Seeds of The Seven (Rubia)

50. The Power of a Healer

...Opening her eyes, Eliya found herself transported into the Healing Sanctum. She was now thirteen years old, standing at the threshold of her first day of training as a healer. The familiar surroundings of the Sanctum filled her with a sense of purpose and anticipation. With a joyful heart, she decided to surprise her mother in her chambers.

As she approached, Eliya heard voices inside, her mother's and an unfamiliar old man's. Their conversation was hushed, but curiosity got the better of her, and she decided to eavesdrop.

Peeking through the crack of the door, she overheard Elelly's whispered words. "I finally made a formula to deceive the waters of Maya, but it needed more time to revision it to perfection. Also, I finally managed to dim the glow in her palms last night." she said, her tone urgent. "I don't want my daughter to be chosen as a healer. The stakes of her traveling the world is too dire. It will be for her greater good and safety."

The old man's voice, though low, carried a note of concern. "Are you certain this is the best course of action? The waters of Maya choose their healers for a reason."

Elelly responded with determination. "She must be protected from danger and harm. You must always be by her side, guarding her."

Eliya's heart sank as she absorbed the implications of her mother's words. Before she could fully process the betrayal, the conversation abruptly stopped. The doors swung open, and Elelly, quick and deliberate, inserted a small needle into Eliya's arm. A dozing effect took hold almost immediately, pulling her into a deep slumber.

As her eyes fluttered closed, she caught a glimpse of the old man—his presence was alluring, his eyes filled with secrets, the man he knew today. Ser Bennington. As her eyes closed, she already forgot everything she saw and heard. Then, once more, darkness clouded her mind.

In that darkness, Elelly's words again echoed repeatedly, hauntingly: "For her safety."

-----

Eldon stood at the threshold of the Rose Citadel, a glowing red orb hovering above his head, its light casting a glow on the ancient marbled walls. With a deep breath, he pushed open the towering doors, their heavy weight groaning in protest.

Inside, the Rose Archon sat serenely at the center of the grand altar, as if anticipating his arrival. Eldon's gaze swept the room, and his heart clenched as he saw the scattered forms of Eliya, Mori, and Markenzo, their youthful bodies slowly succumbing to the encroaching corruption.

Anger flickered in Eldon's eyes, his brows furrowing, but he forced himself to stay calm. He stepped forward, his footsteps echoing in the vast chamber. The Rose Archon rose from his seat, and with a wave of his hand, shadowy minions materialized from the darkness of the night. Their weapons glowed with dark hues of purple, ready to strike.

Eldon smirked confidently, for he was known as a master of long-range combat. With precision and focus, he dispatched the Seductrix minions as they lunged at him, their attacks met with swift retaliation.

Crimson thorns shot from his hovering orb, piercing through the air with deadly accuracy. The minions faltered and fell, dissolving into nothingness as Eldon stood unwavering. His eyes never left on the trio as they afloats, his resolve firm as he planned his next move to save them from the grasp of corruption and how to get near them since it was guarded by the Archon.

In a crescendo of rage, the Rose Archon's voice boomed through the Rose Citadel, shaking its ancient marbles. With a furious gesture, he summoned forth colossal shadowy monsters from the depths of the citadel's darkest corners. These monstrous forms loomed over Eldon, their presence threatening to overwhelm.