The Universe Beyond Ours

Chapter 17 (Part 2)

     Lowering his head, Denis begins to ponder where he truly belongs. He contemplates which way he should go. Shall he stay in the dark or go with Harris and the others towards the good side of the dark? With a firm decision materializing in his mind, he raises his head and smiles at his friends. What might be his conclusion?

"...I believe you," Denis said, directing his words to Harris.

"And I believe in you," Harris replied, smiling.

"I believe in you, too," Philip chimed in, glancing at Denis.

"And I as well," Meredith concurred.

     Suddenly, the roofs flanking Denis, Harris, Philip, and Meredith in the alley collapse with a blaring roar. No time for drama. It's time to run. Denis, Harris, Philip, and Meredith scurry, their footfalls blending with the distant screams. Then, they jump and roll over the road, narrowly avoiding the falling debris.

Standing up, Philip asked, "Are you guys alright?" He coughed out the dust.

"Are you okay?" Meredith questioned, her quivering voice reflecting her worry.

Everyone seemed fine as they exchanged quick nods.

"I... I suggest we retreat. We cannot deal with this hell of a coven," Harris mused.

"I agree. They're too powerful," Denis remarked.

     Denis, Harris, Philip, and Meredith hustle down the streets and pass through the village's gate. Following a gravel trail, they run and run, hoping that they make it just in time with the escaping residents and don't get caught by the coven members who are still busy wrecking the settlement behind them. Unexpectedly, a blinding purple fog summons before them, blocking their way. Then, as the dark mist fades, the warlock appears alongside Lyvie.

"Ah, it seems like you're going away to somewhere else. Where are you going?" the warlock intervened.

Harris, Philip, and Meredith's eyes widened as they looked at Denis.

"Heh, just chasing down the fleeing residents," Denis chuckled awkwardly, coming up with a lie.

"...Or maybe... you renounced our alliance, making you nothing but short of a traitor," the warlock snickered.

Denis' breath ceased as he felt his heart sink in realization.

"...Oh, Denis. You betrayed our team. I thought you're better than that," Lyvie thought with a scoff.

"In this coven, I'm no better than anything," Denis remarked boldly.

Harris glanced at Denis as he nodded in agreement.

"...In this coven, betrayal is punishable. So I advise you to yield and accept your punishment," Lyvie giggled.

     Meanwhile, Meredith discreetly grabs two potion bottles from her pocket. As Lyvie grins threateningly, pointing her sceptre towards Denis, Meredith throws the two potion bottles towards Lyvie. Then, the glass shatters on her face, distracting her. The liquid spills over her body, stunning her. Quick thinking.

"Run!" Philip yelled.

     Denis, Harris, Philip, and Meredith turn to the side and sprint. Swiftly as they can, they hasten away, their hearts fervently hoping that they won't get caught again. Meanwhile, shaking her head, Lyvie taps her sceptre on the ground. Then, a ravine forms and surrounds Denis, Harris, Philip, and Meredith, trapping them.

     Lyvie lets out a loud, wicked chuckle as she revels at the sight of Denis and his friends being trapped. Then, a dark fog shrouds Lyvie, alongside the warlock, disappearing amidst the mist. Silence reigns afterwards. Now, it's a moment of eerie stillness.