A QUEST OF DEATH : Dawning Darkness

16 | Crepusculem • Part 2(edited)

It had always been dark and gloomy inside this forest, even in broad daylight. Serenel folk used to believe it was haunted. Not many preferred visiting this island forest except for the city's wood supplier Tim, who collected wood from here, a gang of fear-nothing-adolescents doing some stupid dare, and Ada, who had a whole life revolving around a crevice in a rock wall here.

She walked swiftly on the thorny, rooty floor. She had walked these paths so many times more than she could remember to count. Her cape, long and flowy, dared not to hook anywhere. That's how well the forest knew her, and she knew the forest back.

Hoots, growls, and even moans could be heard. Ada knew which is which; she could even tell each sound apart. Not bothering about them, she kept walking until she reached the dead end of the walk where a wall of ancient stones blocked her way.

The stones, covered in damp moss that sparkled with dewdrops in the dim light, bore the marks of time and weather-cracks and scars revealing their rough edges. Their surfaces were marred by fissures and grooves, resembling veins running across them. Some cracks were deep and wide, exposing the dark core of the stones, while others were thin and shallow, barely visible under the layer of moss.

A particular spot had a hole dug into the wall, creating the impression that a stone was missing. The creases formed patterns and shapes that hinted at their history and origin-some looked like letters or symbols, carved by human hands long ago, while others resembled claw marks, left by some unknown beast or creature. The stones had seen many things, but they kept their secrets well.

Ada's eyes darted over each stone before settling on the middle, slightly chipped and stained stone plaque. She glanced around, ensuring no one was following her. Then, she hastily fished out an octagon-shaped stone plaque and placed it where a stone seemed to be missing. The piece fit perfectly, like a puzzle piece, and she tapped on the stone twice with her fingernail. The wall trembled and parted, creating a narrow gap for her to slip through.

Inside the crack, it was a whole different world.

The canals leading from the Sambili forest down to the Crepusculem were like thin veins, carrying the lifeblood of the city of Moon. The houses and establishments were humble and modest, huddled close to each other. The stones of the city breathed the scent of the forest and rain. Fragments of conversation floated from open windows; distant laughter bounced off the deserted streets. A rat scurried across her path, as big as a cat, making her flinch. She glanced around, checking for any pursuers, then ducked into another smaller alley leading to a road she knew like the back of her hand.

She slipped into the shadows, the warm embrace of darkness enveloping her like an old friend. Her footsteps were light, barely leaving a trace as she navigated the labyrinthine paths. Every step carried her closer to her goal, her mind focused on the mission that propelled her forward. Shadows danced around her, playing their nocturnal symphony, while the moonlight cast an ethereal glow upon her path until the grandeur of the architecture came into view.

Surrounded by a short stone fence that separated it from the rest of the world's bustle, The Great Crepusculem stood in all its grandeur—a sensory symphony that seized hold of her senses.

The Grand Hall reached towards the heavens with regal poise, its surface adorned with intricate carvings weaving stories of ancient wisdom and mythical creatures. As the moon's silvery rays kissed the stone, the carvings seemed to come alive.

Golden accents adorned the intricate architectural roof, casting a warm glow that bathed the surroundings in an ethereal light. The shimmering gold reflected off polished surfaces, creating an aura of enchantment that embraced all who stood beneath its influence. It was a sight that defied logic, as if the very laws of reality bent to accommodate the magnificence of this sacred space.