ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

THE DESTROYER

***AUTHOR'S POV***

Valeria stirred from her sleep, the remnants of her troubled dreams lingering at the edges of her consciousness. With a sigh, she slowly got up from her bed, her body still feeling the residual ache from the night before. The dark veins on her skin had faded, but the sense of unease remained.

She made her way to the entrance of the coven, pushing open the heavy door and stepping out into the cool morning air. The fresh air felt oddly refreshing, a stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere inside. The light of dawn cast a serene glow over the surroundings, making the dark woods seem less menacing.

As Valeria walked further away from the coven, she spotted Emilia standing in a clearing, surrounded by an array of mystical symbols drawn on the ground. The witch was chanting softly, her voice weaving through the air like an incantation. The symbols glowed faintly, pulsating with a dark energy that resonated with the early morning stillness.

Emilia's hands moved gracefully through the air, tracing patterns that seemed to manipulate the very essence of the surrounding magic. Her face was calm and focused, her eyes closed as if in deep communion with the forces she was summoning.

Valeria as curious , approaching cautiously
“Emilia, what are you doing?”

Emilia’s chanting paused momentarily as she opened her eyes, a hint of surprise flickering across her face. She turned towards Valeria, her gaze steady and knowing.

**Emilia smiled with a measured tone  “Ah, Valeria. You are awake. I am performing a ritual to strengthen the wards around the coven. The darkness within you is stirring, and I need to ensure that we are protected from any external threats.”

Valeria watched with fascination as the symbols on the ground began to shift and change, responding to Emilia’s incantations. The air crackled with a palpable energy, making the hairs on the back of her neck stand up.

**Valeria spoke, hesitant but intrigued
“What do you mean, the darkness within me? I’ve been having strange dreams, and I feel… different.”

**Emilia spoke with a with a hint of sympathy  “The darkness you sense is a part of your past, tied to the ancient powers you once wielded. It is awakening, and with it, the potential for both great power and great peril. Understanding and mastering it is crucial.”

Valeria’s brow furrowed as she listened, her mind racing to piece together the fragments of her dreams with Emilia’s cryptic explanation.

Valeria Says , her voice determined “I want to understand. I need to know what’s happening to me and why I feel so drawn to those men from my dreams.”

Emilia nodded, a flicker of approval in her eyes. The ritual’s energy seemed to pulse in response to Valeria’s words, a sign that the magical forces at play were aligning with her growing resolve.

Emilia nodded calmly   “Very well. As you seek answers, remember that knowledge comes with responsibility. The path you are on is fraught with danger, but also with the chance for great discovery. I will help you uncover the truth, but you must be prepared for what you may find.”

Valeria watched Emilia complete the ritual, feeling a strange sense of both awe and apprehension. The symbols on the ground faded, and the air returned to its usual calm. The protective wards were in place, but the question of her own destiny remained.

**Valeria mumbled to herself, quietly 
“I have to find out who I really am and why these forces are converging on me. Whatever it takes, I need to uncover the truth.”

With a renewed sense of purpose, Valeria turned back towards the coven, ready to face the challenges that lay ahead. The mysterious past, the elemental kings, and the dark lord were all part of a puzzle she was determined to solve.

Valeria took a deep breath, feeling the lingering energy of the ritual settle around her. She turned to Emilia, her eyes reflecting a mix of curiosity and urgency.

Valeria spoke   earnestly. “Emilia, I need to understand how to control these powers. You mentioned a sword called the Destroyer. How can I find it? And how will it help me?”

Emilia’s expression softened, and she gave a nod of understanding. The sword, a key to unlocking Valeria’s full potential, was both a powerful tool and a crucial part of her past.

**Emilia says calmly “The Destroyer is not merely a weapon; it is a conduit of your true power. It has been hidden away in the universe, beyond the reach of most beings. Its exact location is unknown to anyone but you.”

Valeria’s brow furrowed in confusion. The idea of a sword that only she could find seemed both daunting and mysterious.

Valeria Says inquisitively  “But how can I sense it if I don’t even know where to start looking? How can I find something so elusive?”

Emilia looked at Valeria with a mixture of empathy and resolve. She understood that the path ahead was fraught with challenges, but also full of potential for great discovery.

**Emilia replied with a reassuring tone 
“You will find the Destroyer through the strength of your own intuition and the awakening of your inner power. It is tied to your essence, and as you grow more attuned to your own abilities, the sword will reveal itself to you. The connection you have with it is intrinsic; it responds to your need and your journey.”

Valeria listened intently, her determination growing stronger with each word. The idea of finding the Destroyer was daunting, but it also offered a glimmer of hope.

Valeria spoke firmly “So, I need to hone my abilities and listen to my intuition. What else can I do to prepare myself for this journey?”

Emilia smiled slightly, appreciating Valeria’s resolve.

**Emilia said , encouragingly“Practice and meditation will be your allies. Strengthen your connection with the magical forces around you and within you. The more you understand yourself and your powers, the clearer the path to the Destroyer will become. Trust in yourself, and the sword will guide you when the time is right.”

Valeria nodded, her mind already racing with thoughts of how to train and prepare for the journey ahead. The path to finding the Destroyer was now a clear objective, a goal that would drive her forward.

**Valeria spoke with a sense of purpose 
“I understand. I’ll start practicing and tuning into my powers. I’ll find the Destroyer, and with it, I’ll be able to control my destiny.”

**Emilia says nodding approvingly   “Good. Remember, the journey will be challenging, but it is also an opportunity for growth. Embrace it, and you will find the answers you seek.”

With Emilia’s words resonating in her mind, Valeria took a deep breath and turned back towards the coven. The day ahead would be filled with challenges, but she felt more prepared and focused than ever before.

**Valeria whispered to herself, resolutely
“This is just the beginning. I will find the Destroyer and master my powers. I will uncover my true path.”

As she walked away, the morning light seemed to shine a little brighter, symbolizing the new path she was about to embark on.