TerraWorld~The Youngest One.. (#8)

Chapter 5

The cabin was thick with tension, the air heavy as the group gathered around the table. Scarlett clutched the glowing orb, her small hands trembling as the weight of their situation pressed down on her. The Herald's words lingered in everyone's minds, a haunting reminder of the darkness that seemed to be closing in on them.

Kevin paced back and forth, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "We need to figure this out now. Every second we waste, that shadow bastard gets closer to taking Scarlett."

"Calm down, Kevin," Violace said, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Getting worked up isn't going to solve anything."

Kevin shot him a glare, his anger barely contained. "We're running out of time! The longer we wait, the stronger the shadows get. And you're telling me to calm down?"

Enna, who had been silent, finally spoke up. "Enough. Arguing isn't going to help Scarlett. We need to work together."

"Fine," Kevin muttered, still seething but backing down. He looked at Willow, who had the ancient texts spread out in front of her. "Willow, have you found anything in those damn books?"

Willow nodded, though her expression was grim. "There's something about a 'Ritual of Light' that might help Scarlett control the orb. But... it's risky."

"How risky?" Violace asked, narrowing his eyes.

Willow hesitated. "It requires Scarlett to face the darkness within her. If she fails... the shadows could consume her entirely."

"Shit," Kevin swore under his breath, running a hand through his hair. "So, it's either she takes the risk, or we lose her to the shadows anyway."

Scarlett looked up, her voice small but determined. "I'll do it."

Everyone turned to her, surprised by her sudden resolve.

"Scarlett, you don't have to—" Enna started, but Scarlett shook her head.

"I have to," Scarlett said firmly. "If this is the only way to stop the shadows, then I'll do it. I'm not afraid."

There was a moment of silence as the group processed her words. Finally, Kevin nodded, his expression softening slightly. "Alright. But we'll be with you every step of the way."

As they prepared for the ritual, the tension in the cabin remained palpable. Scarlett was seated in the center of the room, the glowing orb placed carefully in front of her. The others formed a circle around her, each of them ready to do whatever it took to protect her.

Willow began to chant the words from the ancient text, her voice steady as the air in the room seemed to shift, growing colder. The glow from the orb intensified, casting eerie shadows on the walls.

Suddenly, the shadows began to move, twisting and writhing as if alive. They reached out towards Scarlett, who closed her eyes and focused on the orb, her breathing steady despite the fear that gnawed at her.

"Stay strong, Scarlett," Enna urged, her voice tight with worry.

The shadows closed in, and for a moment, it seemed as though they would overwhelm Scarlett. But then, the orb flared with a brilliant light, pushing the shadows back. Scarlett's eyes snapped open, glowing with a fierce, determined energy.

The room shook, the shadows recoiling from the light as Scarlett let out a shout, pouring all of her will into the orb. The shadows screeched in response, their form breaking apart as the light grew brighter and brighter.

Finally, with one last burst of energy, the shadows were blasted away, leaving the room in an eerie silence. Scarlett collapsed, exhausted but alive, the orb still glowing softly in her hands.

"Scarlett!" Enna rushed to her side, checking for any sign of injury. Scarlett was breathing heavily, but she managed a small smile.

"I... I did it," Scarlett whispered, her voice weak but triumphant.

Kevin let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. "You did good, kid."

But as the group started to relax, a cold, menacing laugh echoed through the room. The light from the orb flickered, and the shadows that had been pushed back began to gather again, forming a dark, twisted shape.

The Herald of the Shadows emerged once more, his eyes burning with a malevolent red glow. "You think you've won?" he sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "This is only the beginning. The shadows will consume everything you hold dear."

"Fuck off," Kevin snarled, stepping forward with his sword drawn.

But before anyone could react, the Herald vanished into the darkness, leaving behind only a lingering sense of dread.

The team was left standing in the dimly lit room, the weight of the Herald's words heavy on their hearts. The battle was far from over, and they knew that the darkness was not done with them yet.