Ashes Whisper

Chapter 34 : Unexpected Reunion

As Elara unfolded the pages of the Book of Revelation, the companions gathered around, their eyes fixated on the intricate illustrations and cryptic writings. The pages filled with marked symbols and clues that would lead them to the Lands of Celestial.

"According to the book," Elara began, "the path to the Lands of Celestial lies within the sacred mountains. We must journey to the summit, where the veil between realms is said to be thinnest." Samael continue "The path to the summit may be treacherous, we must be prepared for whatever awaits us, both physically and mentally".

Zarek agree with Samael. "We must steel ourselves for the challenges that lie in wait." Elara closed the book gently. Together they set foot on the path that would lead them to the sacred summit.

As they ascended higher, the air grew thinner, and the temperature dropped. Mist cloaked the towering peaks, shrouding the landscape in an otherworldly haze. The companions pressed on, Zarek, feeling a mix of awe and trepidation, couldn't help and told to them. "Well, this mist certainly knows how to make an entrance," he quipped, his voice laced with a touch of humor. "I must say, it's playing quite the game of hide-and-seek with our path."

Elara's voice, tinged with a hint of seriousness, cut through the mist. "The density of this mist presents a challenge, obscuring our path and testing our resolve." Zarek nodded, his playful demeanor giving way to a more determined expression. "You're right, Elara. We cannot let the mist cloud our purpose".

Finally they reached the top of the summit and beheld a breathtaking sight—the Lands of Celestial sprawled before them in all its majestic splendor. The scene was like a painting come to life, with vibrant colors and a serene beauty that took their breath away. Sunlight bathed the land, infusing it with a golden hue upon the lush valleys and snow-kissed peaks. It was a sight that captured their hearts and left them in awe of nature's wonders.

As the companions marveled at the picturesque view before them, their senses heightened with anticipation. Suddenly, without warning, a group of shadowy figures emerged from the surrounding trees and rocks, launching a surprise attack.

The assailants moved with deadly precision, their movements swift and calculated. Zarek protect Elara from his back, Khai, and Samael found themselves thrust into a fierce battle, their swords clashing with the weapons of the attackers. In the heat of the moment, it was difficult to discern their enemy's identities.

Yet, as the skirmish ensued, a sense of familiarity began to dawn upon them. The swift and agile maneuvers, the lethal strikes, and the distinctive markings on their garments—the truth slowly revealed itself. It was the Assassin Black Order, the very organization that Lord Thrush had dispatched to capture and eliminate them.

Realization struck the companions, The leader of the Assassin Black Order, a figure known as Hassan, emerged from the shadows, his dark laughter echoing through the battlefield. "Hahaha, you look quite shocked, don't you?" Hassan sneered, his voice dripping with malicious delight. "Long time no see, Ashes Whisper."

Elara's eyes narrowed, her grip on her staff tightening. She recognized Hassan from her past encounters, a relentless adversary whose skills were matched only by his ruthlessness. Memories of their previous encounters flooded her mind, reminding her of the danger he posed.

Samael gaze hardened as he stepped forward, his blade gleaming in the sunlight. "We've faced you before," he declared, his voice laced with unwavering determination. "And we'll face you again. We won't let you lay a hand on the Ashes Whisper."

Hassan replied "Ahhhh..... Yes my prince, dont you miss me? Today i dont want to course any harm, i will let you go but with one condition"

Zarek continue "What condition?"

Hassan replied "I want that ring, the Eye of Zersulair, if you give it to me Ashes Whisper, then i let you go"

Khai continue with angry tone voice " what if we dont wanna give it to you!?"

Hassan's eyes narrowed, a sinister smile playing upon his lips. He slowly reached behind him and grabbed one of his assassins, whose face was concealed beneath a mask. With a swift motion, he removed the mask, revealing a face that sent a shiver down Elara's spine. It was her younger sister, Mikaela.

Elara's heart skipped a beat as she locked eyes with Mikaela" What are you going to do with her?" Hassan's voice cut through the tense silence, his tone laced with a twisted amusement. "Oh, the reunion of sisters amidst the chaos of battle. How touching," he taunted. "Such a delightful turn of events, wouldn't you agree, Ashes Whisper?"

Elara's mind raced, torn between the love she held for her sister and the danger that surrounded them. She clenched her fists, her voice filled with determination. "Release her! This fight is between us. Let her go."

Hassan chuckled, his grip tightening on Mikaela's arm. "Oh, my dear Ashes Whisper, you think you can bargain with me? I hold the power in this situation. The Eye of Zersulair or your sister's safety—it's your choice."

Zarek stepped forward, his voice laced with a mix of concern and defiance. "Elara, we can't let him have the Eye of Zersulair. It's too dangerous. We'll find another way to save Mikaela." and Elara continue " I know Zarek but i have too..."

Zarek's eyes widened as he watched Elara struggle to remove the ring from her finger. His concern deepened, and he quickly moved closer to her side. "Elara, what's happening? Why can't you take off the ring?"

Elara's in frustration and confusion as she tugged at the ring, exerting all her strength to free herself from its grasp. "I don't understand, Zarek," she replied, her voice tinged with worry. "It feels as though it's stuck, as if it's bonded to me."

Hassan throw one of Mikaela knife and said" if you can't take off, you have to cut your finger"

Elara's eyes widened in disbelief as Hassan's words echoed in her ears. The gravity of his demand sank deep within her, and a surge of fear coursed through her veins. She glanced down at the ring, its presence seeming to tighten its grip on her finger, as if mocking her attempts to free herself.

Zarek's voice broke through the tense silence, his tone filled with concern. "Elara, we can't let him harm you. There must be another way."

Samael's eyes darted from Elara to the assassins surrounding them, his mind racing with the urgency of the situation. "We must finish this battle first, and then we'll seek the aid we need. We won't let him harm you, Elara."

Elara's heart pounded, torn between the threat to her finger and the need to protect her sister.

Without thinking anymore Hassan cut one of Mikaela arm to threaten them, if Elara doesn't give him the ring, Mikaela gonna death.

Elara's eyes widened in horror as Hassan's blade sliced through Mikaela's arm, causing her sister to cry out in pain. The shock of the brutal act surged through Elara's veins, fueling a mix of rage and despair. Time seemed to slow as she locked eyes with Hassan, a gaze filled with an unyielding determination for vengeance.

But in that moment, something inexplicable occurred. As the blood spilled from Mikaela's wound, a surge of energy emanated from the ring on Elara's finger. The Eye of Zersulair pulsed with an eerie glow, its power resonating with the anguish coursing through Elara's soul.

Within an instant, a dark vortex materialized before them, swallowing all of them and disappear without trace.