but at what price? She no longer had faith or trust in other people.

She sensed someone was with her as she left the stronghold. It was Aria, tears welling up in her eyes.

With barely a whisper, Aria pleaded, "Elara, please forgive me."

Elara's heart hurt as she gazed at her. "I'm not sure, Aria. I need some time to reflect."

Aria nodded, pain radiating in her eyes. "I understand. But please, don't let yourself become consumed by my betrayal. You are more powerful than that.

Elara nodded, determination stiffening. "Aria, I'm not going to let it get to me. Still, I need time to recover."

Elara left Aria and the stronghold behind and turned to leave. She was aware that she still had a long way to go in order to heal and find her true self.

For now, though, she just wandered, her heart heaving with passion and her spirit unwavering in her desire to go on.

The Journey Home

Elara journeyed for what seemed like hours, the betrayal inside the stronghold carried away by her feet.

She knew she had to keep walking even though she had no idea where she was headed.

The view around her shifted as she moved. Rolling hills and lush forests replaced the dark and gnarled trees.

The smell of growing flowers permeated the air, making it warmer and sweeter. 

As Elara walked, her heart started to mend. Her long-lasting feelings of hurt and rage started to give way to a serene and peaceful feeling.

She reflected on her path and all of the difficulties she had encountered. She thought of Declan, Raven, Aria, and Xarath.

The prophecy and the force that had propelled her crossed her mind.

And as she gave it more thought, she understood that her adventure had transformed her.

The person she had been when she set out had changed. She possessed greater strength, wisdom, and power.

Days passed as Elara strolled, her surroundings shifting with each stride. Her feet propelled her on, over rivers and up mountains.

During her travels, she encountered people who gave her food and shelter.

She encountered an elderly guy looking for his missing daughter and a young couple on their way to begin a new life.

After hearing their tales, Elara told her own. She narrated to them her journeys and the force and prophecy that had driven her. 

She also became aware that she was no longer alone as she related her narrative.

She was a part of a wider world, a world full of individuals traveling through different experiences.

She also experienced a feeling of belonging and connection to them while she strolled.

And then she finally saw it one day. The castle where her adventure had started and where she had spent her formative years.

As Elara got closer to the castle, her heart began to overflow with emotion.

She had believed that she would never be able to see it again and go back home. 

However, there she was, in front of the castle's entrance. Her steps echoed off the stone walls as she forced them open and entered.

Even though the castle was empty Elara didn't feel alone. She had a feeling of contentment and a sense of home.

She made her way through the corridors and into the throne room. Her mother, the queen, was seated on the throne.

Elara walked up to her mother, her heart exploding with emotion.

She had believed that she would never see her again and that reconciliation would never be possible.

But here she was, her mother in front of her. She bent her head in shame and knelt down.

She whispered, "Mother," her voice hardly audible above a whisper. "I apologize. I truly apologize for what I did.

Her mother had a serious countenance, but there was love in her eyes.

"Elara, my darling," she said "You've been absent for a very long time. I believed I wouldn't see you ever again." 

Tears filled Elara's eyes as she gazed up. "Mother, I understand. I couldn't find myself. However, I've managed to return."

Her mother's countenance softened and became more kind. "Child, I'm sure you have. And you have my forgiveness.

You are my daughter, and I will always adore you." 

Elara gave her mother a hug, her heart exploding with emotion.

She had believed that she would never be able to change, but now she found herself loved and forgiven. 

Elara too experienced an odd feeling when she gave her mother a hug. Something seemed to be waiting for her, observing her.

Then she heard someone's voice. A voice that made her blood flow quickly.

"Elara," it exclaimed. "You may have found your way home, but you will never be safe."

Elara was frightened as the voice abruptly stopped speaking. With whom was she speaking? And what was it they desired?

To be continued...