Crimson Bonds

Chapter 18: The Gathering Storm

The night air was thick with anticipation as Babe, Billy, Krit, and Elysia trekked through the dense forest towards the ritual site. The full moon hung low in the sky, casting an eerie glow over the landscape, and every sound seemed amplified-the crunch of leaves underfoot, the rustle of branches in the wind. Babe could feel the pulse of the approaching Blood Moon in the distance, its power a faint hum in the back of his mind, growing stronger with each passing moment.

As they moved deeper into the woods, Babe's thoughts wandered back to the vision Elysia had described-the circle, the fire, the blood. It all seemed so far away then, like something out of a nightmare. But now, with the ritual looming just ahead, it was all too real.

"Stay sharp," Billy whispered, his voice cutting through the stillness. He walked beside Babe, his eyes scanning the trees for any sign of danger. "The rogue witches could have scouts nearby."

Krit, who was leading the way, nodded in agreement. "We're close," he said quietly, his tone serious. "The site is just up ahead, beyond that ridge."

Elysia, trailing behind, was unusually quiet. Her normally whimsical demeanor had been replaced by a solemn focus, her eyes distant as if she was still lost in the visions that had guided them here.

Babe's heart pounded in his chest as they approached the top of the ridge, the tension in the air growing thicker with every step. When they reached the crest, the sight below took his breath away.

The ritual site was exactly as Elysia had described it-an ancient stone circle, its edges worn and weathered by time. In the center of the circle, a fire blazed, its flames unnaturally bright, casting flickering shadows across the clearing. Around the fire stood the rogue witches, their figures cloaked in darkness, chanting in low, guttural voices that sent a chill down Babe's spine.

At the head of the circle stood Thanom, the leader of the rogue witches, her presence commanding and terrifying. Her eyes gleamed with power as she led the chant, her voice rising above the others in a rhythmic, almost hypnotic cadence.

But it was what lay at the center of the fire that made Babe's blood run cold.

There, suspended in the air by threads of magic, was a figure-a witch, unconscious but alive, her body glowing with a faint red light. Her blood was flowing in thin streams, weaving into the fire, feeding the ritual.

"They're already starting the ritual," Elysia whispered, her voice trembling. "They're using her blood to power it."

Babe's stomach twisted with horror. "We have to stop them."

Billy's hand rested on his shoulder, steady but firm. "We will. But we need a plan. We can't just rush in."

Krit crouched low, scanning the area. "There are too many of them for a frontal attack. We'll have to divide and conquer-distract them, split them up."

Elysia nodded, her fingers tracing a protective charm in the air. "I can create a diversion, something to draw their attention away from the circle. But it won't last long."

Babe's heart pounded as he looked at the scene below, his mind racing. They had to act fast-every second they hesitated brought the rogue witches closer to completing the ritual. He could feel the pull of his own magic, the blood magic simmering beneath his skin, desperate to be unleashed.

"I'll go down with Krit and Elysia," Babe said, his voice steady despite the fear gnawing at him. "We'll disrupt the ritual. Billy, you can take out the scouts."

Billy's eyes flashed with determination. "Got it."

With the plan set, they moved quickly, splitting off into their respective tasks. Babe, Krit, and Elysia crept down the ridge toward the ritual circle, their footsteps silent as they navigated through the shadows.