Chapter 17: The Oasis Banquet

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The darkness of the Underworld pressed in on the Godsworn as they journeyed deeper. Their footsteps echoed through the caverns, swallowed by the endless void. The glowing map in Alexander's hand guided them forward, but the path was treacherous. The jagged walls seemed to close in, and the air felt thick with a suffocating silence. There was no warmth, no light—only the constant, unnerving sense of being watched. Luna remained close to Darian, her hand brushing against his arm at every opportunity, her eyes never straying far from his. 

Aeris leaned toward Selene as they walked, whispering, "She's been glued to him since we met her. You don't think—"

"I think we're all thinking the same thing," Selene replied, her voice low. "Something doesn't add up."

Despite the tension, the Godsworn pressed on, determined to reach their destination. Their goal was within sight—if the map was to be believed, they were closing in on something important. The further they walked, the more the air seemed to hum with strange energy.

"This place is suffocating," Selene muttered, brushing her fingers through her hair. "Feels like the Underworld's trying to smother us."

"We're almost there," Alexander said, his voice firm but tired. He clutched his Thunder Gauntlet, the steady hum of electricity a constant reminder of the power coursing through him. "Stay focused."

But then, ahead of them, the air seemed to shimmer—a faint glow appearing in the distance, beckoning them. At first, it seemed too good to be true, but as they drew closer, it became undeniable. A glimmering oasis appeared before them, nestled in the heart of the Underworld like a hidden jewel. 


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The oasis was tranquil, surrounded by a pool of dark, reflective water that seemed to shimmer with an eerie, otherworldly glow. Bioluminescent plants dotted the area, casting a soft, ethereal light across the rocks. Strange, glimmering mushrooms thrived here, their light pulsing in rhythm with the very heart of the place. It was like stepping into a dream—or a trap.

"This doesn't feel right," Selene said, eyeing the oasis warily. Her staff glowed faintly, ready for action. "Since when does the Underworld offer places to rest?"

"I don't know, but we need it," Thalor said, his deep voice rumbled with a rare sense of fatigue. "We've been at this for days without rest. Let's take a break."

Though the others were cautious, they couldn't deny their exhaustion. The thought of a place to rest—even one in the Underworld—was tempting.

"We'll keep watch," Alexander said, his hand still gripping the map, his eyes scanning their surroundings. But even as he spoke, the air seemed to shift, and the tension in the group began to dissipate.

Aeris, the Guardian of Demeter, smiled softly. "Well, since I am Demeter's Guardian, goddess of the harvest, how about dinner is on me?" She knelt to the ground, and her fingers traced the earth. With a soft glow, plants began to grow around her, springing up from the barren ground as though they had been waiting for this moment. Fruits, vegetables, and herbs bloomed into existence, offering a feast that seemed far too lush for the desolate Underworld.

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