The Awakening

Chapter Twenty Nine

"Shit," Avelon muttered, her breath hitching as they dashed through the labyrinth of towering shelves. The library's door loomed ahead of them, while dark tendrils of living shadow slithered behind, hot on their heels.

It felt surreal, like a twisted dream for Avelon. The guttural roars of the Quillshifter echoed from the depths of the library, a primal sound reverberating through the air as it fought against the encroaching darkness threatening to consume everything in its path.

"Do you think Balor knows we're looking for more information on his experiments?" Brianne gasped, her voice shaky between laboured breaths, struggling to keep pace with Avelon's frantic strides.

Avelon shot a glance over her shoulder at Brianne, ready to shout that she didn't know, but the sight behind her froze her in place. A shadowy mass was creeping up Brianne's legs, tendrils curling around her ankles like icy fingers.

"Brianne!" Avelon's voice burst forth as she lunged for her friend, grabbing her hand in an attempt to pull her away.

The warning came too late. The shadows latched on, dragging Brianne down with a sudden force that sent her crashing to the ground. Avelon didn't stop, her heart pounding like a war drum, even as the darkness began its slow, deliberate climb. She felt the weight of dread settle in her chest.

"GO Avelon! Take the tome and fucking hide it!" Brianne shouted, her voice strained as she struggled and fought against the shadows clasping her feet. Brianne's eyes blazed with determination, but her body fought against Avelon's grip, desperate to break free and send Avelon back to their room.

Avelon's eyes darted around, panic tightening her throat as the shadows inched closer, swallowing the light around them, inching up to Brianne's knees. She had no idea if the darkness could harm them.

"No!" Avelon shouted, gripping Brianne's arms tightly, trying to pull her free. But Brianne was like a statue, solid and unyielding, her eyes pleading even as they flicked downward in horror.

""Gods!" Avelon cried, anxiety clawing at her as she scanned their surroundings for anything—anything—that could help.

Use yourself, child.

Avelon froze, her heart racing as she locked eyes with Brianne, recognizing the urgency reflected in her hazel gaze. The voice wasn't hers, and it wasn't Brianne's either.

Avelon took a deep breath, frustration mixing with desperation. You're not exactly helping me, little voice.

Warm laughter rippled through the air, sending a chill down Avelon's spine. Brianne's eyes widened.

"You heard that?" Avelon whispered, disbelief tinging her voice.

Brianne nodded slowly, her face pale and overwhelmed with fear.

Avelon still stood frozen, contemplating her next move and wasting time. Avelon was momentarily sidetracked by the urge to tell Brianne of all the odd voices she had been hearing since she arrived at Vexar.

Focus. Use yourself. The voice snapped with urgency.

Avelon groaned in response, frustration bubbling beneath the surface as she tried to make sense of the voices' words. Use herself? Avelon's eyes narrowed as she tried to find a way of using herself. Was she supposed to jump into the dark herself?

Images of Balor's experiments flashed before her eyes—water, air, elements she barely understood.

Water and air.

Avelon furrowed her brow, her concentration sharpening. She had no clue if Balor's experiments had given her any power.

Good, now use yourself. And I am not little.