Chapter Nineteen – The Chains of the Forgotten

There was life in the ruins.

A sense of ancient awareness surged from the stone and flashing symbol. The shadows grew closer to them, strengthening their hold like invisible hands. It was like swimming though water, the air pulsing with electric power. The weight of the unseen eyes observing them made Selene's breath catch.

The Conflict Is Started

Asrael stiffened next to her as the dark figure moved forward, Its presence so oppressive. This time the voice was deeper, with an ancient unforgiving quality.

"You were never meant to awaken, Forsaken One."

Asrael's eyes narrowed, his golden irises swirling with something unfathomable. His fingers twitched at his sides as if resisting the urge to reach for a weapon that wasn't there.

"You keep saying that," he murmured, his voice sharper than steel. "But I don't answer to you."

The figure laughed, a hollow, echoing sound. "And yet, you bear the chains of your past."

Chains?

A sudden weight dragged Asrael to his knees. Selene gasped as dark energy coiled around his wrists and ankles, pulsing with the same eerie glow as the ruins. He gritted his teeth, muscles straining against invisible restraints.

🔥 Selene's Desperation 🔥

"Asrael!" Selene lunged forward, but a force knocked her back, slamming her against the cold stone wall. Pain flared through her spine, but she pushed through it, struggling to her feet. Her vision blurred for a moment before sharpening with fury. "Let him go!"

The figure tilted its head. "He was bound long before you met him, child of light."

Selene's fingers curled into fists. Magic surged beneath her skin, raw and burning. "I don't care what happened before. You're not taking him now."

The figure remained silent for a moment, as if considering her words. Then, with a flick of its wrist, the chains tightened. Asrael let out a low growl, his head bowing under the pressure.

🔥 A Power Unleashed 🔥

Selene's heart was racing . No. She would not allow this to occur .She reached out without reluctance, allowing her powers to freely flow_ light slicing though the darkness like a blade, shadow crashing against light.

Something changed in Asrael, the ruins shook in reaction.

The chains flickered.

For a split second, his golden eyes met hers, and she saw it—the raw connection between them, something unspoken yet undeniable.

Then, with a sound like shattering glass, the chains snapped.

A pulse of power exploded from Asrael's body, sending the shadowed figure skidding backward. His breath came in ragged gasps, but he rose to his feet, his expression dark and unreadable.

"You don't get to decide my fate." His voice was like thunder, his energy crackling around him. "Not anymore."

The figure stood motionless, as though thinking about this sudden turn .Its final words were no more than a whisper as it gradually disappeared into the darkness.

"All you've done is to extend the inevitable."

The War Has Started

Selene's fingers brushed Asrael's as she reached for his hand. He turned to her, something softer in his gaze. A silent understanding passed between them.

This wasn't over.

Whatever had been set in motion—whatever truth still lay buried in Asrael's past—it would come for them.

And next time, they had to be ready.