Ashes

Arch II. Empire of Steel. Legend 8. Panic

How interesting this boy is, Eclip. For the first time I see a person who so wants to save a loved one, but so categorically refuses help. What? Did she ask him to leave again? Of course, there is a chance, but... Oh! Idea. Delamere is in the snow, Xentaron is asleep. Uma is furious, even though she agreed that The Ghost that he would take care of her daughter. But she still wants Elini to return home, then everything will be fine. But what can I do?

What can I do... Hmm... I can try to negotiate with Sankh. Yes, of course it is possible. After all, Uma's daughter is here because of me, but if I can convince him, then... Maybe I can do it.

I went down to Sankh's Castle, passing the black crystals (I remember what they can do. I value my life). The wise ruler sat on his throne, as if waiting for something... Or someone. I bowed and began to speak.

"So quiet, so peaceful. Everything is in its place. No disturbing news reaches here," I attracted his attention. "Things at the top are completely different; talking about them a task is not easy"

"Tell it like it is. Don't waste my time."

"Of course of course. Panic, oh panic is now on earth. Mortals pray for warmth, but only hungry groans are heard everywhere, gardens and fields are not visible behind the snow..."

"So what do you want from me?"

"To save the world from eternal sleep, Elini must return to her home"

"I don't return what I took forever,"  Sankh rose from the throne and, like the wind, approached me. "They will find a solution somehow"

"Yes, but..."

"No matter how sad Uma's mother is, she will not let the earthly world sleep forever"

"But..."

"Now I am aside. Others now rule on earth. And here there is enough space for everyone - you know this, and this result will suit us all quite well."

"You, but not Elini" I realized that there was no point in talking to him and, turning my back to him, hurried to leave the throne room.

Sankh is sure that if he keeps the girl here, everything will be alright. But only her mother is worse. And to my city. Well... If arguing with him is pointless, considering that I'm the reason she's here, then we need to try something else. Hmm... Let's move on to plan B. Of course, I didn't want to involve our guest in this adventure. But if conflict is inevitable, all forces must be involved - both living and dead. But where can I find it now?

Somehow we lost each other unfortunately. I left him alone with The Ghost, who was furious (again, because of me haha). If my suspicions are correct, then the boy is either in a cage or dead. Need to find out from someone

From what the faceless ones told me, the boy is still alive, but... He continues to try to talk to his friend. I think I know what to do. It's like a light bulb went on above my head

I came to the garden that Abby was looking after. She was still here.

"Hello," I began calmly "Long time no see, Creation"

"You!" She immediately pointed her revolver at me. Apparently she's still mad at me. "What did you forget here? Who allowed you to come here?"

"Hey, calm down. "I raised my hands. "I didn't come here to fight. I came to talk. Yes, I know you don't trust me since that time, but this time I won't betray. I promise"

"I am listening"

"Listen, we both know that Xentaron is in danger. Your friend is not lying to you. Speaking of... He's still here and wants to save you"

"Save?" She heard this for the first time. So, Eclip didn't tell her?How... interesting. Now she knows why he really is here. "From who"

"From me"

With one snap of my fingers I plunged everything into darkness. There were no more walls or floors here. Endless nothingness, driving crazy. Deathly silence. Just me and this girl. She tried to shoot, but the bullet didn't even reach me. In an instant, I rushed towards her and grabbed her with huge claws. Her scream was the last thing I heard before the darkness completely swallowed us. It's nothing, but my plan works well. Now the boy will definitely agree to the deal

-----

The Church of the Damned is quieter than ever today. How interesting. But better for me. Silence helps thinking. The girl lies on the altar, surrounded by thorns. Any sudden movement will cause unbearable pain. A thirst for blood awakens inside. Abby slowly opens her eyes. I see this panic in her eyes. Do not be afraid, I don't plan to harm you... Yet.

The door of the Church opened noisily. And here is the hero of the occasion. I hid like a shadow behind a column. Eclip quickly approached his friend.

"So... You've come" I went out to him as if I wanted to surprise him

"What have you done?"

"Me? Nothing. I found out that your friend was kidnapped and hastened to save her. I-I thought I could help," using all my acting skills, I feigned panic and fear. It was important to me that our guest trusted me. "There is one thing," my face became serious. "I don't help for free. How about a deal?"

I didn't even notice how my captive freed herself, but she never dared to destroy the barrier of thorns. At one point, the girl is thrown back by a powerful discharge. She lost consciousness from a strong blow against the wall. Now no one will bother us

"I will free your friend, and you will help me get out of here. Nothing more"

"I..." He looked at Abby and then looked at me. He realized that he still had no choice. "Fine"

"Let it be so. Under a thousand damned eyes, Eclip, son of Samael, will lead me to freedom. I, Sigrid's ally, will help Samael's son achieve his goal: I will free the one whose love his heart breathes of. Under a thousand damned eyes I make this deal."

I touched his hand and black shackles without chains appeared on his wrists. The same ones appeared on my wrists. These shackles are a sign of a done deal. Now his task is to persuade The Ghost to let them go. And then... Delamere is waiting for its new god

The barrier disappeared and I left them alone. They have something to discuss