Red as Ruby

Chapter 46

The air hung heavy with the scent of decay as we stood at the edge of the cursed spring. My friends and I exchanged determined glances, our faces reflecting the urgency of the task before us. The water was a vile black, its surface rippling with dark energy - a stark reminder of what would befall our kingdom if we failed.

"Alright," I said, taking a deep breath. "Let's do this."

I stepped forward, my small affinity for fire making me the obvious choice to wield the power of the ruby and to be the one to start the ritual. The gemstone felt warm in my hand, pulsating with fiery potential. As I began channeling my aether, I couldn't help but recall my aunt's words from long ago when I lived with her in Diamond's Deep: "Heloise, you have a fire inside you. Never let it burn out."

"Help me," I whispered, my voice barely audible above the sound of the wind rustling through the trees. The ruby in my hand began to glow, casting an eerie red light on the murky water.

The flames of purification sprang forth from the ruby like tendrils, snaking their way towards the cursed spring. I could feel the heat radiating off them, a fierce reminder of the power I held in my hands. But as much as the flames were burning, I couldn't shake the cold emptiness that seemed to have lodged itself within me ever since Damien had revealed his engagement. It was as if a part of me had been extinguished, leaving behind only ashes and smoke.

"Keep going, Heloise," Liora urged, her emerald eyes shining with hope. "We're right here with you."

"Thanks," I replied, forcing a smile through the pain. "I won't let you down."

As the incantation continued, I could feel the aether within me draining away, leaving me weaker with each passing moment. Still, I refused to falter, my determination fueled by the love I had for my friends, and the knowledge that our kingdom's fate rested in our hands.

The cursed spring seemed to writhe under the onslaught of the purifying flames, its dark magic fighting against the cleansing power of the ruby. But even as the battle raged before me, I couldn't shake the thought of Damien, his face filled with regret and sorrow as he'd told me about his engagement. It was then that I realized that no matter how hot the flames burned, some things were beyond redemption - maybe even my own heart.

"Stay focused, Heloise," Kalara warned, her obsidian eyes flashing with concern. "It's working. We just need to keep pushing."

"Right," I said, swallowing hard. "We've got this." And with that final surge of determination, I poured every last ounce of my strength into the incantation, praying that it would be enough to save us all.

The flames danced and flickered around the cursed spring, their warmth beginning to spread through my aching body. I glanced at Anwen, her blue eyes sparkling with determination as she stepped into the spring, the water eagerly welcoming her.

"Let's do this," she announced, her voice filled with the confidence that seemed to come so naturally to her. The sapphire in her hand glowed brighter, casting a bluish hue over the dark water.

Anwen cried out, and like an artist painting a masterpiece, she moved her hands gracefully above the surface of the water. I watched in awe as a swirling vortex formed, its powerful currents working together to cleanse the spring of its dark magic.

"Anwen, you're amazing!" I couldn't help but marvel at her talent, even in a moment as dire as this.

"Thanks, Heloise!" she replied, grinning widely. "But we're not done yet!"

As if on cue, Caelie stepped forward, her hazel eyes shining with excitement. "Time for some technological wizardry." She held up a small device with intricate engravings and glowing amethyst crystals embedded within it. "I call it the Aetheric Amplifier."