DEMONS | Nikolai Lantsov

Chapter 16

---Mara's POV---

As Mara ventured through the bustling city, the air filled with a symphony of sounds and sights. The streets teemed with life; an intricate tapestry woven from the diverse fabric of Ravka's people. Merchants shouted their wares, their voices blending with the vibrant chatter of patrons haggling for the best deals. The aroma of spices and street food mingled, creating a tantalizing scent that wafted through the air.

Colorful stalls lined the crowded thoroughfares, each one displaying a unique array of goods. Silks in rich hues cascaded from racks, enticing passersby with their soft touch. Shimmering jewelry adorned display cases, capturing the sunlight and casting a dazzling kaleidoscope of reflections. The sound of cobblers hammering echoed from the corners, and the gentle hum of weaving looms whispered from open doorways.

Amidst the vibrant chaos, people hurried along the bustling streets. Pedestrians jostled one another as they went about their daily routines, their footsteps creating a rhythmic symphony against the cobblestone paths. Laughter mingled with animated conversations, and snippets of music drifted from nearby taverns, adding to the city's lively ambiance.

Mara moved through the throngs of people, her hooded robe concealing her features. She observed the faces around her, each one telling a different story. Traders and craftsmen, beggars and nobles, all intermingled in this vibrant mosaic of life.

The city walls rose tall, adorned with banners and flags that fluttered in the breeze. The grand architecture of the buildings stood as a testament to Ravka's rich history, with ornate carvings and intricate details that captured the eye. Busy markets and vibrant plazas were scattered throughout the city, offering a place for gatherings and celebrations.

As Mara navigated the crowded streets, she caught glimpses of the mysterious woman she sought. There were whispers among the people, tales of her wisdom and her ability to unlock the secrets of the arcane. Mara's heart quickened with hope as she followed the trail of rumors, determined to find the answers she sought.

The city hummed with anticipation, as if aware of the crucial role it played in Mara's quest. It was a place where dreams were born, where destinies were intertwined, and where the boundary between reality and magic blurred. As she pressed forward, the city enveloped her, lending its strength and guiding her towards the answers she sought. The sun began to set, causing Mara to quicken her steps.

As Mara continued through the bustling streets of the city, her hooded robe concealing her identity, she sought out the woman rumored to possess ancient knowledge of the dark arts. Her steps led her to a small, dimly lit shop tucked away in a forgotten corner of the city.

Entering the shop, Mara was greeted by the scent of incense and the soft glow of candlelight. The woman she sought stood behind the counter, her eyes wise and filled with a deep understanding of the world's mysteries. Her grey hair twisted in every direction, and she wore a deep scar along the bridge of her eye. 

"Welcome, child," the woman said, her voice echoing loudly, it must have been enhanced with some kind of magic. "I sense the darkness that taints your soul and that of another. You seek answers, do you not?"

Mara nodded, her voice barely a whisper. "Yes. I need to understand why there are remnants of the Darkling's power within Nikolai and me. We must find a way to purge it, to reclaim our true selves."

The woman studied Mara intently, her gaze piercing through the veil of shadows that surrounded them. "To rid yourselves of this darkness, you must face it head-on. A ritual of battle is required, where both of you confront the darkness within and fight until only one emerges victorious."

Mara's heart pounded with a mix of fear and determination. She knew this ritual would be perilous, but the desire to free Nikolai and herself from the lingering grasp of the Darkling was too strong to ignore.

"But how do we proceed? How do we ensure that only one emerges victorious?" Mara asked, her voice trembling with anticipation.

The woman smiled knowingly. "The ritual demands a place where the darkness was strong, a place where it can be contained. Seek the place where the Fold sat, the very heart of the darkness itself. There, the battle must take place."

Mara's breath caught in her throat. The Fold, the treacherous and formidable expanse that had plagued Ravka for so long. It would be a perilous journey, but it was the only way to confront the darkness that threatened to consume them.

"But what if we fail? What if the darkness overpowers him?" Mara questioned; her voice laced with worry.

The woman's gaze softened with compassion. "Failure is a possibility, but to surrender without trying is to guarantee its victory. Trust that the light within you will prevail."

Mara took a deep breath, her resolve solidifying. She knew the path ahead would be fraught with danger, but she would face it. So, she leaned in, and the woman explained in great detail wheat she must do. I was incredibly dangerous and precise, it would have to be performed perfectly, and with Mara being the only one strong enough to do it this caused her to become very anxious. 

"Thank you," Mara said, her voice filled with gratitude, when the old woman had finished. Mara reached forward and let the palm of her hand hover over the woman's scarred eye, shining a smooth ray of light onto her skin. Healing the woman's sight and clearing the skin of any sign of wound.

---Nikolai's POV---

Nikolai paced anxiously in the garden; his mind consumed with thoughts of the proposal he had planned for Mara. He had rehearsed the words in his mind countless times, eager to express his love and commitment to her. But as time passed, and Mara failed to appear, a sense of unease settled over him.

Just as his nerves began to fray, David, breathless and with a look of urgency, came running toward Nikolai. "Nikolai, she's gone! Mara is nowhere to be found," David exclaimed, his voice filled with concern.

Nikolai's heart skipped a beat, and panic surged through his veins. "What do you mean she's gone? Where could she have gone without a word?" he demanded, his voice betraying his growing unease.

David caught his breath, trying to compose himself. "I don't know, Nikolai. She slipped away unnoticed, Genya left you a note in your door, apparently Mara told informed her before leaving," he replied, handing Nikolai a folded piece of paper.

Trembling hands unfolded the note, and Nikolai's eyes scanned the hastily written words. "Mara has gone to seek answers. She feels that the darkness that binds you and her must be confronted. She cares for you deeply; she promises for her quick return."

Fear and worry etched deep lines on Nikolai's face as he looked up at David. "The darkness... She must have gone in search of a way to rid us of it. But where would she go? What if she's in danger?" Nikolai's voice cracked with emotion.

David placed a comforting hand on Nikolai's shoulder. "Gather our most trusted soldiers and Grisha. We leave immediately. We must find Mara and ensure her safety," Nikolai commanded, his voice firm and resolute.

"I'm sorry your majesty, but you cannot leave the palace in..." David stepped closer. "In you condition. I will send as many guards as you want, but you must remain here."

Nikolai turned his face away, twisting his expression in frustration. Taking a deep breath before nodding and waving David away.

After a few moments, the soldiers began to mobilize, and Nikolai couldn't help but feel the sudden fear course through him, of what would happen to Mara if he changed without her. He should be the one to find Mara, to protect her, and confront the darkness that threatened to consume them both. David walked up the Nikolai, in his hands the reins of his horse. Hat on his head, an expression of clear devotion to the king.

"Don't let anything happen to her," Nikolai said sternly, his voice low and serious. David nodded before turning and calling orders to the men. Hopping onto his horse and leading the group out of the gates.

He watched as they rode away, worry and helplessness entering into his heart. After a few moments Nikolai's head began to hurt, and his vision became fuzzy. He cursed, taking the ring off of his pinky and shoving it into his pants pocket before running inside to his bedroom.