Chapter 9 - The Dark Return

The mysterious voice shook Elara. Who was speaking? And what was it they desired? Not a soul was in sight as she paced around the throne room.

"Mother, did you hear that?" Slightly above a whisper, Elara enquired.

With worry, the queen gave her a look. "Hear what, child?"

"The voice," Elara answered. "It said I would never be safe."

Confusion replaced the worried look on the queen's face. As for me, Elara, I heard nothing. Perhaps all of your travel has left you exhausted."

Elara was aware that what she had heard was real and not simply in her head. So, she chose to ignore it for the time being and concentrate on her reunion with her mother.

Elara came to appreciate how much she had as they spent more time together.

They discussed everything, from Elara's trip to the queen's challenges as royalty.

However, Elara couldn't shake the unsettling voice from the back of her mind. She couldn't get rid of the sensation that someone was waiting for her and observing her.

After a few days, Elara became accustomed to her new existence in the castle. She developed her abilities and strength while undergoing training with the guards.

But the voice was gone again. Elara started to believe it was simply a delusion brought on by her weariness.

Elara heard footsteps behind her one night while she was strolling through the corridors of the castle. When she turned around, nobody was there.

She picked up her speed, her pulse pounding with excitement. The footsteps echoed off the wall, matching her speed.

With a sword ready, Elara turned around. She yelled, "Who's there?"

An answer was not forthcoming. The footsteps ceased, and the hallway became quiet once more.

Elara was certain she wasn't hallucinating. Someone was observing her and following her.

She made the decision to look into it more. She thoroughly examined the entire castle, searching for any hints or indications of a break-in.

However, she couldn't find anything. The footsteps and the enigmatic voice seemed to be figments of her imagination.

Elara was perplexed and annoyed. She was clueless as to what was happening or who was responsible.

Elara heard the voice again that night as she laid in bed. "You may have found your way home, but you will never be safe."

She was ready for this one too. Leaping out of bed, she raced to the window and looked out into the darkness.

That's when she noticed him. A shadowy person observing her.

Elara, resolved to face the mysterious being, pulled her sword and ran from the chamber.

However, upon arriving at the courtyard, she found it empty. The figure was gone from sight.

There were still more questions than answers for Elara. Who was this person? What was it that they want from her?

She was aware of the need for caution. She could not, not even for one instant, let her defenses down.

Elara knew her quest was far from over as she made her way back to her room.

She realized now that she was still in danger even if she believed she had found her way home.

She was prepared to take it on head-on.

Elara heard a faint murmur in her ear as she turned to go into her room. "Elara, you'll never be safe. Not in your own house either. 

Elara turned around, but nobody was there. The whisper echoed off the walls and seemed to emanate from all around her.

Elara was left in complete darkness as the lights in the hallway flickered and then went out.

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THE ESCAPE

Elara's heart raced with eagerness as she remained motionless in the dark. Her legs felt like lead, but she knew she had to move.

Fear bit her, its cold claws encircling her heart.

Despite her attempts to shake it off, it appeared to tighten its hold. 

Abruptly, a dim glow emerged in the distance. Slowly, Elara's eyes adjusted, and she saw someone approaching her while flashing a torch.

Elara's skin crawled from the weird shadows the light created on the walls. 

Elara realized that the figure was approaching and that it was a woman with piercing emerald eyes and long, flowing hair.

The white gown she wore seemed to sparkle in the torchlight.

Lots of questions rushed through Elara's thoughts, but the woman spoke before she could pose any. 

"Who are you?" Elara questioned, attempting to maintain a steady tone.

"I am Ariana," the woman answered in a quiet, intriguing tone. "And you, Elara, are in grave danger."

Elara's shocked eyes became larger. Although she had a sneaking suspicion that she was in danger, she was unaware of how severe it was.

Panic replaced Elara's fear, and she began to breathe in short gasps.

"It was my voice that alerted you to the impending danger," Ariana went on.

"I have been watching you, Elara, and I know that you are being hunted."

Elara's thoughts whirled with the many outcomes.

Though she had assumed she was protected, she now understood knowing she was merely a piece in a bigger picture.

She felt a wave of anger and resolve that overcame her fear. 

She asked, her voice firm, "By whom?" 

Ariana had a sad expression. "By those who aim to use your power for personal gain.

Elara, you pose a threat to them, and they will do whatever it takes to get rid of you." 

A shiver went down Elara's spine. Although she had a sneaking suspicion that she was in danger, she was unaware of how severe it was.

She remembered her people, her friends, and her mother. She had to deliver for them.

The same forces that made Elara ran away from home, before she encountered Declan, who saved her are back again and in full force. 

She questioned, feeling a hint of desperation rising. "What can I do?" she asked.

Elara felt as though Ariana's gaze penetrated her soul. "You have to believe in me. You have to have full trust in me before I can help you."

Unsure of what to do, Elara hesitated. But she connected with Ariana's comments in some way. She made the decision to take chances.

With a strong voice, she said, "I trust you."

With a tiny smile spreading across her lips, Ariana nodded. "Then let us move on."

With that, the torchlight faded into the night as Ariana turned and left. Elara followed, not knowing what was in store for her but resolved to confront any threats.

Elara saw that the hallways appeared to change and twist, much like a labyrinth as they strolled.

The atmosphere was charged with tension, and she couldn't get rid of the impression that they were being watched.

Ariana abruptly came to a stop in front of a big stone door. When she lifted her hand, the door cracked open to show a gloomy and scary hallway.

With a quiet, anxious voice, Ariana declared, "This is the only way to safety." "But we have to move quickly. They're getting closer to us."

With her heart racing in her chest, Elara nodded.

She was aware that she needed to put her trust in Ariana, but she couldn't get rid of the uneasy feeling she had.

As they stepped into the corridor, Elara heard footsteps reverberating from behind them.

She turned to find a gang of dark individuals with hoods covering their faces. 

Shouting, "Run," Ariana grabbed Elara's arm and dragged her forward. 

Elara bolted, panic pounding in her heart. She could hear the figures approaching closer to them, the sound of their footsteps growing louder.

Suddenly, the tunnel revealed a large cavern.

Elara recognized that the ray of light she could see in the distance was their only hope.

However, Elara discovered that it was not what she had anticipated as they got closer to the light. It was a doorway, full of power and energy. 

Ariana said, "Jump," and shoved Elara ahead.

Uncertain of what to do, Elara hesitated. She couldn't help but think about Ariana's words. Elara, you have to have faith in me.

You need to have absolute trust in me before I can help you."

Elara took a deep breath and leaped into the portal. Everything went dark as she experienced a surge of strength and energy.

What happens Next...