Redemption

Chapter 9

The ancient catacombs extend deep beneath the temple, below the library. Azalea and Acrux descended the worn stone steps into the heart of the labyrinth. Their torches cast dancing shadows on the walls, revealing intricate carvings and ancient symbols. Azalea noticed that they were in the same language as the book she found. Not bothering to read them, she walked past.

As they continued their walk, the air became colder and heavier. Acrux tightly gripped his torch, while Azalea held her daggers tightly, her body tense and ready for any action.

"I think it is safe to say that you are not a fan of this place," Azalea said, breaking the tense silence.

"No one sane would enjoy this, but I believe the resurrector may have found their way here," he replied.

Suddenly, a low rumble echoed through the catacombs, followed by an eerie silence. They paused as their ears twit wished starting to hear, a faint scraping noise grew louder as it moved closer to where they both stood.

Emerging from the darkness, a horrifying creature appeared before them—a spirit condemned to roam the catacombs for eternity. Its ghostly form flickered with a sense of evil, and its bony fingers stretched out, a sinister nail digging deeply into the wall as it advanced, leaving marks on the stone walls.

"A Wraith, I did not think they would still be here" Acrux murmured, his voice wary. "These spirits have been trapped here for centuries, cursed to guard the catacombs. Rightfully so, they were not the best of people."

"People! That thing was a person, Then why are they like that. Never mind I do not need to know. Your God was not merciful was he." Azalea said eyeing the Wraith.

Azalea took a deep breath and stepped forward, daggers pointed at her target. The Wraith let out a mournful wail that sent shivers down her spine, but they held their ground.

Acrux drew his sword and dipped the black blade into the torch. Flames quickly spread, engulfing every inch of the dark metal. Azalea darted forward with lightning speed, aiming to strike the creature before it could retaliate.

But the wraith was elusive. It slipped through the walls, reappearing in another corner of the catacombs. Shadows danced around its form, making it difficult for her to guess its next move. Azalea huffed, annoyed at how long it was taking. It lunged at her, its cold, incorporeal fingers grazing her skin, sending a chilling sensation through her body.

Azalea slashed at the wraith's dark essence. Her daggers met resistance as if cutting through smoke, but she could feel the wraith weakening with each strike. She could tell they were solid beings despite looking incorporeal, and she had confirmed her suspicions when she stabbed them.

Acrux swung their sword through the air, leaving a trail of smoke behind. The sword landed on the Wraith's chest, causing flames to spread to every part of its body, surrounding it in a blinding light. The spirit let out a banshee-like shriek, it is form flickering. As the wraith's strength waned, Acrux distracted the wraith while Azalea circled waiting for the right moment to pounce

With one final, focused strike, Azalea pierced the wraith's heart with her daggers. The spirit let out a haunting cry before dissipating into a cloud of fading shadows. The catacombs returned to stillness.

"You were not bad," Acrux muttered, turning to walk away.

"Is that praise I hear. I think the Wraith scared you badly" Azalea snickered.