THE DARK LORD'S REFLECTION

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***AUTHOR'S POV***

Zelerious’s dark and opulent castle is filled with the echoes of ancient power and brooding shadows. The grand hall, with its towering ceilings and dark stone walls, reflects the turbulent emotions of its master. Zelerious, seated on his throne, senses a disturbance in the cosmic balance. The growl of Ancalagon reverberates through his mind, a sign that the ancient dragon has awakened.

Zelerious reclined on his throne, his fingers drumming rhythmically on the armrest. His gaze was fixed on the shadows dancing across the walls of his castle, his mind deep in thought. The growl that erupted in his mind was not just any sound; it was a herald of change, a signal that something significant was unfolding in the universe.

Zelerious spoke smirking, to himself
“Ancalagon awakens… and that can only mean one thing. She has found the Destroyer.”

A dark satisfaction filled his eyes as he rose from his throne, his black cloak flowing behind him like a living shadow. He moved with a grace that belied his imposing presence, his steps echoing through the grand hall. Zelerious’s mind raced with the possibilities of what this development could mean. Ancalagon, the ancient dragon, was more than just a beast; he was a sentinel, a keeper of secrets and power. His awakening signaled that the cosmic balance was shifting, and Valeria, his long-lost queen, was at the center of it.

He walked to a large, ornate mirror that stood against the wall, its surface swirling with dark energy. As he gazed into it, the reflection began to shimmer, showing a vision of Valeria and Emilia emerging from the icy depths of Antarctica, the Destroyer in Valeria’s hand, and the powerful Ancalagon guarding them.

his voice a like dark whisper, filled with dark satisfaction  “So, you have come into your own power, Valeria. The Destroyer is in your grasp, and Ancalagon, loyal as ever, stands guard. You are indeed more than I anticipated.”

His eyes narrowed as he considered the implications of this new development. Valeria’s return was not just a matter of reclaiming a past bond; it was a complex interplay of power, destiny, and ancient grudges. The elemental kings, her past with them, and her relationship with him—all these threads were converging into a grand tapestry that he needed to manipulate to his advantage.

Zelerious mumbled to himself, with a hint of cruelty  “Soon, you will stand before me, Valeria. The elements may bend to your will, but the darkness of your past and the power of your destiny are not so easily mastered. Prepare yourself, for the true test awaits.”

He turned away from the mirror, his mind already planning his next move. The awakening of Ancalagon was a significant development, but it was only the beginning. Zelerious knew that Valeria’s journey was far from over and that the path ahead would be fraught with challenges.

Zelerious spoke a loud,   commanding, to an unseen presence in the shadows “Prepare the court. It seems our long-awaited meeting with the queen will soon be upon us. And make sure that every force at our disposal is ready. The time for games is over.”

The icy landscape of Antarctica fades into the distance as Ancalagon’s mighty wings slice through the cold air. Valeria, with the Destroyer strapped to her back, sits atop the dragon, feeling the rush of power and the connection between them. Beside her, Emilia is seated, murmuring incantations to stabilize the dimensional path they’re traveling through. The night sky around them shimmers with ethereal light, indicating the transition into a magical dimensional path that will lead them back to the safety of Emilia’s coven.

Valeria tightened her grip on Ancalagon’s scales, her fingers tracing the ancient patterns etched into his hide. The sensation was both comforting and powerful, like touching a piece of her own history. The dragon’s immense wings beat against the air, lifting them higher, the cold wind biting at their faces. Emilia sat behind Valeria, her hands glowing with a soft, violet light as she chanted in a language older than time.

Valeria says  to Emilia, her voice carrying over the wind “This… this feels so familiar. It’s like I’ve done this before, even though I can’t remember it.”

Emilia nodded , her voice calm and assured “Because you have. In your past lives, you’ve flown with him, crossed the boundaries of worlds. The magic of the Destroyer, your bond with Ancalagon, it all comes from that ancient power you once wielded as Azura Nephthys. Just trust in yourself, Valeria. The path will reveal itself.”

As they soared through the sky, the stars above seemed to shift, aligning into patterns that Valeria vaguely recognized. Her heart thrummed in time with Ancalagon’s heartbeat, each powerful wing stroke resonating deep within her. Ahead of them, a swirling vortex of light and shadow appeared—a magical dimensional path, shimmering like a portal to another world.

Valeria speaks her eyes widening in wonder
“Is that it? The path to the coven?”

Emilia smiled  “Yes. This path will take us back to the coven, where you’ll be safe from prying eyes and can continue your journey. Stay focused, and keep your mind clear. The path is attuned to your thoughts and intentions.”

Ancalagon roared softly, as if acknowledging Emilia’s words. The dragon tilted his wings, angling toward the vortex. As they neared, the air around them hummed with energy. Valeria could feel the magic pressing against her skin, like an electric charge. They plunged into the vortex, the world around them dissolving into a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes. It felt like they were passing through the very fabric of reality, each second stretching and contracting.

Valeria held  her breath, sensing the change   “It’s beautiful… and terrifying.”

Emilia WHISPERED calmly, guiding her magic to stabilize their passage  “The dimensional path is a space between worlds. It’s both everything and nothing, a place where time and space blur. But don’t fear it. Your power is what anchors us. Just focus on where you want to go.”

The swirling lights around them began to shift, forming images—fleeting visions of memories and possibilities. Valeria saw flashes of her past lives, moments of glory, love, and betrayal. She saw Zelerious, his eyes filled with a darkness that mirrored her own, his hand reaching out to her. She saw the elemental kings, each one bound to her by destiny and ancient oaths. The visions were overwhelming, a cascade of emotions and truths.

Valeria whispered , as the images passed 
“So much… so much I don’t understand yet.”

Emilia spoke gently “You will. In time, all will become clear. For now, know that you have the strength to face whatever comes. The Destroyer in your hand, Ancalagon by your side, and your own will—these are your greatest allies.”

The vortex began to stabilize, the swirling colors fading into a deep violet hue, signaling the end of the path. Valeria felt a pull, like a magnet drawing her forward. Ahead, the outline of Emilia’s coven appeared, a sanctuary hidden from the world. Ancalagon roared once more, and with a final beat of his wings, they burst out of the vortex, landing gently on the coven’s grounds.

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