SECRETS OF EVERCREST (BOOK 2)

Chapter 20: The Pulse of Darkness

Chapter 20: The Pulse of Darkness

December 21, 2024

The Belleweathers were gathered in the living room, the tension from last night's events still thick in the air. The news broadcasted updates on the destruction at Ravencroft mining, showing the aftermath of the earthquake and its devastating effects.

As the images flickered across the screen, Jane spoke up. "What about the gate to the other world? The one in the tunnel… is it still there?"

Sol stood up abruptly. "I have to go there and check." Her voice was determined, leaving no room for doubt.

William immediately shot her a sharp look. "No. Absolutely not. It’s too dangerous."

"I'm not asking for permission," Sol snapped back, her voice rising with each word. "I know what I'm doing. Lilith won’t appear in the middle of a crowd of reporters and workers. I’ll be fine."

Susan, who had been silently watching, finally spoke. "And how do you know that, Sol? How can you be sure Lilith won’t attack in the open? What about the people around you? If she comes after you, they'll be caught in the middle." Her tone was calm, but the fear in her eyes was unmistakable.

Sol clenched her fists. "I have to check the gate. I’ll come up with a plan. We’ll be in and out before anyone knows."

After a moment of silence, William sighed heavily. "If you're going, then I'm coming with you."

Sol nodded, grateful for her father’s reluctant support. She quickly outlined her plan, ensuring everyone that they would stick together and stay alert.

After arriving at Ravencroft Mining, Sol and William were met with chaos. Reporters swarmed the area, and workers were assessing the damage caused by the earthquake. The ground was still cracked and unstable, adding to the tense atmosphere.

"We need to get to the tunnel," Sol said, her voice low but urgent.

William nodded, and they made their way through the crowd to the spot where Jane had once been trapped. When they entered the tunnel, it was darker and more ominous than before. As they approached the area where the gate had been, Sol froze.

"It’s gone," she whispered, staring at the solid wall of rock that now blocked the passage.

William frowned. "I took pictures of the gate before. There’s no way this is natural. Lilith must have sealed it."

Before they could investigate further, William noticed a strange silence outside the tunnel. He grabbed Sol’s arm. "Something’s wrong."

They rushed back outside, only to be greeted by a horrific sight—reporters and workers lay lifeless on the ground, blood pooling around them. The air smelled of death. Sol's heart pounded in her chest as she scanned the area.

And then, she saw her.

Lilith stood at the center of the chaos, her dark figure flanked by grotesque monsters. Her gaze locked onto Sol’s, a malicious grin spreading across her face.

"Stay back," William whispered, pulling Sol behind a pile of rubble.

Sol's entire body tensed with rage. She was done hiding. Without a second thought, she stepped out from behind their cover and bolted toward Lilith.

"Sol, no!" William shouted, but it was too late.

With a flick of her wrist, Sol used her telekinesis to launch an attack. Lilith, caught off guard, was slammed to the ground with tremendous force. For a brief moment, it seemed like Sol had the upper hand.

Lilith rose slowly, dusting herself off. Her smile widened. "Not so fast, little girl."

Before Sol could react, Lilith’s eyes glowed with dark energy. Sol's body jerked violently as Lilith seized control, immobilizing her limbs. Sol’s hands, though frozen in place, were now pointing directly at Lilith as if controlled by an invisible force. She was helpless.

"You think you can challenge me?" Lilith's voice was smooth, dripping with malice. Sol’s body lifted off the ground, floating toward her enemy. "I control you now. And soon, I'll break you."

Sol’s face contorted in pain, her body wracked by Lilith’s control. She tried to scream but couldn’t. Lilith pulled her close, whispering words meant to destroy Sol’s spirit. "You're weak. You’ll always be weak."

Suddenly, a gunshot rang out.

Lilith screamed in fury as she stumbled backward. William stood a distance away, gun in hand, having shot Lilith in a weak spot. In her distraction, Lilith threw Sol aside with terrifying strength, sending her crashing into the ground.

Sol groaned in pain, struggling to stand, but she wasn’t done yet. Through sheer force of will, she rose to her feet. Lilith turned her attention toward William, ready to attack, but Sol wasn’t going to let her get that far.

With a scream of rage, Sol used her telekinesis to lift Lilith off the ground. The dark sorceress was suspended in midair, unable to move as Sol’s powers clamped down on her like invisible chains.

"Put me down!" Lilith demanded, her voice now laced with panic.

But Sol didn’t listen. Her entire body shook from the effort, but she tightened her grip on Lilith. Her mind raced as she thought about all the pain Lilith had caused—the death, the destruction, the fear.

"No," Sol said, her voice trembling. "You don't get to hurt us anymore."

Lilith’s body convulsed as Sol’s power surged through her, causing the sorceress to scream in agony. Sol’s entire being poured into this moment, a desperate and furious release of all the pain she had endured.

With one final scream, Sol threw Lilith across the battlefield. The dark sorceress crashed into the ground, hard, before vanishing into the shadows. She was gone, but her presence lingered in the air like a poison.

Sol collapsed to her knees, sobbing from exhaustion. Her powers had taken everything out of her, and her body could no longer stand the strain. William rushed to her side, pulling her into his arms as she cried.

"It’s over," he whispered, though neither of them fully believed it. "You did it."

Sol buried her face in her father’s shoulder, trembling. "For now."

As they held onto each other, the sky above them began to clear, but the darkness Lilith had left behind remained in their hearts.

End of Chapter 20, Book 2