The Arcane Chronicles: Unveiling the Lost Secrets (On-Going)

Chapter 25: A Shattered Refuge

Aiden

The air in the underground alley was heavy with wet, oppressive gloom, and Selene Darkweaver's laughter resonated through the tight stone walls. Her voice had a terrible melody, creating a sense of dread in the air. Every step we took felt like we were rushing through quicksand, with her voice and presence getting closer.

''You can't run forever, children," Selene said, her voice slithered like venom. "Athena, your beloved mother would be ashamed. Oh, she's dead, right? Executed as a common criminal. "All for you—what a waste."

Athena clinched her fists and rushed beside me, her face twisted with pain and rage. Louisito, sitting on her back, cried wildly. His small hands grasped her shoulders, his cries straining my already frayed nerves.

''Keep moving!'' I barked, looking over my shoulder. Selene emerged from the shadows, her cursed loom revealing threads of flaming red and black energy. Her eyes glinted with malice as she twisted her hand, and the threads burst into life, snaking toward us. I turned around, my mind whirling as I chanted. ''Briethan calos! Fulmen eraque!'' A surge of energy exploded from my palms, producing a makeshift shield that kept back the threads for a brief while.

''Look at you, little witch.'' Selene sneered, easily stepping through the fading shield. ''A lone nobody with the most potentially powerful magic. Pity you have no idea how to use it.''

''Funny.'' I shot back, my words sharp despite the fear curling in my stomach. “You’ve got all this power, but the only thing you’re good at is running your mouth.''

Selene's lips twisted into a grin as she flicked her wrist, sending a wave of threads our way. I grabbed Athena's arm and dragged her toward a collapsing archway. We barely dived under the debris before the threads cut through the stone like paper.

''I’m not running.'' Selene called, her tone mocking. “I’m chasing! Big difference!''

Athena’s breathing was ragged beside me, her rage barely contained ''She buried me alive!'' she hissed. “I won’t let her take me again!''

''We won’t let her.'' I assured her, though my voice wavered. My hands trembled as I cast another spell. ''Luxeth miranon! Vorathis ignithal!''A burst of light shot forward, blinding Selene momentarily.

We dashed through the tortuous alleys, avoiding collapsing beams and broken pipes. The air became colder, as if her cursed threads were draining the life from the space surrounding us.

Suddenly, Selene's strands darted out and entangled Athena's ankle. She faltered and almost fell as Louisito yelled. I skidded to a halt and spun back to cast a slashing spell.

''Vorraneth gladius!" The glittering blade of energy cut the thread, and Athena staggered to her feet.

''Athena, you’ve always been so weak. No wonder your mother’s house crumbled. Like mother, like daughter, I suppose.'' Selene laughed again, her voice a low, haunting melody.

''Shut up!” Athena screamed, hurling a water projected dagger toward Selene. It missed, clattering uselessly against the stone.

Selene's threads raced forward again, weaving into horrific shapes like hands, claws, and serpents. They attacked from all sides, forcing me to keep shouting and setting up barrier after barrier. Each spell depleted my energy, leaving me exhausted and desperate.

''Cry harder, little Seraphel.'' Selene taunted Louisito, who buried his face into Athena’s shoulder. “Perhaps you’ll make a lovely tapestry for my collection.''

'''ENOUGH!'' I exclaimed, feeling something ancient and hard to rise within me. My hands moved on their own, drawing symbols in the air. Words burst out my mouth, strange and untamed: "Thalorien vestium! Exeuntum arcanum!''