Chapter 11: Trading in the Shadows

In the early morning in the town of Eldria, the sun shines through the clouds and onto the streets, but it can't dispel the tension that permeates the air. Alex, Isabella, and Lucas stood in the castle's library, their eyes focused on the old diary in Isabella's hand.

"Look at this," Alex said, his voice filled with excitement. "There is a reference here to an ancient ritual that is said to reveal the secrets of the family." Isabella and Lucas gathered around, their eyes full of curiosity. "This ritual... Does it really exist? Isabella asked. Alex nodded. "We have to try. This ritual may be the key to our finding the truth. The three of them began to prepare for the ceremony, their hearts filled with hope and determination. They know that this adventure has only just begun, but they are ready to face any challenge.

Lucas was silent for a moment, then whispered, "He needs funds." Breaking the curse requires powerful magic and ancient artifacts, all of which cost money. Alex nodded, anger welling up in his heart. He realizes that Victor's plan is far more complicated than they thought. He continued to rummage through the papers, trying to find more clues about Victor's plan.

At that moment, Isabella let out a low cry. She stood in front of a large bookshelf with an old diary in her hand. Alex and Lucas walked over and saw the Dermotton family logo on the cover of the diary. "It's the family diary," Isabella whispered, excitement in her tone, "it may hold the key to unlocking Victor's conspiracy." "

Alex stepped forward, took the journal, and began to look through it. The owner of the diary appears to be a woman named Isabella, who chronicles the events of the town in beautiful handwriting. "On the night of the full moon, the shadow of the wolf lingers. The curse under the castle is still not lifted. Alex whispered the contents of the journal, feeling a little uneasy.

"We have to find out more about this ritual," Isabella said, her eyes steadfast. "This may be our only chance." Lucas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "We've come a long way, but there's still a lot of work to be done. We need to make sure the town never forgets the lessons of the past. "

The three of them returned to the castle, their footsteps echoing through the empty halls. The air was filled with the smell of dust and decay, and shadows seemed to dance and writhe in the flickering light of a flashlight. They return to the library, where they discover the family's magic book for the first time. Alex walked over to the old desk, his fingers running over the pages. He stopped in front of a passage that he had previously overlooked, which described the ritual of uncovering the hidden bloodline.

"There's a special herb mentioned here," Alex said, "and we need to find it." Isabella quickly opened another book and began to look for information. This herb grows deep in the forest behind the kasbah and can only be picked on full moon nights. Lucas frowned, "Then we don't have time to waste." "

The three of them quickly packed their necessities and set out on their journey to the forest. As the night deepened, the moonlight shone through the treetops on the ground, guiding them in the right direction. There is a mysterious and ancient atmosphere in the forest, as if every tree is telling an ancient story.

"Be careful," Alex reminded in a low voice, "there may be unknown dangers here. Isabella clenched the dagger in her hand, her eyes wary. Lucas, for his part, kept looking around to make sure he hadn't missed any potential threats.

After walking for a long time, they finally found the legendary herb garden. In the moonlight, the herbs emitted a faint glow, as if calling them. Alex carefully picked a few plants and put them in a cloth bag that he carried with him.

"Now we need to get back to the castle and start the ceremony," Isabella said, her voice filled with urgency. They quickly returned to the castle with hope and uneasiness in their hearts.

Back in the library, they began to set up the props needed for the ceremony, as described in their diaries. Alex lit the candles, Isabella placed the herbs in an ancient copper bowl, and Lucas chanted the incantation.

"Are you ready?" Alex asked, his eyes filled with determination. Isabella and Lucas nodded, and the three of them held hands and began to chant the ritual's incantation.

As the incantation was chanted, a mysterious force filled the room. The herbs in the copper bowl began to burn, emitting a strange glow. The light grew brighter and brighter, gradually forming a ball of light, suspended in the air.

"This ... What is it? Lucas asked in surprise. Alex and Isabella also stared intently at the ball of light, their hearts filled with curiosity and awe.

A vague figure gradually appeared in the ball of light, a woman in ancient costume, whose face resembled that of Isabella.

"I am the guardian of House Demorton," the woman whispered, "you are here at last. "

Alex, Isabella, and Lucas held their breath as they listened to the woman's words.

"The secrets of the family are about to be revealed," the woman continued, "but you must face a great test. Only the true Demorton bloodline can unlock this curse. "

"We're ready," Isabella said firmly, "no matter what it takes." "

The woman nodded, and the ball of light gradually dissipated, leaving behind a string of mysterious symbols, suspended in the air.

"These symbols are the key to unlocking the curse," Alex said, "and we have to decipher them." "

The three of them began to study the symbols carefully, trying to find a pattern in them. As the minutes ticked by, they got closer and closer to the truth.

"I found it!" Isabella said suddenly, "These symbols represent an ancient magic array. "

"We need to activate the magic circle in the order of these symbols," Lucas said, his eyes full of hope.

They quickly followed Isabella's instructions and began to set up the magic array. With the activation of the last symbol, the entire room suddenly vibrated and a powerful force poured out from the magic array, enveloping the entire castle.

"It worked!" Alex said excitedly.

The curse has finally been lifted, and the inhabitants of Eldria Town feel the peace they have not felt for a long time. Alex, Isabella, and Lucas stand in the square, watching the town gradually come back to life.

"Our journey isn't over yet," Isabella said, her eyes full of determination, "we have more secrets to uncover." "

"Yes," Lucas nodded in agreement, "but we have proven that nothing is impossible as long as we are united." "

Alex shook Isabella and Lucas's hands, their hearts filled with hope and courage. They know that there is still a long way to go, but they are ready to face any challenge.

The story of the town of Eldria is far from over, and the journey to uncover the forgotten lineage has only just begun. The future of the town is uncertain, but people are ready to face it with courage and determination. The curse has been lifted, but the truth is still waiting to be revealed, and the three of them are ready to uncover it, no matter what the cost.