Chapter 15: Power

I was struggling to breathe, each inhalation becoming harder as the power of the crystal surged through me like a raging torrent. An intense, almost unbearable heat coursed through my veins, setting my insides ablaze. I closed my eyes, trying to hold on to the only solid thing I knew: Kane.

Around us, the wind rose, blowing in wild waves, as if the entire world was about to explode. The sky ripped open above our heads, darkness dispersing to reveal an unnatural blue glow. Each ray of light seemed to search for its path through the mist, piercing the veil of uncertainty that enveloped us.

Kane gripped my hand with a strength that betrayed his own inner struggle. He whispered, weakly but with palpable urgency, "Stay with me..."

His words, though faint, were an anchor in this whirlwind of power. But despite that, I couldn't stop the growing agitation within me, the power rising and becoming more intense with each passing second.

I could feel the beast in the distance, drawing closer. Its low roar tore through the air, shaking every cell in my body, threatening to engulf everything. The sound seemed to penetrate me, reverberating deep inside.

The visions, the sensations, blended into a total confusion. An ancient force, an evil will, began to unfold within me. It was as if I was becoming an extension of this creature, as if I had now inherited its power, a power I hadn't chosen but that had chosen me.

The Guardian, motionless, watched the scene, his arms crossed, his gaze distant, observing the fusion that was happening inside me. He said nothing; he knew that what was taking place was inevitable. The outcome of this union would be irreversible, no matter the result.

The world around us vibrated. The ground trembled beneath our feet, and a shockwave passed through the air with unimaginable violence. I could feel my heart pounding harder, each beat syncing with the one of the approaching beast. There was no turning back. What we had awakened was very much alive.

Kane looked at me, a mix of adoration and fear in his eyes. "Fiona..." His voice was a silent plea.

I slowly turned my head toward him. My eyes shone with an intense, almost supernatural light. The air around me trembled, and I could feel the energy bubbling inside me, ready to overflow. I knew I was becoming both the chosen one and the key to this world, but the temptation to give in to this power was overwhelming. Too great.

But I was not alone.

I turned again to Kane. In his eyes, I found the strength to resist. Together, we had faced the impossible, and this moment would be no different. Even if it meant confronting the darkness that threatened to swallow everything.

Muscles tense, breathing ragged, I took a deep breath. I knew I had to channel this energy, this fury boiling inside me, if I wanted to prevent everything from being destroyed.

Suddenly, a lightning bolt shot from the sky, striking the ground just beside us. I was thrown backward, my vision blurring, pain flooding every fiber of my being. But that wasn't all.

At that precise moment, a deep, almost animalistic voice echoed in my mind, beyond my control. "You are mine, Fiona. You cannot escape what you are."

The voice came from the entity that had imbued the crystal, the creature behind this power. But I did not give in. I got up, focusing on Kane, feeling his warmth, his reassuring presence. Together, we were stronger than this voice.

"I am what I choose to be," I replied, my voice trembling but resolute. The power within me twisted, trying to dominate me, but I resisted. "And I choose to push you away."

I closed my eyes for a moment, concentrating, before reopening them. My gaze was now determined. The wind calmed, and the light from the crystal seemed to focus around me, forming a beam of light.

Kane slowly stepped toward me, a mixture of recognition and admiration in his eyes. He placed a gentle hand on my face, looking at me intently. "You are stronger than you think, Fiona."

I smiled weakly, feeling my strength slowly returning. "No, Kane. We are stronger, together."

The Guardian watched us, a glimmer of understanding in his eyes. He knew this moment would mark a decisive turning point in this war. We were ready to face the unknown, together.

Another roar tore through the air, louder, closer this time. The Guardian turned toward the beast. "It's coming."

The power I had embraced began to settle within me, taking shape. I felt my body transforming, but also my mind clearing. I was ready. Ready to face the creature, this threatening monster. But more than anything, I knew that as long as Kane was by my side, nothing could stop us.

I turned one last time to the Guardian. "We are ready."

He nodded, and with a simple gesture of his hand, a rift formed in front of us. Inside, shadows of creatures moved in the darkness. This was the world we would have to face together.

The war was only just beginning.