Chapter 47 –Shadows of the Abyss

The suffocating darkness of the abyss surrounded them, closing in from every direction. Anastasia, Matt, and Sean sensed a cold breeze as the darkness crept closer, the walls appearing to throb with ominous power. The figure's words lingered in their thoughts: The game is just starting.

"We need to stay together," Wyatt's voice cut through the blackness, firm and commanding. "Everyone, form a line."

Billy, standing close behind Anastasia, focused on the lingering energy in the room. "I'll use my tracking ability to find a way out. Just stay close and follow my lead."

The group moved cautiously through the pitch-black room, each step carefully placed to avoid tripping over the debris scattered across the floor. The oppressive darkness seemed alive, shifting and thrumming with a sinister rhythm. While they moved through the darkness, the deep, resonant growl from the shadows increased in volume, echoing through the walls like a heartbeat.

"This way, I think I've found a way out." Billy whispered, sensing a faint energy signature in the distance.

As they followed him, the air grew colder with every step they took and Wyatt sensed a spell meant to confuse and trap them. He knew that in order to get away, they had to destroy it as soon as possible.

A blinding light erupted, pushing back the shadows. A pulsating, glowing portal appeared, surrounded by flickering runes. The room's sinister energy seemed to recoil at the light, the growls turning into anguished screams as shadowy figures emerged from the void, grotesque and twisted.

"Keep moving!" Wyatt ordered, raising a protective barrier around them, a soft silver light that kept the creatures at bay.

Bastian concentrated, his powers amplifying the portal's light. "I'll hold the portal open. Go!"

One by one, they dove through the portal, the shadowy creatures snapping at their heels. The moment they passed through, the darkness seemed to collapse in on itself, the growls and screams fading into silence.

They landed hard on a stone floor, gasping for breath. When they looked around, they realized they were in an ancient, forgotten cellar—dusty and cobwebbed, with the scent of old books and damp earth hanging thick in the air.

"What is this place?" Sean asked with his voice trembling, looking at their surroundings.

"This is an old safe house that our ancestors used for training and refuge when they first began hunting demons. It's the reason I bought this piece of the island. It's been hidden and secure for generations." Wyatt explained in a grave tone.

Billy scanned the room, his eyes narrowing. "The portal brought us here, but it wasn't just a coincidence. Someone, or something, wanted us to find this place."

As they explored the cellar, Anastasia found an old, dust-covered journal buried under a pile of debris. She turned the pages, discovering writings about old customs and evoking demons.

"Passing it to Wyatt, she said "It could provide insights into the intentions of the figure."

"These ceremonies are created to diminish the barriers between our realm and the realm of demons. Wyatt examined the journal, his brow furrowed, stating, "If they succeed in their goal, it could lead to a full invasion."

Prior to continuing reading the journal, a loud noise came from above, followed by quick footsteps. Wyatt's heart sank—he knew that sound too well. He asked Billy and Bastian to get everyone back to the house which wasn't far from them as he carefully made his way to the cellar door.

As Wyatt reached the top of the stairs, he heard the unmistakable sound of a gun being cocked. He opened the door just a crack, enough to see two of his two guards that he brought with him. One guard had his weapon drawn, aimed directly at the other's head.

"What's going on?" Wyatt asked, stepping out into the dim light of the corridor.

"Sir, this one...he's not one of us. Found him placing runes around the perimeter, just before the crash. He's a demon servant." The armed guard, Carlos said with sweat dripping down his face and didn't lower his weapon.

The accused guard smirked, his eyes glinting with malevolent satisfaction. "You've caught me. But it doesn't matter. I'm not afraid to die in the name of the Demon Lord. You think you're safe here, but the darkness is already creeping in. It's only a matter of time before you all fall," he sneered, showing no fear.

He nodded at the loyal guard. "Do it," Wyatt said as his stomach twisted with dread, but he didn't let it show.

A single gunshot echoed through the corridor, the sound muffled by the thick walls of the safe house. The demonic servant dropped to the ground and shortly after, a red puddle started to form underneath him. Wyatt bent over and examined the man's body. He lifted the collar of his shirt, uncovering a tiny tattoo behind his ear that symbolized his loyalty to the demons.

"Dispose of the body. Burn it, and scatter the ashes so we ensure there is no trace," Wyatt ordered.

Carlos displayed a determined expression as he nodded to the orders given to him. He and Wyatt moved the body outdoors, making sure to hide any evidence. The body was soaked in gasoline which gave off a strong smell, then ignited. The fire blazed fiercely, engulfing the body completely, leaving only ashes. Carlos collected the ashes in a metal container and then proceeded to get rid of them.

Upon arriving back at the house, Wyatt gathered everyone together. The recent events weighed heavily on him, but he ignored it, aware that he couldn't display vulnerability at this moment.

"We got rid of the guard, but it's not over yet. This was a close call—too close. We're lucky that no one brought any communication or tracking devices to the island, thanks to Billy's foresight. Otherwise, the demons would know exactly where we are. But the danger is far from over. The runes he placed were designed to summon demons, and obviously they are now trying any means. We managed to destroy the runes and make the island safe. Our ancestors used this place to train and prepare for future battles, and now it's time for you to do the same." His gaze landed on each of his kids, a firm determination shining in his eyes.

His gaze hardened as he spoke the next words. "Your training starts now."

Anastasia, Matt, and Sean shared nervous looks as they had to come to terms with their new reality. There was no turning back to their former lives and this was their new normal. They found themselves in a realm of shadows and peril, where the sole path to survival was to uphold their legacy and engage in combat.

Wyatt turned back to the cellar, his mind already racing with plans for their training. He hoped they could have normal lives but due the events unfolding, he knew that they had a long road ahead of them with loads of challenges to face but he had hope. They were strong, and with the right training, they would be ready for whatever came next.