Ashes Whisper

Chapter 78 : Fire and Ice

Before Elara met the God of the Forge

As the shards of the shattered crystal egg scattered across the ground, Ludmilla's heart raced. The sudden destruction of the egg could only mean one thing: Elara might crossed over into Elysium and if she was there, Aiden might be close, with intentions far from noble.

"We have to gather everyone and go to Elysium," Ludmilla said urgently.

Zeirsulair, who had been quietly observing the scene, turned to her, a hint of confusion in his eyes. "What do you mean?" he asked, though a sense of dread was already creeping into his thoughts.

Ludmilla's gaze was intense, her worry palpable. "Elara might be in Elysium. I'm worried Aiden might try something that could hurt her, or worse." Without waiting for a response, she pressed two fingers to her lips and whistled sharply.

From the shadows, Abdul emerged, bowing deeply before Ludmilla. "The time has come, right?" His voice was calm, but his eyes were sharp, ready for whatever lay ahead.

Ludmilla nodded, urgency clear in her tone. "Abdul, gather everyone. We have to go to Elysium. Now."

Abdul's form flickered as he nodded in agreement, disappearing into the shadows, disappearing into the shadows once more to carry out her orders.

Turning back to Zeirsulair, Ludmilla spoke quickly, "I apologize, but this time we have to ride on you."

Zeirsulair closed his eyes, focusing his power. His body began to shift, growing larger as his skin darkened, transforming into gleaming black scale that covered his entire form. Muscles expanded, bones lengthened, and soon he stood before Ludmilla in his true form – a mighty dragon, a Void Walker. His wings, vast and powerful, unfurled, casting a long shadow across the ground.

Ludmilla wasted no time, climbing onto Zeirsulair's back, her heart pounding with a mix of fear and resolve. The wind whipped around them as Zeirsulair spread his wings wide, preparing to take a flight.

"Hold on tight," Zeirsulair rumbled, his voice deeper and more resonant in his dragon form. Ludmilla gripped the ridges on his back, steeling herself for what lay ahead. This was no ordinary flight; they were heading into Elysium.

Zeirsulair and Ludmilla arrived at the front entrance of Elysium. As they stepped onto the grounds, Zeirsulair's body began to shrink, his dragon form diminishing until he was once again in his human guise.

"It seems this place restricts my power," Zeirsulair said, his voice strained. "I can't maintain my true form for long here."

Ludmilla nodded in understanding. "I see.. it's okay. At least we made it here." Just as she finished speaking, Emma came rushing towards them, her face etched with worry.

"Ludmilla!" Emma called out, breathless.

"Emma," Ludmilla replied, concern in her voice. "What's the matter?"

"It's been a long time, dear," Emma said her voice soft yet filled with tension. "But I cannot let you come here.... Remember what Aiden did to you?"

Ludmilla sighed, her expression resolute. "I understand, Emma, but we have no choice. Elara might be in there."

Emma's eyes widened in shock. "Elara? Oh my... I will try to talk to Aiden. He might listen to me."

The three of them moved forward cautiously, but as they approached the main hall, Aiden was already there, waiting for them. His presence was ominous, and his eyes were filled with cold fury.

"Emma, what are you doing?" Aiden demanded, his voice filled with contempt. "Why are you with them?!"

"Aiden, you must listen to me," Emma pleaded, stepping forward.