Chapter 5 Chap: The Ritual

Malakai's venomous words lingered in the tense atmosphere. Aria felt a magnetic pull, a presence looming just behind her.

She resisted the urge to glance back, but deep down, she recognized it-Elara.

The unyielding strength and quiet resolve that radiated from her ally were palpable, creating an invisible tether between them.

Malakai's piercing gaze darted to Elara. For a fleeting moment, Aria caught a flicker of something enigmatic in his expression-curiosity glimmered like a dying ember, or perhaps a shadow of suspicion.

"What do you think, Elara?" Malakai asked, his voice laced with an intoxicating blend of malice and intrigue. "Do you believe Aria is prepared to face her destiny?"

Elara's tone was calm and confident. "She's ready, my lord. She has been meticulously prepared, just as you instructed."

Aria's heart plummeted.

Was Elara playing along, or was she truly aligned with Malakai? The question twisted in her chest like a blade.

The tension crackled in the air, thick as fog. Malakai's gaze lingered on Elara, probing her, testing her, as if he were hunting for a weakness.

Elara gave an enigmatic smile that seemed to satisfy him, but it only deepened Aria's unease. She was standing on a knife's edge, where one wrong move could end it all.

"Very well," Malakai finally said, voice smooth and cruel. "Aria will face her fate tonight, under the full moon. Prepare her for the ritual."

Elara's nod was calm, but Aria saw the flicker of tension in her shoulders. "As you wish, my lord."

Aria's mind spun. Tonight? Under the moon? What was he planning?

As Malakai turned and exited, Elara's eyes met Aria's for a single heartbeat.

A warning.

Aria understood. Keep playing the part. Stay quiet. Stay sharp.

The moon hung high in the velvet sky, its silver light pouring into the ritual chamber.

Malakai stood in the center, his eyes burning with ancient power and dark purpose.

"The ritual begins," he intoned.

Elara locked eyes with Aria. Something passed between them-urgency, trust, maybe even hope.

Then, like dancers in a secret play, they began moving in tandem. Elara mimicked Malakai's arcane gestures with grace. Aria copied her, heart pounding.

Each movement brought them closer to chaos-or freedom.

Elara's signals turned frantic.

Then, with a final sharp flick of her hand, she shoved Aria toward the door.

"Go," she whispered, almost soundless. "Now."

Aria ran.

Behind her, Elara screamed, "No!"

Malakai turned. His eyes lit with fury. He roared. Wolves howled in response.

The chamber erupted.

Aria didn't look back. She bolted through corridors, claws scratching stone, heart thundering like a drum. She hit the forest line just as wolves burst after her.

And then, a roar.

Familiar. Fierce.

Kael.

Kieran.

They burst through the trees, blades flashing, wolves leaping into the fray.

"Aria!" Kael shouted, slicing through the chaos. She stumbled toward them, breath ragged, limbs trembling.

Kael and Kieran fought like warriors born of legend. Their strength carved a path through the darkness, each swing a promise of protection.

They pushed through the pack until Aria was free to run, They didn't stop until they reached a clearing washed in moonlight.

Aria collapsed into Kael's arms, breathless. "Thank you," she whispered, voice cracking with emotion.

Kael smiled, soft but steady. "We're not out of this yet."

Kieran nodded. "We'll get you somewhere safe. Somewhere Malakai can't reach."

Aria nodded, but her heart ached.