Chapter 14 - The Return

Elara felt sadness sweep over her as she lay on the ground, her thoughts whirling at the Architect's revelation. The weight of her sacrifice weighed down on her like a dark covering, trapped as she was in this universe and cut off from everything that was dear to her.

However, a ray of hope sprung to life amid the darkness. The Architect's mysterious words suggested an alternative path, one she hadn't tried to contemplate. 

Elara begged, her voice hardly audible above a whisper, "Tell me," "What must I do?"

Elara saw a glimmer of compassion in the Architect's eyes as his countenance softened.

He started, "You have to look for the Threads of Fate, which are ancient treasures scattered throughout the universe, in order to go back to your world.

They have the ability to change the very foundation of creation and bend reality itself."

Though Elara's heart leaped at the thought, a nagging doubt persisted. She enquired, "Where do I find these Threads of Fate?"

The Architect looked up, his vision penetrating the cosmos' curtain. He answered, "They lie scattered across the stars."

"But take caution—they are watched over by creatures of unimaginable strength. The road ahead will be dangerous and you will encounter immeasurable hardships."

With a nod, Elara prepared herself for the journey that lay ahead. She answered, "I understand," in a resolute and firm voice.

"I will find the Threads of Fate, no matter what it takes."

Elara was left alone with her thoughts as the Architect gave a last nod and vanished from her sight. She felt a sense of purpose light inside her as she stood up and started walking into the unknown. 

Elara spent weeks travelling the universe in search of the Threads of Fate, which led her to the farthest edges of reality.

She came across weird animals, old civilizations, and unbelievable celestial events along her path.

But as time went on, her determination strengthened because of the hope of atonement and the memories of her loved ones. 

Elara eventually found herself standing in front of the first Thread of Fate after what seemed like a while. It hung there, a strand of dazzling light that surged with power beyond comprehension, poised in emptiness.

Elara's hands trembled as she reached out to get hold of it, wrapping her fingers around the ghostly thread. She experienced an instant energy boost that gave her newfound power and direction.

But just as she was getting about to turn to the next Thread, a feeling of impending doom descended upon her. She turned as a shadow crossed her path and saw a figure coming out of the shadows.

It was Declan.

Elara was instantly in disbelief at who she saw. Declan was standing in front of her, looking determined and concerned. 

How did he manage to get there does Declan have magical powers she wasn't aware of ? she thought to herself.

"What are you doing here?" she questioned, her tone full of suspicion.

Declan took a step forward, his eyes unblinking. Responding, "I couldn't let you face this alone,"

"I might not understand everything that's happening, but I do know one thing for sure: I cannot imagine being without you."

Elara reached out to him, her heart filled with love and gratitude, tears welling up in her eyes. With hardly a breath in her voice, she said, "Thank you."

However, their reconciliation did not last long. A massive explosion that rocked the universe as they locked arms shook reality itself.

Aetherion was back.

The old beast fell at them with a snarl of rage, its body wreathed in crackling energy. Declan and Elara faced their enemy united, their commitment resolute.

However, Aetherion was far stronger than before, unleashing its anger on them with relentless vengeance. Elara felt her strength decreasing with each strike, her vision becoming blurry.

Declan surged forward, his body defending hers from the attack, desperate to save her. With his life on the line, he prepared himself against the creature's rage.

"Declan, no!" Elara let out a cry, her voice full of anguish.

He turned to face her, a furious determination in his eyes. "Elara, you need to give up. This is something only you can accomplish."

With a last roar, it unleashed a force that launched Declan upward, his body slamming into the earth with a shattering collision.

"No!" Elara let out a scream that tore at her throat. Anger and pain merged inside her, turning into a raging powerhouse.

Elara poured all of her energy into the artefact, holding the Heart of Creation. Aetherion was engulfed in a dazzling display of energy as light burst from her form.

The beast gave a defiant growl, but Elara's strength was unstoppable. Her call was answered by the ancient magic known as the Threads of Fate, which twisted reality to suit her desires.

Aetherion split up with a last, dazzling flash of light, its shape melting away into nothingness. Elara stood in the emptiness, her breath coming in rough gasps as the sound of its roar went away.

Elara opened her eyes to see that she was back in her own world, with her pack's warmth and the faces she knew.

With his chest rising and falling in a regular beat, Declan laid next to her.

She felt overwhelmed with relief upon realizing they had survived. But she noticed the damage the conflict had caused as she turned to look around.

The ground had been burned and darkened by the wrath of Aetherion, leaving buildings in ruins.

However, hope persisted despite the destruction. Elara saw in her packmates the strength and resilience that had gotten them through their worst moments.

The Shadowfang pack was glad to have their leaders back.

Elara realized that their journey was far from over as she stood amongst them, her spirit restored.

But she was prepared to take on any obstacles because she had the love of her pack by her side and the Threads of Fate in her possession.

They would reunite and become stronger than before as they rebuilt their world together.

And Elara understood that even in the face of adversity, their shared ties would hold strong and support them. 

Because of love, fidelity, and the unbreakable thread of fate, they were a family rather than just a pack. And nothing was beyond their power as long as they stood united.

There was a spirit of unity and resolve in the air that night as the pack gathered around a fire. Elara and Declan sat side by side, holding hands and speaking to one other.

Elara uttered the words with determination, "We have to find the remaining Threads of Fate."

"We need their power to ensure the safety of our world."

Declan looked at the dancing flames and nodded. "And we must be equipped to handle whatever happens next.

The look of Thorne was no accident. Adrian's impact is still present, albeit barely noticeable."

Elara fixed her gaze upon hearing Adrian's name. "When the time comes, we'll handle him. We are currently concentrating on preparation and rebuilding."

The group fell silent, with the crackling fire being the only sound to break the stillness. However, despite the silence, they were united by a strong sense of will and determination.

Elara found herself staring up at the stars as the night grew longer, their far-off light serving as a constant reminder of the size of the universe and the difficulties that awaited her.

She was aware that their quest was far from ended and that there would be many dangers along their route.

She was aware that they weren't alone, though. It was sufficient that they had each other.

The pack set to work rebuilding their house at first dawn. Their activities were motivated by the common objective of recovering what had been lost, and they moved with purpose.

Elara and Declan had a closer bond than before as they worked side by side. They talked about their goals, aspirations, and difficulties while they worked.

Declan paused to wipe off his sweat before saying, "We'll need to gather allies." "There are others out there that would stand firmly with us against Adrian and whatever other threats may come."

Elara nodded, her thoughts shifting to the work at hand. "We'll locate them. We'll also see to it that our planet is prepared for whatever comes after this."

The efforts of the pack started to show results as the sun rose higher in the sky. The area was cleared, buildings were restored, and the evidence of the destruction was gradually removed.

However, there was still a feeling of anxiety in the air as they worked.

It was there, just beyond Elara's field of vision, like a black shadow.

She was aware that there would be more difficulties ahead and that their fight was far from done.

Anticipation lingered thick in the air that evening as the pack gathered around the fire once more.

Elara positioned herself in front of them, her eyes racing across the features of her family and friends.

She said, "We've come a long way," her voice heavy with their past together. And we've encountered numerous difficulties.

However, we need to continue being watchful. There is still darkness in the world, and we need to be prepared to face it."

Her packmates nodded in unity when they saw her words, their determination reflected in the firelights. 

"We'll locate the remaining Threads of Fate," she said. "And, we'll use their power to protect our World.

Elara and Declan just got back but there is an imminent attack already on their pack and they are yet to find the remaining Threads of Fate.

Who is behind this Attack...