ACROSS THE DEPTHS OF THE UNIVERSE

*we need to find her*

***author's pov***

Zelerious’ growl echoed through the temple, vibrating the very stones around him. His fists clenched tighter, nails digging into his palms as his voice filled with fury.

“Tharollin!!”

His roar shook the air, filled with a dark, dangerous energy that made the ground beneath him tremble. The name spat from his lips like venom, dripping with hatred and desperation. His eyes blazed with a cold fury, glowing fiercely as he tried to hold onto any trace of Valeria’s presence.

The wind howled in response, swirling the remnants of smoke that lingered in the air. Zelerious' mind raced, torn between rage and fear—fear that Tharollin had taken Valeria beyond his reach. His body trembled, but it wasn’t from weakness. It was from the sheer force of the power building inside him, the kind that was ready to tear the world apart for her.

“I will find you,” he muttered through gritted teeth, his voice low but dripping with intent. “And I will destroy you.”

Zelerious vanished in a swirl of dark energy, his form dissipating from the temple's depths. The ancient stone walls that once witnessed the sacred trials now echoed with the force of his departure. He reappeared outside the temple, standing on the rocky plateau, his gaze sharp and unwavering.

The cold night air greeted him, the sky above dark with swirling clouds. His chest heaved as he tried to calm the storm raging within him, but the fury bubbling beneath his skin wouldn't subside. He could feel Valeria’s absence like a gaping wound in his soul, and the thought of Tharollin having her tightened the noose around his heart.

Zelerious clenched his fists, his eyes scanning the horizon. The world around him seemed still, as if holding its breath for what he would do next. His jaw tightened as he thought of Valeria, of how much pain she must be in.

“Tharollin... you won't get away with this.”

The ground trembled beneath Zelerious as the thunderous growl of Ancalaon echoed through the night. The sound resonated with ancient power, shaking the very air around him. Zelerious looked up, his heart racing, recognizing the protective call of the dragon.

Ancalaon soared above the temple, his massive wings casting shadows over the landscape. The creature's scales shimmered in the moonlight, a mix of deep blues and silvers, as he circled, sensing the urgency in Zelerious's presence.

With a fierce determination igniting within him, Zelerious called out, “Ancalaon! We need to find Valeria!”

The dragon descended, landing gracefully beside him, its eyes blazing with loyalty and fury. Zelerious climbed onto Ancalaon’s back, feeling the rush of wind against his face as the dragon took off into the night sky.

********************************************

Together, they would track Tharollin and rescue Valeria from whatever dark fate awaited her. The bond between them crackled with electricity, each beat of Ancalaon’s wings pushing them closer to their goal. The hunt was on.

Panic spread among the elemental kings as they entered Valeria’s chamber, only to find it empty. The bed was unmade, the air thick with an unsettling silence. Kian’s brow furrowed in worry. “Where could she have gone?”

Asher scanned the room, his instincts on high alert. “Something feels off. She wouldn’t leave without a word.”

Alexander’s eyes darkened with concern. “We need to find her. Now.” He glanced at Kian and Asher, determination etched on his face.

Just then, a butterfly fluttered in through the open window, landing delicately on the edge of Valeria’s bedside table. It shimmered with an otherworldly light, its wings vibrating as it released a soft glow. Kian stepped forward, his heart racing. “What does it mean?”

Asher reached out, gently lifting the butterfly. “It’s a message. It’s here to guide us.”

The creature flitted away, leading them out of the chamber and toward the castle’s grand hall. The kings exchanged worried glances, their hearts heavy with fear for Valeria’s safety. They followed the butterfly, hoping it would lead them to her before it was too late.

As the butterfly fluttered toward Jerone's chamber, the three kings exchanged glances filled with confusion and urgency. Kian followed closely, his instincts screaming that something was terribly wrong.

When they reached Jerone’s door, the butterfly hovered momentarily before darting inside. The kings hesitated, unsure of what they might find.

“Jerone!” Alexander called out, pushing the door open. The room was dimly lit, and the air felt heavy with tension. They stepped inside, searching for any sign of Valeria or Jerone.

Jerone stood by the window, his back turned to them. The atmosphere was thick with his brooding energy. “What do you want?” he snapped, not turning around.

“Have you seen Valeria?” Kian demanded, his tone sharp. “She’s missing.”

Jerone finally turned, his expression unreadable. “And why would I know where she is?”

Asher stepped forward, frustration boiling. “Because you’re the last one who rejected her! You might have pushed her away!”

At that moment, the butterfly flitted back into the room, landing delicately on Jerone's shoulder. He brushed it away, irritation flashing in his eyes. “Get that thing off me.”

Suddenly, a realization hit Kian. “Jerone, if you pushed her away, she might be in danger! We need to work together.”

Jerone's gaze hardened, but he felt a flicker of doubt. “Fine. If she’s in trouble, I’ll help find her. But it’s not my fault she’s gone.”

The kings nodded, sensing the urgency of the situation. Together, they would need to uncover the truth and find Valeria before it was too late.