Chapter 5 5

Through the Abyss

Adrian whispered, staring at the tattered document lying open on the improvised table, "The map doesn't lie." His strained stance conveyed the ancient symbols' importance as he drew them with his fingertips. "In the ruins close to the old mill, the artifact should be hidden."

Lily looked up at him, her heart still pounding from the previous night's events. "However, how can we be certain Morgana hasn't discovered it yet? We have a time limit on us."

Evelyn nodded from her seat next to her, the lantern's wavering light casting a shadow across her face. "Morgana's might is unrelenting. She will take possession of the item and destroy all hope if we don't move immediately."

With his back to the cave wall, Elias said, "The ruins are a labyrinth." We'll still need to be on the lookout for ambushes and traps even after we arrive."

Adrian and Lily exchanged glances as a resolve ignited between them. "First light will see us out. We must use caution and strategy. Every action needs to be planned out."

When they set off, the mist from the forest covered the trees like a ghostly veil, and the sun had just begun to rise. As they descended into the thick forest, the trees appeared to be whispering cautions. Lily experienced both exhilaration and fear as the weight of their goal weighed heavily on her shoulders.

Once they reached the edge of the ruins, the mill loomed ahead, its skeleton remnants silhouetted against the sky. A sad reminder of its former grandeur, the sumptuous structure was reduced to a labyrinth of shattered timbers and crumbling stones. The ruins appeared to be holding their breath, anticipating the next move.

Adrian led the way, his senses keen, every stride deliberate. "Remain near and quiet. We wish to avoid drawing undue attention to ourselves."

The ground under them was unstable and shifting as the gang made their way through the debris. Dust was everywhere, and there was a hint of rotting smell. As Lily looked about, her pulse raced, her nervousness heightened by all the creaks and groans of the abandoned buildings.

They came to a wide, intact archway, and Adrian motioned for them to pause. "This is the end," he muttered. "Somewhere within should be where the artifact is hidden."

Evelyn studied the arches, tracing the finely detailed sculptures with narrowed eyes. "Here are some hints. To locate the item, we must solve them."

Lily observed as Evelyn and Adrian collaborated to interpret the patterns and symbols. There was a constant sense of anxiety since there was always a chance of discovery.

Lily stiffened as a deep growl suddenly resounded through the wreckage. She looked around, attempting to find where the noise was coming from. More and more of a roar could be heard, along with distant footsteps.

"Cedric is here," Elias growled. "He's getting closer to us."

Adrian's determined expression hardened. "We must relocate. We'll use the archway as a route. It may take us away from Cedric and toward the item."

They pushed through the archway, the opening getting smaller as they went. The temperature dropped, and it appeared as though there was more darkness everywhere. Breathing in short spurts, Lily's terror mixed with the excitement propelling her onward.

Lily's breath caught at what she saw when they exited into a wider chamber. The room was decorated with odd symbols carved onto the walls and antiquated artifacts. An elaborate pedestal occupied the middle, and something ancient and frayed lay on it.

Adrian exclaimed, his voice full of wonder and eagerness, "That must be it."

Lily took a step forward, reaching for the cloth with quivering fingers. The room filled with a strange throbbing light the instant she touched it. The symbols on the walls started to glow with a strange energy as they started to move and transform.

Evelyn's alarm-stricken eyes expanded. "We've set off a mechanism! We must depart from here immediately!"

The room started to crumble as the earth underneath them trembled. Debris crashed down as the ceiling broke. Adrian took Lily by the arm and dragged her out the door. "Take off!"

With the sound of collapsing stone and approaching beast growls echoing behind them, they dashed into the corridor. Lily's heart raced as the rush of adrenaline mixed with her fear. Though the exit was in sight, there was now another impediment in the form of Cedric, who loomed menacingly out of the shadows.

With a glare in his eyes, Cedric said, "You're not going anywhere."

Adrian moved ahead of Lily, adopting a defensive position. "Now get out of here!"

Lily searched her surroundings for a route out, her mind racing. The danger was heightened by Cedric's presence as the room closed in. She pointed to a small side entrance that she had seen. "There!"

Adrian glared at her, his voice unwavering. "Go!" We'll take care of Cedric.

As Lily and the others clambered into the side channel, the temperature dropped and the walls narrowed. They descended more into the ruins as the passageway twisted and curved. Their candles' flickering light created unsettling shadows that swirled around the walls.

At last, they emerged into a different chamber, somewhat illuminated by an odd, blue radiance. An old altar covered with runes stood in the middle. A crystal sphere that emitted a gentle, pulsing light rested on the altar.

Evelyn remarked, "That's it," in a tone that was equal parts relieved and worn out. "The artifact."

Lily took a step forward, her gaze fixed on the sphere. The room was rocked by a powerful explosion as she grabbed for it. The air was heavy with dust and the walls trembled. The orb's brightness intensified and started to shine brighter.

With a beating heart, Lily staggered back. "What's going on?"

Evelyn had a worried expression on her face. "The artifact is responding to our existence. We must depart before it leads to a complete breakdown."

They started to run, but just as they were about to run, Morgana emerged at the door, her eyes bright with victory. With a harsh, icy tone, Morgana said, "You're too late." "I own the artifact."

Adrian took a step forward, his face intense. "Not if we can discuss it in any way."

With a menacing smirk forming on her lips, Morgana's eyes shifted to Lily. "The secret to realizing its power is inside you. If you turn it in, I could save your life."

Lily's thoughts were racing due to the gravity of their situation, and her heart was racing. The danger had already increased by Morgana's presence, and the chamber was rapidly collapsing. With a determined look in her eyes, she glanced at Adrian.

Despite the turmoil all around them, she maintained her composure and remarked, "We can't give up." "We must fight,"

The walls of the chamber started to collapse and split as Morgana moved forward, the sound of falling rubble blending with the sounds of their fight. The circumstances were dire, and there was no guarantee of success.