Navigating the Secret Passage
The dim light from their lanterns flickered as Emmy, Erick, Amina, and Ellen made their way through the hidden root passage. The air inside felt thick, heavy with ancient energy, and the walls of the tunnel pulsed with a low hum, as if the very earth around them was alive.
Amina, who had been fidgeting with the small creature she found earlier, was now walking ahead, her hand brushing the curved walls. "This place... it feels different. Almost like it's… breathing," she said, her voice hushed.
Emmy nodded in agreement. "It's the magic, I think. The Guardian's presence is strong here."
Erick glanced over at her, his brow furrowed. "Are you okay? You seemed... distant back there. Like you were in a trance or something."
Emmy smiled softly, still processing the vision she'd had by the ritual table. "I'm fine. It's just... everything feels like it's falling into place. Like I was meant to be here, like this path was meant for me."
Ellen, walking ahead, didn't turn around but spoke quietly, her voice carrying an air of caution. "The Rootstone is close now. You'll need to be prepared. Its power will test you."
Amina stopped for a moment and turned to face the group, her eyes wide. "The Rootstone? But what is it? Why do I feel like I've heard of it before?"
Ellen's expression grew more serious, and for a moment, her eyes clouded over as if she was seeing something far beyond their present surroundings. "The Rootstone is the heart of this world—an ancient artifact that binds this realm to the living and the dead. Only those chosen by the Guardian can unlock its full power. And, Emmy…" She paused, as though weighing her words carefully. "You have been chosen."
Emmy shivered slightly, the weight of Ellen's words sinking in. She could feel the presence of something enormous and ancient in the air, almost like an invisible force that tugged at her very soul.
They continued deeper into the passage, and Amina, still captivated by the little creature, let it scurry ahead of her. The tiny animal chirped excitedly, hopping over roots and branches, clearly drawn to something.
"Where is it going?" Amina whispered, her eyes wide as she watched the creature dart toward a larger opening up ahead. "It seems to know the way."
"Follow it," Ellen instructed, her tone steady but with an underlying urgency. "It's guiding us."
The passage widened, and they emerged into a vast, natural chamber bathed in the soft glow of bioluminescent plants. The air was thick with the scent of moss and flowers, and the sounds of soft buzzing and chirping filled the space. They stood at the edge of a shimmering pool of water, its surface reflecting the swirling patterns above—patterns that seemed almost like the sky, though they were inside a cave.
Amina gasped, stepping forward. "This place... It's beautiful."
Emmy nodded, her breath catching in her throat. "I've never seen anything like it. It's like... a hidden world."
The little creature, now hopping joyfully around the pool's edge, stopped near a large stone pedestal in the center of the chamber. Its tiny form looked almost as if it was waiting for them to approach. The stone pedestal seemed to glow softly, etched with ancient symbols, and in the center was a small, crystal-like object—iridescent, pulsing with a faint, inner light.
"That's the Rootstone," Ellen said, her voice reverberating softly through the chamber. "It's been waiting for you, Emmy."
Emmy stepped forward slowly, her heart racing in her chest. She felt an undeniable pull toward the pedestal, as if something deep inside her was telling her to approach, to touch it.
But just as her fingers grazed the smooth surface of the stone, a chilling sound echoed through the chamber. The creatures in the area stilled, and the wind outside the cave howled in response. Something dark was coming.
Amina's face grew pale. "What's happening?"
Ellen's expression hardened. "We've been followed. Stay close."
Suddenly, the ground trembled, and distant growls echoed through the passage behind them. Ellen's eyes narrowed, her hand reaching for the pendant around her neck. "It's Zack's creatures. They're here."
Scene: Hiding from Zack's Creatures
The ground rumbled again, and distant growls filled the air, growing louder and more frantic as Zack's creatures closed in on their position. The creatures were getting closer, and the pressure in the air was palpable. Emmy's heart pounded in her chest as her breath quickened, her mind racing.
Ellen held up her hand, and in the flickering light, her voice became low and ancient as she chanted in a forgotten language. The symbols around the chamber glowed brighter, shifting as the air itself seemed to ripple.
"We cannot outrun them," Ellen said, her voice steady but urgent. "But we can conceal you."
The creatures outside the cave growled again, the sound sending chills through the group. Emmy could feel the pull of their presence, as though they were closing in on them with an unnatural speed. But something in the air had changed, like a veil was slowly being drawn over them.
Ellen turned toward Emmy. "The Keeper's blood calls them. I must block their senses." She placed her hand on Emmy's shoulder, her touch cool yet comforting. "This will work. They won't be able to smell you anymore."
As Ellen's spell intensified, Emmy felt the familiar tingle of magic wrap around her like an invisible cloak, cooling her skin. She took a deep breath, grateful for the protection, but her mind was still clouded with the danger they were in.
Before she could process what was happening, Erick stepped closer to her, his body tense and alert. "We need to move now," he whispered, his voice rough with urgency.
But just as they were about to slip deeper into the passage, a sound from behind them caught them off guard—a deep, guttural growl, far too close for comfort.
In a flash, Erick's arm shot out, his hand grabbing Emmy's arm, pulling her back toward him. His eyes met hers, filled with a mix of determination and something else—something unspoken.
Without thinking, he pressed her against the narrow stone wall of the passage, his body shielding hers from any threat that might come. His breath was hot on her neck, and for a moment, everything around them seemed to fade away.
Emmy's breath hitched, the closeness of their bodies sending an electric jolt through her. She could feel her heart racing—faster now, as her chest brushed against his.
She could feel the tension between them, the way his body was taut with the need to protect her, to keep her safe from whatever dark force was after them. His hand rested against the stone wall beside her head, his fingers brushing the edge of her cheek as if he couldn't stop himself from touching her.
"Erick..." she whispered, her voice shaky, caught between fear and something deeper—something she didn't have time to understand, not now.
He didn't answer at first. His eyes were fixed on the shadows creeping down the tunnel, but then he looked back at her, his gaze softening. "I won't let anything happen to you," he said, his voice thick with emotion. His face was inches from hers, and she could feel his warmth, the steady rhythm of his breath against her skin.
The moment seemed to stretch, heavy with unsaid words, but then—the growls—they came again, too close, too real. The creatures were on them.
Amina shoved her way through the narrow passage, her hand on Mike's back, pushing him forward. "We need to keep moving!" she urged, voice tense with fear.
Erick broke his gaze from Emmy just in time to hear her, and with a final glance at her—filled with more meaning than any words could convey—he took a step back, his hand slipping from the wall.
"Come on," he said, voice low but resolute. "Stay close, and don't look back."
They pressed forward into the narrow passage, the walls of the cave seemingly closing in as they hurried.
Behind them, Ellen whispered another incantation, her words cutting through the tension like a knife. The air thickened again with a shimmering force that shielded them from the creatures' senses. They could hear the snarls and growls of Zack's forces drawing closer, but the magic held strong—at least for now.
Amina tugged on Emmy's sleeve, pulling her back into the group as the last few moments replayed in her mind. She could still feel the heat of Erick's body against hers, the intensity of that shared breath between them. But there was no time to dwell on it. They had to survive.
Emmy glanced over at Erick, his back now turned to her as they moved deeper into the passage. But she knew, deep down, that the bond between them had shifted in that brief moment. It was more than just survival. It was something else entirely—something far more powerful.
The air felt thick and oppressive as the growls of Zack's creatures grew louder behind them. The passage narrowed even further, forcing the group to huddle close together as they scrambled to find a way out. The magical veil that Ellen had cast to hide them was fading, and they could feel the creatures' senses honing in on their scent, growing more desperate.
"We're running out of time," Amina said breathlessly, looking over her shoulder at the faint glow of the passage. "They're close."
Ellen didn't respond immediately, her focus entirely on keeping their magic intact, her hands outstretched as she whispered the ancient words. The glow of the runes carved into the walls flickered in and out as the air crackled with tension.
Suddenly, a soft growl echoed from the side—a sound so different from the ferocious, menacing growls of Zack's creatures. The group froze, eyes darting around.
Out of the shadows, a small lion-like creature emerged. Its fur was a deep, rich shade of gold, shimmering faintly in the dim light. The creature's eyes glowed with a soft, ethereal light, and its tail flicked with an almost regal air. It padded silently toward Erick, its eyes fixed on him with a knowing gaze.
Erick tensed, instinctively stepping in front of Emmy. "What is that thing?" he whispered, his voice full of suspicion.
But Ellen smiled, a warmth in her expression that seemed out of place in the current danger. "It's a guardian's protector," she said quietly. "The creatures are bound to the Rootstone, but some are bound to protect the Keeper. This one... is here to protect you, Emmy."
The lion-like creature bowed its head as it reached Erick's feet, its golden fur shimmering even more brightly. It nudged Erick gently with its nose, as though asking him to trust it.
Erick's eyes widened in disbelief. "It's... bowing?"
Ellen nodded. "It recognizes you, Emmy. It recognizes the Keeper of the Rootstone."
Emmy stepped forward, drawn to the creature. She kneeled beside it slowly, hesitating for a moment before placing a hand on its head. The creature didn't flinch, its eyes calm and wise, like it had known her for centuries.
"Thank you," Emmy whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She could feel the weight of the moment—the power of this creature, the protection it offered, and the bond she now had with it.
The creature gave a soft rumble in response, almost like a purr, before it stood up and turned toward the passage they had been heading toward. With a final glance back at Emmy, it started walking in the direction of the oncoming threat, a confident stride in its every step.
"Wait, it's going after the creatures?" Amina asked, her eyes wide with awe.
Ellen nodded. "It's going to help clear the path for us. Its presence will distract Zack's creatures long enough for us to escape."
Erick was still stunned but nodded, his hand instinctively reaching for Emmy's as they continued their trek through the passage, now slightly lighter with the hope of the creature's protection.
"This is our chance," Erick muttered, his grip on her hand tightening.
"Let's not waste it," Emmy replied, her voice steady despite the fear still lingering in her chest.
They moved quickly, the sound of the creature's growls echoing in the distance as it confronted Zack's beasts. The lion-like protector was fast, agile, and fearless, darting into the shadows with its golden form weaving through the trees and caves, drawing the creatures' attention away from the group.
As they neared the end of the passage, the air seemed to grow clearer, the weight of the tension lifting. They could hear the growls behind them slowly fading, as if the creatures were being held at bay by the mysterious lion-like creature.
Ellen slowed as they reached a wide opening in the tunnel, the light from the outside world now visible. "We're almost there," she said, her voice filled with relief.
Erick looked back one last time, watching the shadows swallow the golden creature. "I can't believe that just happened."
Emmy turned to him, her hand still in his, feeling the warmth of his touch, the connection they shared. "I think we've seen things we never could have imagined."
Erick gave her a small smile, a fleeting look that spoke volumes. "Yeah. But we're not out of danger yet. Let's go."
With the last of the creatures' growls fading into the distance, they sprinted toward the exit, the bright light of the outside world greeting them as they escaped the cavern's depths.
They were safe—for now.
The dimly lit tent was filled with a tense silence. Outside, the distant sounds of nature were muffled, but within the cramped space, the tension was palpable. Maggy stood with her arms crossed, her face grim, while Zoe nervously fidgeted with the edge of her sleeve. Mr. Sympson paced back and forth, his brow furrowed as he pondered their next move.
"He's gone," Mr. Sympson muttered, running a hand through his graying hair. "How did he escape our watch? We should have seen it coming."
Zoe shivered, unable to keep her voice from trembling. "I—I don't understand. How did Zack and his creatures slip past us? We were so careful!"
Maggy's sharp eyes flickered toward Zoe, then to Mr. Sympson. "We were careful, yes," she said, her voice cool and calculating. "But Zack's not an ordinary adversary. He's been planning this for much longer than we realized. His escape was intentional. He used the diversion perfectly. He knew we'd be distracted by the other forces in play."
Mr. Sympson stopped pacing and met her gaze. "But why go through all this trouble? Why send those creatures after them? What does he want with Emmy?"
Maggy shook her head, frustration creeping into her tone. "That's the question we all need answered. But one thing is clear. He's trying to control the Rootstone, and Emmy... she's at the center of it. He needs her, and he'll stop at nothing to take her."
"Then we need to stop him," Zoe said, her voice stronger now, her fear turning into resolve. "We can't let him get to her."
Maggy's eyes softened slightly as she looked at the younger woman. "You're right, Zoe. But we can't do this recklessly. Zack's moves are calculated. He's always a step ahead."
There was a sudden shift in the atmosphere, a weight in the air that neither of them could ignore. Patrick, one of their allies who had been keeping watch from a distance, had slipped into the tent without them noticing. He stood silently in the corner, his eyes narrowed as he observed the conversation, his posture stiff.
"I overheard some things," Patrick said softly, his voice gruff. "Zack's creatures... they're getting restless. They won't stop until they find Emmy. But the real danger... it's him. He's got some kind of connection to the Guardian, and he'll use that power to his advantage."
Mr. Sympson turned to Patrick, his face hardening. "We can't let him gain full control of that power. If he unlocks the Rootstone's full potential, the consequences could be catastrophic."
Zoe's eyes widened, her hand gripping the edge of the table. "What do you mean? What kind of power are we talking about?"
Patrick's gaze flicked to the shadows outside the tent, where a few figures could be seen lingering, keeping watch. He didn't answer immediately, as if he was weighing how much to reveal. Finally, he spoke, his voice low and heavy with warning.
"The Guardian isn't just a protector of the Rootstone," he said. "It's a key to something much older. Something that could tear this world apart if the wrong hands control it. Zack... he's trying to awaken the full power of the Guardian, and once he does, there's no telling what will happen."
Maggy stepped forward, her eyes filled with determination. "We need to stop him before he can get any closer. We can't let Zack manipulate the Guardian. He'll destroy everything."
Zoe's voice shook but carried a note of fierce resolve. "So what do we do now?"
Mr. Sympson's face darkened. "We do what we must. We keep our eyes open, and we prepare for what's to come. The battle isn't just about getting Emmy back anymore. It's about stopping Zack from bringing forth something far worse."
As they spoke, Patrick's gaze lingered on the distant shadows again. There was something unsettling about the way he kept watching the movement just outside the tent.
Maggy, sensing his unease, turned to him. "What is it, Patrick?"
He stiffened, his eyes narrowing as he stared into the distance. "Someone's watching us. Not far off. I don't know who... but they're close."
The tension in the room escalated instantly. Everyone turned to the entrance of the tent, their bodies poised, ready for whatever threat might come their way.
"Should we confront them?" Zoe asked, her voice hushed but strong.
"No," Mr. Sympson said quickly. "We can't afford to make a move just yet. Let them reveal themselves. If they're here for us, we'll deal with it then."
Maggy's lips pressed together into a thin line. "I'll stay on guard. If it's Zack's people, we'll know soon enough."
But Patrick's gaze stayed fixed on the shadows, a cold glint in his eyes. "I don't think it's Zack's people. Whoever it is... they're not working for him. But they're still dangerous."
The sun dipped lower over the canopy, casting long golden rays across the camp. Mr. Sympson stood near the center of the research grounds, clapping his hands to gather attention. The crew, dusty and tired from a day's work cataloging samples and securing their temporary field lab, turned their attention to him.
"Alright, team!" he said with a smile that masked the heaviness pressing behind his eyes. "We've got a small maintenance task. We need to set up a perimeter barrier around the chamber."
A few crewmates looked puzzled.
"For what exactly?" asked Jules, one of the junior researchers. "Are we expecting wild animals?"
Maggy chimed in quickly, a casual tone in her voice. "Just precautionary. We spotted some fresh claw marks near the west trail. Probably just a cat or two, but better safe than sorry."
That got a few chuckles and easy nods. One researcher, carrying a notebook full of root samples, said, "You sure it's not just monkeys again?"
"Monkeys don't dig claw marks three inches deep into stone," Patrick muttered under his breath.
Mr. Sympson shot him a look and quickly added, "It's no big deal. We'll be installing normal metal rods—just a low barrier. Think of it as a fancy electric fence. Maggy and I will take care of syncing it with a low-energy pulse to keep curious wildlife away."
The crew broke into small teams, grabbing tools and metal posts. The rods looked ordinary—steel, slightly weathered, but nothing that would hint at their deeper purpose. Only Maggy, Patrick, and Mr. Sympson knew that the metals were inscribed with hidden runes, each carrying a sliver of ancient spellwork.
As the barrier was being set, Mr. Sympson walked between the crew members, subtly adjusting angles, whispering to Maggy, "Make sure the northwest corner has the blessing seal. That's where Zack's force will push if he finds a weakness."
Maggy nodded, placing a hand over the rod and murmuring a short chant under her breath, sealing the rune with a faint shimmer that vanished almost instantly.
Patrick stood watch at the perimeter, pretending to be adjusting soil sensors, but really scanning the trees. His sharp eyes scanned for shadows that moved too smoothly. Creatures that didn't blink. Magic that didn't belong.
"Everything looks normal," one of the crewmates said, stepping back to admire the nearly complete circle. "Wildlife fence built in record time!"
"Great work," Maggy said, forcing a grin. "Let's finish it up and get dinner going."
As the last rod was placed, she walked to the center with Mr. Sympson and Patrick. The three joined hands, shielding themselves behind a tent from prying eyes, and began a quiet incantation. A ripple of power ran through the rods, nearly invisible to anyone who wasn't watching closely.
The spell took hold. The barrier activated—not to ward off wild animals, but to hold back something far more dangerous. Something already moving in the shadows beyond the trees.
And still, the crew laughed, chatted, and prepped for the evening—unaware that a war for something ancient and powerful was just beginning beneath their feet.
As the final metal rod pulsed faintly and the hum of the protective spell settled into the soil, the crew dispersed, chatting and laughing as they headed back to the campfire area. The sky was beginning to shift to twilight.
Zoe stood near the edge of the barrier circle, arms crossed tightly, her brow furrowed. She watched the others walk away, completely unaware of the storm quietly closing in around them.
She turned sharply toward Mr. Sympson and Maggy, who were whispering while checking the sigils again.
"Are we seriously not going to tell them?" Zoe asked, her voice low but sharp. "They're out here in the open, and we're pretending like this is all just… animal control? What if Zack shows up and they aren't ready?"
Maggy looked up, her eyes tired but steady. "We are protecting them, Zoe. That's what the barrier is for."
Zoe stepped closer, frustration rising in her voice. "They deserve to know what they're part of. That this research isn't just about ancient ruins—it's about Emmy. It's about the guardian, about Zack, about magic. Real, dangerous, dark magic. What happens if the barrier breaks? What happens then?"
Mr. Sympson let out a breath, resting a hand on one of the glowing rods. "Zoe… I've thought about this every day since we discovered the first symbol under the chamber. If we tell them now—panic. Chaos. Half of them would run, and the other half wouldn't believe us. And Zack is counting on that."
Maggy stepped in, her tone gentler. "They're researchers. Scientists. Rational thinkers. If we throw them into the unknown without grounding, they might just break under the fear of it."
"But we need them to be more than researchers now," Zoe said. "They need to be part of this. They need to stand with us."
A heavy silence hung in the air.
Then Mr. Sympson finally spoke, his voice low. "If the barrier holds through the night, we'll tell them in the morning. We'll gather them and explain what we can. But not tonight. We need just a little more time to prepare—and to protect Emmy."
Zoe didn't like it, but she nodded. "Okay. But I'll be ready if something happens. And I'll make sure they are too."
Maggy gave her a small, appreciative smile. "Good. Because when the eclipse comes… everything changes."
Scene: The Cave of Glowing Wings
The cave shimmered with a soft, bluish light—glowing bats hung from the ceiling in clusters, their tiny wings pulsing with gentle bioluminescence. The air was cool and still, filled with a faint hum like a lullaby sung by the earth itself.
Emmy sat near a cluster of moss, her arms resting on her knees as she looked around in quiet awe. The weight of everything that had happened pressed on her—but in this moment, it felt like the world had taken a breath.
Amina giggled from a few feet away, lying on her stomach as she played with the tiny lion-like creature who had followed them—its fur soft like feathers, eyes huge and curious.
"I think I'll name you... Muiwie," Amina said, smiling as it nuzzled into her hand and purred. "You're like a living plushie."
"Muiwie?" Mike chuckled as he sat down beside her, unwrapping a protein bar. "That sounds like something you name a sandwich."
"It's perfect," Amina said proudly. "He likes it. Don't you, Muiwie?"
The creature gave a chirpy sneeze and flopped onto its side in agreement.
Emmy laughed, then turned her gaze back to the soft glow above.
Erick, seated not far from her, had been quiet—his eyes had never really left her. The light of the bats danced in his eyes, and when she looked at him, he looked away for a moment too late.
Mike caught the glance and smirked. "Well, that's not obvious at all."
Emmy blinked. "What?"
"Oh nothing," Mike said casually. "Just wondering when our fearless leader is gonna admit he's been staring at you like you're a glowing bat goddess."
Erick shot him a glare. "Mike."
"What? It's romantic. Bats, caves, creepy magical jungles… classic date vibes."
Emmy blushed and looked down at her hands. Erick rubbed the back of his neck, then stood and walked to the mouth of the cave, trying to play it off.
Amina and Mike exchanged knowing looks, stifling their grins.
"Anyway," Mike said, stretching out, "we should probably get some sleep. Who knows what weirdness tomorrow's gonna throw at us."
As the group slowly settled down, Muiwie curled up next to Amina like a living, breathing blanket. Emmy lay on her side, watching the soft glow above.
Erick returned a moment later and laid down a few feet from her.
"You okay?" he asked quietly.
Emmy nodded. "Just… wondering what I really am."
Erick didn't answer for a moment. Then he whispered, "Someone who's braver than she knows."
Their eyes met in the glowing dark.
She smiled quietly into the mossy blanket beneath her. "Good night, Erick," she murmured shyly.
"Night, Emmy," he replied softly.
She tucked herself into a quiet corner of the cave, her thoughts fluttering like the glowing wings above.
---
Later That Night…
A faint creak echoed through the cave.
Erick's eyes snapped open.
He sat up, blinking in the bluish glow. The bats above stirred but did not panic. Something felt… wrong.
He looked toward Emmy's corner.
Empty.
"Emmy?" he whispered. No answer.
He stood quickly, scanning the cave. "Emmy?"
His voice rose enough to wake Amina and Mike. Muiwie stirred, sensing the tension instantly.
"What's going on?" Mike asked, rubbing his eyes.
"She's not here," Erick said sharply. "She's gone."
Amina sat up, eyes wide. "Gone?"
Muiwie jumped into her arms, hugging her tightly.
"She wouldn't just wander off—" Mike started, but Erick was already moving toward the cave entrance.
They rushed outside into the night air, the moon glowing pale above the jungle canopy.
Then they saw her.
Emmy stood at the edge of a cliff, facing the vast darkness below. Her eyes were open—but blank. She was sleepwalking.
"Oh no," Amina gasped. "Emmy!"
Erick broke into a sprint. "EMMY!"
"Wake her up!" Mike yelled. "She's going to fall!"
They ran, dodging rocks and roots, shouting her name. The wind picked up, rustling her hair as she inched closer to the ledge, eyes still lost in a dream.
"EMMY!" Erick shouted again, his heart pounding.
She took one small step forward—
The wind howled at the cliff's edge, and Emmy stood unmoving, her eyes wide—but not seeing. Her lips moved slightly, as if responding to something no one else could hear.
Inside her mind, a thick, swirling darkness stretched around her. Voices, low and ancient, echoed in a language she somehow understood.
> "You belong to us..."
"Come closer, child of the old blood..."
"We've waited for you..."
The shadows curled around her bare feet like smoke, reaching upward.
> "Follow..."
Her foot shifted toward the edge.
---
Real World: Just in Time
"EMMY!" Erick shouted again, the panic in his voice cracking.
He reached her just as her foot left solid ground—his arms wrapped tightly around her waist, pulling her backward.
They collapsed onto the rocky soil, her body limp in his arms. Her eyes stared blankly at the sky.
"Come on, Emmy—wake up," Erick whispered, cradling her gently. "Please."
Amina and Mike arrived just seconds later, breathless. "Oh my god, is she okay?"
Ellen emerged from the shadows, her guardian robes glowing faintly in the moonlight. Her face went pale as she saw Emmy's eyes.
"No," Ellen said, panic slipping into her voice. "She's not awake… they almost had her."
She knelt beside Emmy, placing a glowing hand on her forehead. "They've reached her already. We're running out of time."
"What do you mean?" Erick asked, still holding Emmy.
"The shadows," Ellen said, eyes darting around the jungle. "They're here. Even now."
"Should we move her?" Mike asked.
"We have to," Ellen said urgently. "We have to get her back to the light before she fully slips into their grasp."
Muiwie whimpered in Amina's arms.
A faint whisper carried on the wind again, chilling them all:
> "She is ours…"
Ellen stood and turned to the others. "We need to get her to the sanctuary. Now."
Erick gently lifted Emmy into his arms. "Then lead the way."
In the depths of her mind, Emmy wandered through a realm bathed in cold, grey mist. Towering black trees surrounded her, their branches twisting like claws. The ground beneath her feet felt like ash, and the sky above was a swirling void.
She heard whispers again—this time clearer, closer.
> "You were never meant to be theirs."
"You carry the blood of the Keeper… you are one of us."
"Stay… and your power will be complete."
Figures began to emerge from the shadows. Cloaked beings with hollow eyes, hovering just beyond reach. One stepped forward—its face a shifting mask of sorrow and temptation.
> "With us, you will never be weak. You will be feared. Worshipped."
Emmy stepped back, fear curling in her chest. But behind her was only more mist.
Then—something broke through.
A warmth.
A voice.
Faint, but real.
> "Emmy… wake up. I'm here."
Erick.
Her eyes blinked, just once. The shadows hissed and recoiled, the warmth growing stronger. She turned toward it…
---
Scene: The Journey to the Sanctuary
Ellen led the way, a soft blue glow pulsing from the amulet around her neck. "We must hurry. If she stays in the dream too long, she'll be trapped."
Erick held Emmy close, her body still and cold against his chest, but her breathing steady.
Amina walked beside him, whispering softly to Muiwie, who looked around with alert, glowing eyes.
They passed through a hidden arch of twisted vines that shimmered as Ellen whispered a spell. The jungle around them shifted—no longer wild and dark, but calm and lit with soft, golden bioluminescence.
The Sanctuary appeared before them—an ancient stone circle nestled in a grove, its walls covered in glowing glyphs. Water trickled from a crystal spring, and soft chimes echoed through the air though there was no wind.
Ellen pointed to a platform of smooth stone in the center.
"Lay her there. The sanctuary will protect her."
Erick placed Emmy down gently. The glyphs beneath her lit up with her touch. A pulse of light spread across the circle.
"She's strong," Ellen said quietly. "But so is the force that wants her."
The others stood in silence, waiting.
And Emmy began to stir.
The warmth of Erick's voice had begun to crack the veil around Emmy.
But the shadows weren't done with her yet.
As she turned toward the light, one of the cloaked figures stepped forward—closer than before. Its form shifted, changed… until it wasn't just a figure.
It was Zack.
Or something that looked like him.
> "You trust them too easily," he said, his voice echoing unnaturally in the mist.
"But you were never meant for them. Not for him."
She froze.
> "You're not real," she whispered.
"Aren't I?" the figure smirked. "You carry the Keeper's blood. But do you even know what that means?"
Images flashed before her eyes—ancient rituals, a throne of vines and crystal, a war long forgotten, and a child with glowing eyes being handed to a guardian. A child… that was her.
> "You're not the first chosen," the shadow whispered. "But you might be the last."
Suddenly, everything went quiet.
The other cloaked figures stepped back, and the mist began to swirl violently. In the center of it, a shape emerged—massive, horned, cloaked in writhing smoke.
> "She's not ready," the horned figure said, its voice layered and ancient.
"Then break her."
The shadows lunged—
Emmy gasped and arched upward on the stone platform, eyes wide, glowing faintly.
Ellen rushed forward. "Hold her down! The shadows are trying to pull her back!"
Erick grabbed her hand, pressing it to his chest. "Emmy, look at me. You're here. You're safe!"
Her eyes flickered between glowing and normal, her body shaking. She looked at him—really looked at him—and whispered:
> "They know who I am… and they're coming."
A burst of cold wind howled through the sanctuary.
The forest was no longer still.
The wind settled. The glow of the sanctuary pulsed softly as if holding its breath.
Emmy blinked slowly, the shadows in her eyes fading. Her breathing steadied, and her hand, still in Erick's, gripped him back.
"Erick…?" she whispered, her voice hoarse and unsure.
"I'm here," he said, kneeling closer. His voice cracked with relief. "You're okay."
Emmy's eyes darted around—the stone platform, the glowing glyphs, Amina and Mike watching with worry, Ellen standing nearby with her hand still glowing faintly, ready to defend her again if needed.
"I… I saw them," Emmy said, sitting up with Erick's help. "They tried to keep me. They showed me things—things I don't understand."
"You don't have to figure it all out now," Erick said, then pulled her into a sudden, tight hug. "But please, don't do that again."
She froze in his arms for a heartbeat—then slowly hugged him back.
"I didn't mean to," she whispered against his shoulder. "I didn't even know I was sleepwalking."
"I don't care if you float off with wings or fall through the earth," he said softly, his voice trembling. "Just let me go with you next time."
That made her smile, even if just a little. "You're so dramatic."
"You nearly walked off a cliff."
"Okay, a little dramatic."
They pulled back just enough to look at each other, the tension breaking with a shared breath.
Behind them, Ellen gave a small nod. "She's strong… she resisted them. That means they'll come harder next time."
Amina wrapped a blanket around Emmy's shoulders. "Then we'll be ready for them."
Emmy looked at each of them, then down at her palm—where a faint symbol had appeared, glowing gently like it had been carved by light.
"I think," she said slowly, "this is only the beginning."