The Shadowbound Prophecy

Chapter 20: The Demon Queen's Resolve

The next morning dawned with a cold, gray light that seemed to sap the color from the world. The group had made camp by the stream, the sounds of its trickling water the only thing that kept the oppressive silence at bay. Harry had slept fitfully, his body still wracked with exhaustion after the previous day's encounter. But he was awake now, and the weight of everything they had yet to accomplish pressed down on him harder than ever.

Seraphina was already awake, her sword in hand as she stood watch near the campfire. She hadn't said much since the battle, her usual demeanor strained by the events of the previous day. Harry knew she was worried—not just for him, but for what lay ahead.

But it wasn't just Seraphina who troubled his thoughts.

As Harry sat up, his limbs aching, he sensed another presence nearby. A dark, simmering energy filled the air, one that sent a chill down his spine even though he had grown somewhat accustomed to it.

Victoria Aosa—the Seventh Demon Queen—stepped out from the shadows of the forest, her imposing figure framed by the twisted trees. She moved with the grace of a predator, her dark crimson eyes gleaming as they fixed on Harry. Her long black hair flowed behind her like a curtain of night, and the aura of power she exuded was almost suffocating.

Harry had never quite gotten used to her presence. Despite the tenuous alliance they had forged, Victoria's very nature made it difficult to feel at ease around her. She was a demon, after all—and not just any demon, but the ruler of a realm steeped in ancient darkness and arcane power. There was an intensity to her that made Harry uneasy, even though she had proven to be a crucial ally in their journey.

Victoria's gaze swept over the camp, and her expression was as unreadable as ever. "You're awake," she said, her voice low and rich, carrying the slightest hint of amusement. "I was beginning to think you might have pushed yourself too far this time, Harry."

Harry nodded, wincing as he tried to stretch out his sore muscles. "I'm... fine," he muttered, though he wasn't sure if that was entirely true.

Victoria's eyes narrowed slightly, her lips curving into a smirk. "No, you're not. You nearly tore yourself apart yesterday. That power inside you—it's not something you can control, not like this."

Her words stung, but Harry knew she was right. The power he had tried to use, the power that had been sealed away inside him, was still beyond his understanding. He had felt it surge through him like a wildfire, and in the aftermath, it had left him nearly broken.

"I didn't have a choice," Harry replied, his voice strained. "The golem—it would have killed us all if I hadn't done something."

Victoria tilted her head slightly, her gaze unwavering. "Perhaps. But if you keep pushing yourself like this, you'll burn out before you even get close to breaking the seal. And then what will happen? You'll die, and the gods will have won."

The casual way she spoke of his death sent a shiver through Harry, but he didn't back down. "I know the risks," he said quietly. "But we don't have time to wait around for the perfect moment. Every day, the gods' influence grows stronger. If we don't find the Fallen God soon—"

"Then we'll fail," Victoria finished, her voice cold and matter-of-fact. "I'm aware of that. But you need to understand something, Harry. You're not invincible. You can't keep relying on the power that's been locked away inside you. The seal is weakening, yes, but if you force it open before it's ready, it will destroy you."

Harry clenched his fists, frustration bubbling up inside him. "I don't have a choice, Victoria. You've seen what we're up against. If I don't use this power, we're doomed."