Twilight of Realities: Worlds Collide

Chapter 15: Clash of Bloodlines

Lyra felt a sudden warmth as the spell book materialized in her hands. The intricate designs on the cover glowed faintly, casting an ethereal light around them. She marveled at the book, but her attention was abruptly drawn by a voice behind her.

"Seems like you've succeeded," the voice said.

Lyra and Liam turned around to see Master Everette standing there. Lyra stopped for a moment, her eyes wide with disbelief. "Are you...?" she began to ask, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam stepped back, sensing the importance of the moment and giving them space to talk.

Everette nodded, his expression a mix of sorrow and pride. "Yes, Lysandra. I am your grandfather. But I never wanted you to find out this way. I'm sorry, but I had no other option. I had to fulfill my duties."

Lyra ran to him and embraced him tightly. "Grandfather..."

Everette gently patted her back. "Listen, I knew this day would come. You have to save your brothers, your friends, and Aetheria. You don't have much time, my dear. Today will be marked in Aetheria's book in golden letters, I know it."

Lyra pulled back slightly, confusion etched on her face. "I don't understand what you're trying to say. Please, tell me clearly."

Everette smiled. "Some people are born ordinary but die extraordinary. Some are born ordinary and die ordinary. But you, Lysandra, were born special. Remember, if you die in Aetheria, you will die on Earth as well."

Liam, stepping forward, asked, "What does that mean?"

Everette turned to Liam. "Let me clear this, Lysandra. Since the day you came to Aetheria, you have spent several days here. But on Earth, you have been missing for only a few seconds. On Earth, you are still there, but in a magical state. When you go back, you will return as usual. But if something happens to you here, your magic will not survive on Earth. Each time you get hurt, your power diminishes. If your power is fully depleted, returning to Earth will be impossible."

Lyra stood speechless, trying to process the information. Suddenly, Liam shouted, "Watch out!"

A huge dark force was hurtling towards them. Liam pushed Lyra out of the way, and Everette raised his wand, hidden beneath his cloak, and shouted, "Incendia Praesidium!"

A shield of fire erupted in front of them, blocking the dark force. Everette turned to Lyra and Liam. "To defeat Astrol, you need the spell from the book and the artifact. Go now!"

His powers began to wane, and he stumbled. Liam grabbed Lyra's hand. "No, we can't control this! We need to go now!"

Lyra pulled away from Liam's grasp. "He's my grandfather! I can't leave him!"

But before she could reach Everette, he vanished, his last words echoing in the air. Liam quickly opened the book before the dark forces could come close to them.

"Liam, search for it. I'll hold them off!" Liam raised his hand and shouted, "Lux Gladius!"

Two beams of light shot from his palms, holding the dark forces at bay. Lyra flipped through the pages of the spell book faster than usual, sweat pouring down her face from fear and concentration.

"Liam, I can't hold this anymore!" Liam's power started weakening, the beams flickering.

"Wait! I found it!" Lyra exclaimed, holding the book and the artifact in one hand while raising her other hand. "Porta Aperi!"

A portal opened in front of them. Lyra grabbed Liam, and they both jumped through, landing hard on the other side. Lyra looked at Liam, concern in her eyes. "Are you okay?"