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

71

Movement was slow. The group trekked to the central island of Atlantis. No resistance was met and no traps were set off. The only thing the group had to worry about what the instable nature of the find. Some bridges between rings would crumble with the smallest touch. Others would hold. 

The natural life overtaking the city paid little attention to the group. Overhanging vines were pushed out of the way. Stones and fallen buildings were jumped. The remains of walls were scaled. 

Hours later, the group reached the central island. 

"There is a lot of dark energy here," Xix said, raising her hands to her head, closing her eyes.

"No shit," Amneris said, knocking on what used to be a wall around the castle. She yelped and jumped back as it crumbled. "Meant to do that."

Jay whacked the back of her head. "Look. Don't touch."

"I have to agree." Ema swept an arm around them. "This place is crazy fragile. Who knows how old it is. We might break something important if we go around touching things."

"Important," Amneris said dubiously. 

Hathor breezed past. "Every little detail is important, mum. You of all people should know that."

Amneris sighed but followed. She was all for ruins. She liked ruins. They were cool and always had some secret hidden inside. These ones? Not so much. The ruins were so . . . ruined that there wasn't all that much to see. Not even as she entered the still-standing doorway of the castle. 

"This way," Xix said, turning to enter the left hallway.

Ema rushed to her side. "How do you know?"

The Terpolite woman smiled. "I just do."

Kek brushed past Amneris and whispered, "Told you."

* * * * * * * * 

Xix led the group to what used to be the throne room. It must have been the biggest room in the castle. Few walls still stood strong, a layer of gold covering them. The one behind the giant orichalcum-covered stone throne stood strongest. One of the side walls had a swirling pattern of multi-coloured gemstones. 

This is what Xix walked toward. She held her hands over the wall behind the throne. "There's definitely something here."

"I feel it too." Amneris placed a hand on the wall. She pulled away just as fast. "I do believe we've found our rift."

"So we need to get behind that wall." Colt looked over the gems. "I wonder if these would-"

Crash!

He spun mid-sentence in time to see the wall shatter. 

Amneris dusted off her hands. "Problem solved."

With the wall gone, the group could see the rift. It would have existed even without the building. A bright swirling light shone brightly. Smaller lights appeared to be created out of no where and sucked into the main body. It was a hypnotizing sight. The group couldn't help but stare.

"Now what?" Jay asked, voicing the question everyone was thinking.

"I guess we go through," Ema said.

"Maybe one of us should stay behind just in case." Kek backed away a few steps. He stopped after bumping into someone behind him. He blanched at the look Amneris was giving him. "Or we could all go through," he said quickly.

"You can go first," Amneris growled, eyes narrowing. "If there's a trap on the other side, it would be the easiest way to find out."

Colt placed a hand on her shoulder. "Under normal circumstances I would agree, but you were the one who said he would be useful."

"Oh, I'm sure he'll outlive his usefulness very quickly once we reach the other side." She crossed her arms. "And once we pass the Trials, he'll make a run for the weapon and try to take it so he can take mine and Xix's power."

Xix spun from the rift. "He will try to do what?"

"I'll explain later."

She rubbed the back of her head with a sigh. "Great. Even more trouble I've gotten myself into."

Jay managed a laugh. "Welcome to the game, Xix."

Hathor was still staring at the rift. "Who goes first?"

Amneris and Colt exchanged glances. As one, they lifted Kek, dragged him forward, and tossed him into the rift. Everyone looked at them, surprised, but said nothing. 

"O-kay." Hathor cocked her head. "Who goes next?"