☆Chapter 16☆

As Maya exited the labyrinth, the weight of the ancient power faded, and the oppressive darkness lifted. The air felt strangely light as she returned to the familiar stone corridors above, the faint glow of torchlight marking her way back to the surface. The encounter with the obelisk and the voice still echoed in her mind, a disturbing reminder of the parts of her past that lurked in shadow. She had resisted its pull, yes, but the haunting promises lingered.

Once she emerged from the depths, Maya took in her surroundings, now finding herself on a narrow path that wound up toward the open night sky. Moonlight cast its silver glow over the land, painting everything in a ghostly light as she made her way back toward the capital.

But her moment of quiet reflection was short-lived. She felt it before she saw him, a presence lurking in the shadows ahead, waiting with a predatory patience that felt familiar.

A dark figure stepped into the moonlight, his crimson eyes gleaming with recognition and a hint of amusement. Xavier, the vampire lord of the Crimson Twilight, stood with an unsettling calm, his lips curved in a mocking smile as he watched her approach.

"Leaving so soon?" he asked, his voice smooth and taunting, a dangerous edge lurking beneath it.

Maya stopped, crossing her arms as she raised an eyebrow. "Can't say I enjoy places that smell like damp stone and despair. But look who's back for round two. You got a little singed last time we met."

Xavier chuckled, unfazed by her taunt. "You made quite an impression, I'll admit. It's not every day someone nearly reduces me to ash. But I don't hold grudges." His eyes glinted with something darker, more calculating. "In fact, I came with an offer."

"An offer?" Maya tilted her head, feigning interest. "Please, enlighten me. It better be worth my time."

Xavier took a step closer, his gaze intense and unwavering. "You may have noticed by now that you're not exactly popular in these parts. Word has spread about the 'Goddess of Destruction' who waltzed into town and left nothing but chaos in her wake. You've got quite the reputation."

"Good," Maya replied, her smirk widening. "I like it when people know what they're dealing with."

Xavier's smile sharpened, his fangs catching the moonlight. "Oh, they know, alright. Which is why the king has taken an interest. He's not exactly fond of unruly gods or anyone who stirs up trouble in his realm. He's sent some of his best hunters to track you down."

Maya's eyes narrowed. "I'm not one to run from hunters."

"Nor am I," Xavier replied smoothly. "But the king's not one to give up, either. He'll keep sending them until they succeed… or until you're too exhausted to keep fighting. But there's another way." He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in. "Join me, and I'll see to it that the Crimson Twilight protects you. With my resources and influence, we could rule this city together. You could finally show them what real power looks like."

Maya chuckled, though the suggestion didn't surprise her. "You really think I need protection, vampire?"

Xavier held her gaze, unfazed. "Not protection, Maya. An alliance. Together, we could bring the king to his knees, burn his kingdom to the ground, and carve out a new empire in its ashes. One where people like us are the ones in control."

The offer was tempting, Maya couldn't deny that. The thrill of bringing down a kingdom, of watching it fall in flames, was almost enough to sway her. Almost.

But then she remembered the voice in the labyrinth, the reminder of who she was, of what it meant to truly wield power. She had no intention of chaining herself to anyone, least of all a vampire who sought to use her strength to his advantage.

"Nice speech," she said, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "But I don't need a partner. I'm more of a 'do-it-myself' kind of goddess."

Xavier's smile faded, replaced by a look of mild disappointment. "A shame," he said softly. "But I suspected as much."

Before Maya could react, he moved, faster than she'd anticipated, closing the distance between them in an instant. His hand shot out, fingers curling around her wrist, his grip cold as iron. She felt a chill ripple through her, the vampiric energy surging up her arm, trying to sap her strength, to drain her of the power that pulsed within her.

Maya's eyes flashed, her fire flaring to life as she yanked her arm free, the flames scorching his hand. Xavier hissed, his expression twisting with pain and rage, but he recovered quickly, his eyes narrowing as he regarded her with a new level of respect, and wariness.

"You're playing a dangerous game, Maya," he said, his voice low and filled with venom. "Refusing me is one thing. Making an enemy of me… that's another."

Maya laughed, the sound echoing through the night. "Good. I like a bit of danger. Keeps things interesting."

Xavier's eyes glinted with fury, but he didn't strike again. Instead, he took a step back, his gaze dark and calculating. "Fine," he said, his voice cold. "But know this, when the king's hunters come for you, I won't be there to help. And when you're lying broken at their feet, remember that I gave you a chance."

Maya's smile didn't waver. "I'll keep that in mind. Now, if you don't mind, I have a kingdom to burn."

Xavier's expression hardened, but he didn't respond. With a final, seething glance, he turned and disappeared into the shadows, his form melting into the darkness as if he had never been there at all.

Maya watched him go, a sense of satisfaction settling over her. She had made her choice. The Crimson Twilight, the king, the hunters, they were all obstacles, challenges to be overcome. She didn't need alliances, didn't need protection. She was the Goddess of Destruction, and nothing would stand in her way.

The night was silent again, the only sound the faint rustle of leaves in the wind. Maya took a deep breath, savoring the calm before the storm. She could feel it, a sense of impending conflict, of chaos waiting to be unleashed. The capital awaited her, its streets teeming with secrets, its walls hiding those who would try to control her, to break her.

But they would soon learn that Maya was not a goddess who could be tamed.

With a smirk, she turned and continued her path toward the city, her flames casting a faint glow that danced across the darkened path. The king's hunters, the Crimson Twilight, Xavier's threats, they were all just fuel for the fire she would bring to this kingdom.