Queen of Darkness WATTPAD VERSION [Inter-Universal Protectors: Book 3]

62

Flanked by two new guards, Kek bowed mockingly. "My favourite Queen has asked my assistance. Your new Terpolite friends were useless, I suppose." He turned to Colt. "The Forgotten King! I see you still haven't told the others your identity."

"Yeah, still want an explanation on that," Jay said.

Kek ignored him, continuing with a voice full of acid. "And the daughter of the great Enliatu, descendent from Archeron himself. An honour to finally meet you."

Xix met his gaze. "I am unable to say the same to you. How do you know I've read it right?"

Kek made to take a step forward. The guards stopped him. Amneris waved a hand. "We can handle things from here. You can leave." They hesitated but did as was asked.

The Terpolite fell back on one of the empty lounges, toying with the armbands used to keep his power at bay. "I know because I took the liberty of learning the language a few thousand years ago. Just as you did." A pointed look.

"It's written in a very old variation of the Terpolite language. Before it became essentially the same as the Lyriumian language. If I had to guess, I'd say this particular variation would date back to the time of Archeron," Xix explained. 

"What does it say?" Zoe asked.

"It speaks of something called the 'Trial of the Ancients' which is supposed to take place in 'the City of the Wave, destroyed by the hands of the Gods'. Apparently," she continued, "should the trial be passed, a vision will be transmitted through 'the Vessel of Time' to someone called 'the Eternal'. The power will be passed to the one deemed worthy - according to this, it's either the Silent or Photon Guardian - and that person can do with the power as they please."

"That makes no sense," Carmin said. "Amns is the Photon Guardian and there is no Silent Guardian."

"There are other translations I've found in my travels." Kek sat upright. "Some say a chosen warrior of either Guardian is capable of holding the power."

"Aurelia," Kayla said. "She is one of the chosen. That must be why Nephthys is with her!"

Colt eyed Kek. "What else do you know?"

"Why would I tell you?" 

"Because you are part of the life in the multiverse."

Kek blinked. Again. "Yeah. Alright. That's a good point." He stood, pacing before the group. "This power is the secret of the Frozen Ones. As they are Terpolite Warriors the Dark King deemed worthy, only the Dark King's power can open the door leading into the city."

Xix looked down. Amneris watched her closely as she addressed Kek. "Only Naka's power can enter this city?"

"That's right."

Her gaze remained on Xix. "You know what you have to do."

The woman shook her head. "I don't want it."

"There's no one else who can."

"I refuse."

"You're the only one who he would even consider."

"No!" Xix stood, hands pressed to her head. "I won't do it and you can't make me!" The guards stopped her as she reached the entrance to the Palace. "Let me pass!"

"Let her," Amneris said quietly. The woman ran inside. Amneris tugged at her hair. "Car, if it's not too much to ask-"

"I'm on it." Carmin grunted with effort to stand, disappearing into the Palace. 

Hathor looked between her mother and the empty doorway. "What was that about."

"Nothing you need worry about, baby," Amneris answered. "What we should be worrying about is finding which universes were in existence at the time this was written."

"That doesn't exactly narrow it down . . ." Nikki begun.

"I know. I know. But we can work from there. Assuming Xix . . ." She ran a hand through her hair. "I'm sure we can figure out a way to get in without her."

Kek snorted. "Not a chance. You need that power. Or are you planning on asking your own Godly friend for help?"

"How do you even-"

"Hey, I know shit."

"Yeah, and said shit is the only reason you're still alive."

Jay stretched. "At least figuring out the location itself won't be difficult."

"Agreed," Amneris said at the same time Colt asked, "It is?"

"'The City of the Wave, destroyed by the hands of the Gods'?" Jay jumped to his feet, shooting out an arm to point at the horizon. "Ladies and gentlemen, we're going to Atlantis!" 

"Honey, that doesn't narrow it down," Ema said in a sing-song voice. "Many universes existed during the reign of Archeron. It'll take a miracle to figure out which one is being referred to."

Jay's grin faltered. He sat. "Shit."

"A miracle, huh?" Amneris pushed herself to her feet.

Colt grasped her hand as she made to leave. "Where are you going?"

She smiled. "I'm going searching for some divine intervention."

* * * * * * * * 

Naiu must have known Amneris was coming. When she entered the Chamber of the Photon Core, the Goddess was perched in her usual place on the cream-coloured pillar which her power hovered over. 

The Goddess waved. "I like the new look."

Amneris huffed a laugh, looking down at her own glowing hand. "Please tell me you didn't have anything to do with it."

"I had nothing to do with it," she said, dead-pan.

"Liar." 

"I had a little to do with it," the Goddess admitted.

"Much better." Amneris sat, leaning against the pillar. Naiu moved to sit beside her. "So, do you know which universe Archeron hid this apparently mighty power in?"

"No," she said. Her voice became distant. "Naka would know."

"I was afraid you'd say that." Amneris rubbed her hands over her face with a groan. "I'll be amazed if Xix changes her mind and takes on his power. She's so set against it."

"Can you truly blame her?"

"No. No, I can't."

Naiu leaned forward. "This is not what bothers you."

Amneris pulled her knees against her chest. "I'll have to face mother again. Not only that, but I think I know who this 'Vessel of Time' is supposed to be."

"And?"

"This 'Eternal' person. We both know exactly what I'm thinking." 

"You're afraid."

"That's hardly new." Amneris jumped as her phone buzzed. "You got her to change her mind?"

"Surprisingly," Carmin said. "We're going to take some time to prepare but the plan is to leave within the hour. Will you come with us?"

"I will."

"See you soon." 

Amneris stood as the call ended. "Looks like I'm off to Terpola."

"Wait." Naiu came to her full height, form shimmering like a star. "I want to come."

"You can't leave the chamber," Amneris said.

The Goddess shook her head, gesturing at the pendant around Amneris' neck. "That can hold me. We both know it can."

Amneris took the pendant's charm in her hand, squeezing it tight. "Are you sure?"

"I have to come."