"Belief is the bridge that courage walks across."
December 26, 2024 - 11:00 am
Gregory had arranged backup with the military, prepared for whatever may await them at Evercrest University. As Sol prepared herself, gathering equipment and mentally bracing for the encounter with Lilith, she felt a hand on her shoulder. It was her mother, Susan.
"Sol," Susan said quietly, her voice laced with worry, "you don’t have to save everyone."
Sol paused, looking at her mother. "But if I don’t try, I’ll regret it."
Susan took a deep breath, then nodded, though her eyes showed her concern. "Just… come back safe."
Suddenly, Sol’s radio crackled to life. It was Gregory. "We need to move, Sol. Now."
Sol hugged her mother tightly, then stepped out to join Gregory, who handed her a radio for communication. Together, they climbed into the armored vehicle with the other troops, setting off toward Evercrest University.
Meanwhile, in Another Realm
Lilith stood in an eerie dark chamber, whispering to an object that seemed alive, almost pulsating with power—the Book of the Phoenix. She stroked its cover reverently, a twisted smile on her lips. "Soon, you'll be mine... I’ll find a way to make you obey," she murmured. But as her fingers brushed closer, a shock of light repelled her hand, reminding her she was not its rightful owner.
Lilith scowled, but her determination remained unbroken. "I don’t need your permission. I’ll take what’s mine."
12:00 Noon
Arriving at the university, Sol and Gregory, with their military escort, made their way onto campus, weaving past watchful guards and barricades. As they moved, they encountered Captain Ravenna Steele, who was less than thrilled to see them.
“Back for forgiveness, are we?” Ravenna smirked, her voice dripping with sarcasm. “I’m not exactly the forgiving type.”
Gregory held his gaze steady on her, replying in a low voice, “We’re not here for you, Captain. We're here because we know what’s at stake.”
Ravenna’s expression turned hard as she shifted her focus to Sol. Recognition sparked in her eyes, and a slow smirk crossed her face. "So, you’re the student I’ll be removing from criminology. You don’t belong here.”
Sol lifted her chin, unphased by Ravenna’s attempt at intimidation. “Go ahead. But be warned—I might not belong here, but you won’t last here, either.”
Ravenna clenched her fists, looking ready to strike, but Sol stood her ground. “Try it,” Sol said calmly, “and I’ll see to it that you're left to handle whatever lurks behind that gate on your own.”
Gregory stepped forward, and together, they moved past Ravenna, leaving her speechless. They crossed the open field and neared the gymnasium, where a sense of foreboding hung in the air. As they moved, Sol caught sight of Logan Nightshade lingering nearby.
Sol froze momentarily, unsure whether to approach. But before she could decide, Logan called out, “Sol?”
She turned, feeling her pulse quicken. “Logan,” she managed, trying to sound casual, though she felt anything but.
Logan offered a warm smile, stepping closer. “It’s been a while. Where have you been?”
Sol hesitated, then said, “Just... handling things.” She glanced at Gregory waiting patiently a few steps ahead. “I should go. I have something important to do.”
Logan nodded. “Stay safe, then. And... maybe see you again soon?”
She gave him a slight smile, then turned back to join Gregory. They made their way into the gymnasium, where guards kept watch over an enormous, dark gate—the heart of Evercrest’s recent troubles. The air was thick with unease, the kind that made the hair on the back of her neck stand up.
Gregory showed his identification to the guards, who let them through. Sol opened the door, and immediately, darkness seemed to engulf them. The once familiar gymnasium had been transformed, its walls streaked with eerie shadows, and the giant gate loomed ominously at the center.
As they moved closer, Sol could feel the energy intensifying, like a heartbeat pulsing from within the gate. She reached out to touch it, and the moment her fingers brushed the cold surface, a vision slammed into her mind.
Lilith’s face appeared, her expression twisted with triumph. “You can’t escape me, Sol,” she whispered in Sol’s mind.
Sol stumbled back, her breathing quickening. “We need to leave. Now.”
Gregory nodded, and they quickly exited the gym, warning the personnel nearby. However, the security officers gave her skeptical looks, clearly doubting her.
As they tried to explain the danger, Sol heard a familiar voice behind her. She turned to find Logan standing nearby, listening to the conversation.
Logan stepped forward, his tone steady as he said, “She’s right. I’ve seen strange things happening here too.”
Sol shot him a surprised look. Logan hadn’t witnessed anything—but here he was, vouching for her.
After the personnel reluctantly agreed to increase their security, Sol pulled Logan aside. “Why did you do that?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
He looked at her, an unwavering confidence in his eyes. “Because I trust you, Sol.”
End of Chapter 30
"In the heart of darkness, even a single spark of belief can be a beacon of hope."
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SECRETS OF EVERCREST (BOOK 2)
ActionIn Book 2, the world stands on the brink of an unimaginable darkness. The Bellweathers find themselves pulled deeper into the mysteries surrounding Evercrest University, a place once known for promise, now tainted by secrets and shadowed forces. As...
