ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*THE TEMPLE OF ANCIENTS*

***author's pov***

As the guards, still under Zelerious' control, took out their knives, their eyes gleamed white with determination. Without hesitation, they lunged toward Alexander, Kian, and Asher, their movements sharp and deliberate.

Kian swiftly raised his hand, summoning a gust of wind that knocked one of the guards back. Asher grabbed the arm of the other guard, twisting it, forcing the knife to clatter to the ground.

"Zelerious must have known this wouldn’t end peacefully," Alexander muttered, his eyes glowing with fury.

The guards, even disarmed, showed no fear. Their blank expressions never changed as they uttered, "You cannot stop what is destined."

Alexander gritted his teeth. "We make our own destiny." With a flick of his wrist, he conjured chains of pure energy, restraining the guards before they could make another move.

Kian glanced at the captured guards. "We need to find out what Zelerious' next move is."

Kian groaned in frustration, running a hand through his hair. "This is getting out of hand. We can't keep dealing with Zelerious' tricks while Valeria is in such a vulnerable state."

Asher, still holding one of the guards in place, nodded grimly. "We need answers. Fast."

Alexander stared down at the hypnotized guards, his jaw clenched. "We'll interrogate them. Whatever Zelerious is planning, he's using every possible move to weaken us. We can't let him get to Valeria, not now."

Kian sighed again. "If only Jerone wasn't being so stubborn, we'd have more strength on our side."

"We'll deal with Jerone later," Alexander said. "For now, let’s focus on protecting Valeria."

Alexander nodded, his face void of any emotion, though the tension in his jaw betrayed the storm brewing inside. His sharp eyes flickered with determination as he stepped forward, glancing at Kian and Asher.

“We need to be prepared for whatever comes next,” he said in a cold, controlled voice. "No more surprises."

His brothers exchanged a glance, feeling the weight of his words. Alexander had entered a state where emotions were locked away, replaced by pure strategy and resolve. They knew when he was like this, nothing could shake his focus.

Meanwhile, Valeria sat in her chamber, feeling the weight of exhaustion settle into her bones. Her body was weak, her mind clouded, but the boredom gnawed at her as much as the fatigue. She stared out of the window, watching the distant horizon where the six moons still hung in the dark sky, their phases shifting slowly. A part of her wished to be out there, free from the confinement of the chamber, the heaviness in her chest, and the strange restlessness that had taken over her.

She sighed, resting her head against the cold window, wondering when this strange feeling would pass.

Suddenly, Valeria felt a familiar voice echo in her mind. It was ANCALAGON, calling her with a deep, resonant presence that reverberated through her thoughts.

Valeria, my queen, come to me.

The sound sent shivers down her spine, stirring something within her. She closed her eyes, focusing on the connection, feeling his power surging through her. It was both comforting and commanding, igniting a spark of strength she thought she had lost.

I need you, ANCALAGON urged, his voice filled with urgency. There is danger approaching. You must be ready.

Valeria's heart raced. She stood up, determination flooding her veins. Whatever was happening, she could feel that she was not alone in this fight.

In an instant, ANCALAGON appeared outside her window, his massive form silhouetted against the twilight sky. His scales glimmered like polished obsidian, reflecting the last rays of the sun, while his wings unfurled majestically, casting a shadow over the garden below.

The air crackled with power as he regarded Valeria with piercing eyes, glowing like molten gold. Despite his intimidating presence, there was an undeniable bond between them—an ancient connection that sent warmth coursing through her.

Come, my queen, he urged, his voice echoing in her mind. We have much to prepare for.

Valeria felt her spirit lift. With a determined nod, she stepped toward the window, ready to embrace her destiny alongside her dragon.

Valeria leaped onto ANCALAGON’s back, her heart racing with excitement and a hint of apprehension. As she settled into place, the dragon’s powerful muscles tensed beneath her, ready to take flight.

With a mighty roar, ANCALAGON launched into the sky, soaring high above the castle. The wind whipped through her hair as they ascended, the landscape below shrinking into a tapestry of colors. Valeria felt a rush of freedom and exhilaration, her worries momentarily forgotten.

Where are we going? she asked, her voice barely audible over the roar of the wind.

To reclaim what is yours, ANCALAGON replied, his tone resolute. The time for hiding is over. It’s time to confront your past and embrace your true power.

As they flew into the horizon, Valeria’s determination solidified. She was ready to face whatever awaited her.

Valeria took a deep breath, her heart steadying as she nodded in agreement. The thrill of adventure coursed through her veins, and the weight of her past felt lighter in ANCALAGON's presence.

Let’s do this, she said, her voice filled with newfound resolve.

With a powerful beat of his wings, ANCALAGON soared higher, cutting through the clouds. Below them, the world became a blur of colors, but Valeria’s focus was unwavering. She was determined to confront her destiny and uncover the truth about herself and the bonds she once shared.

As they approached a distant mountain range, Valeria could feel an energy pulsing in the air. It was a call to the elements, a reminder of the power she possessed. The thought of reclaiming her strength ignited a fire within her.

Where are we headed? she asked, glancing back at ANCALAGON.

To the Temple of Ancients, he replied. There, you will find the answers you seek.

With that, they soared forward, the temple looming in the distance, shrouded in mystery and magic. Valeria’s heart raced, ready to face whatever awaited her within its ancient walls.