Artemis Unveiled:The Descent

Untitled Part 13: The Bridge of Destiny

The lakeside erupted into commotion, with demigods stepping back, their faces pale. Aria gazed at the pitch-black dagger, its crimson gemstone eyes unsettling her. This dagger had once belonged to Thanatos; 280 years ago, he had used it to strip Aria of her scales.

Lucius carefully held the dagger, closed it with care, and then set it down gently. "Ladies and gentlemen, this dagger is no ordinary weapon. It is a sacred artifact forged from magical energy...the Dragonbone Dagger, crafted in part from fragments of the dreaded Godslayer Sword."

The expressions of the onlookers turned grave; at that moment, the dagger lying quietly on the tray seemed to portend a deadly disaster.

"The ancient demigods shattered the Godslayer Sword to thwart its threat," Lucius continued. "But one fragment was forged by the demon into this dreadful dagger."

Aria's heart raced as she sensed the sinister aura emanating from the dagger, as if malevolent eyes from the depths of hell were fixed upon them. She stared at the dagger,her eyes flickering with unease and concern.

"This dagger is not just a weapon of doom; it's a symbol of dark power. Its presence signifies the existence of a looming threat from the shadows. We're not out of danger yet. I want to remind everyone that sealed demonic lairs, scattered across the land, could be opened at any moment, just like this dagger, manipulated by demons," Lucius's voice weighed heavy with solemnity as his gaze pierced through them. "Unfortunately, Aria's amnesia is severe, and even our Oracle has been unable to restore her memories.The origin of the dagger is even more elusive now."

"What is that?" a demigod pointed to the tray.

"In addition, this girl carries another artifact," Lucius said, cryptically. He approached the tray, where a golden pendant lay quietly.

"Lucius, please bring the pendant over," Adomoye's eyes gleamed, her interest piqued.

When Lucius presented the pendant, a hint of surprise flashed across Adomoye's pale face. She gently pulled at it, and with a metallic clink, the pendant unfolded its golden wings, emitting a faint glow.

Adomoye raised a delicate eyebrow, her voice cold and commanding. "This is the Exorcism Candle."

Whispers spread along the lakeside.

"She carries both the Exorcism Candle and the Dragonbone Dagger," Lucius reiterated. "But her memories are muddled, and we can't trace their origins."

Aria stood astonished by the lakeshore. She had intended to tell Lucius that Hawk had given her these items, but the words remained stuck in her throat. Explaining now wouldn't reverse the sudden judgment. What puzzled her more was Adomoye's failure to glimpse that scene when probing her mind.

When Lucius came back with the two items, Aria couldn't help but ask in a low voice, "Lucius, can I take a look?"

"I'm afraid not," Lucius shook his head and handed the two items to Tayvon.

"It's obvious that she did it. This girl is the culprit," said the demi-god holding the silver staff.

With his fingers interlocked, Lucius hung them in front of him, without refuting.

"Lucius, how is the demi-god in your hands now?" Adomoye asked.

"We've done our best, but he hasn't regained his sanity," Lucius explained.

"As demi-gods, we have treated the suspect fairly enough," Adomoye said proudly. "Now, let me use mind-reading to examine his memory."

"But, The Oracle, he's an innocent demi-god," Lucius said.