Twilight of Realities: Worlds Collide

Chapter 17: Breaking the Chains

As the battle raged on, Liam struggled to maintain his footing. The energy required to hold back Astrol's dark power was taking its toll. His breathing was ragged, and his strength was rapidly diminishing. Seeing Lyra about to make a critical move, he managed to call out, "Lyra! Quickly..."

Astrol, noticing Matteo's hesitation and the struggle unfolding, sneered. "Look at your precious friend, Liam. This is what revenge looks like! Did you really think it would be so easy to manipulate me? It was child's play to make that boy fall under my control."

Liam's eyes, filled with fury and desperation, locked onto Astrol. "You... you think this is some sort of victory? You're nothing but a monster! You took advantage of Matteo's weakness and cursed him. You'll pay for this!"

Astrol's eyes narrowed with malicious satisfaction. "Oh, Liam, how touching. But your anger is futile. You see, the boy's fate was sealed the moment he joined us. He's nothing but a pawn in this grand game. And you're no different."

Astrol raised his hand, channeling a surge of dark energy towards Liam. The force was overwhelming, and Liam's legs buckled, almost bringing him to the ground. His expression twisted with pain and defiance as he struggled to stay upright. "Lyra! Matteo... he's cursed! He's being controlled by Astrol!"

Lyra, her heart pounding, glanced over at Matteo. The dark magic that enveloped him was evident, but her focus was on Astrol's twisted triumph. "I know Matteo is under a dark power... I know it!"

Determined, Lyra moved towards Maya, who was still grappling with a minion. As she approached, she saw Matteo faltering, his eyes reflecting both fear and rage. Without hesitation, Lyra reached out to him. "Matteo! Listen to me! Fight against this dark magic! Remember who you are! Remember us!"

Matteo, visibly struggling, tried to resist the dark influence. His eyes flickered between his former self and the dark enchantment. "I... I can't... It's too strong..."

Lyra's voice softened but remained urgent. "You have to fight, Matteo! We're here for you. Don't let Astrol win. You're stronger than this!"

Lyra, her mind racing, knew she had to act quickly. Determination hardened her features as she turned to Matteo. "Matteo, listen to me. I can never harm you. You're my friend, and we need you to fight against this dark magic!"

Caleb, engaged in battle with a minion, glanced over with confusion. "What are you doing, Lysandra? We are running out of time ?"

Maya, struggling against the minion, looked at Lyra with concern. "What's going on?"

Ignoring the chaos around them, Lyra positioned herself directly in front of Matteo, holding Maya's hand tightly. "Matteo, you need to fight this dark magic. You're stronger than this!"

Matteo's eyes, clouded with conflict, glared at Lyra. "No, Lysandra, don't try to confuse me. I won't let you win."

Maya, tears streaming down her face, reached out to her brother. "Brother, please! You're not a minion! Fight back against this darkness! Don't let Astrol control you!"

Matteo, his voice trembling, replied, "No... Astrol is right. I can't... I won't let you win."

Seeing that words alone weren't working, Lyra acted swiftly. "Forgive me, Maya." She turned to Matteo, her voice resolute. "Matteo, if you don't fight back and give me the artifact, I'll be forced to use my power against your sister. You need to choose now!"

Matteo's eyes widened with horror. "No! You can't hurt her!"

As Lyra raised her hand, her power crackling with intensity, Matteo struggled against the dark magic that held him captive. He fell to his knees, clutching his head as if to block out the tormenting voices in his mind. "I am not a minion of Astrol!" he shouted, his voice filled with desperation.