(17+) Elesis : Reign Of The Bloody Queen (2024) "END"

Chapter 19: The Relic's Truth

The ruins were vast and labyrinthine, their walls etched with ancient symbols that seemed to hum with energy. As we ventured deeper, the oppressive atmosphere grew heavier, and even Elesis seemed unsettled.

"This place," she whispered, her voice barely audible. "It's alive."

I didn't respond. My focus was on finding the chamber where the artifact was hidden. According to the legend, it was guarded by a powerful force-one that only those with pure intentions could overcome. I didn't know if I would be able to, but I had to try.

Finally, we reached the heart of the ruins. The chamber was massive, its walls lined with glowing runes. In the center stood a pedestal, and atop it rested the artifact: a crystalline orb that pulsed with a soft, golden light.

Elesis froze beside me, her eyes narrowing as she stared at the orb. "What is that?" she demanded, her voice sharp. "Why are we here, Zach?"

I hesitated, my mind racing for an explanation. "It's... it's said to hold immense power. If we retrieve it, we could become unstoppable."

Her eyes darkened, and I realized too late that I had made a mistake. "You're lying," she hissed, stepping closer to me. "You think I don't see it? The way you've been acting, the way you've been looking at me? You've been planning something, haven't you?"

"Elesis, I-"

"Don't lie to me!" she screamed, her aura flaring violently. The runes on the walls flickered, reacting to her energy. "You brought me here to get rid of me, didn't you? To take that thing and leave me behind!"

"No!" I shouted, my voice echoing in the chamber. "I brought you here to save you! This artifact-it can purify the darkness in you, Elesis. It can bring you back to who you were!"

Her expression twisted into one of rage and betrayal. "Who I was? You think I'm broken? That I need to be fixed?" She stepped closer, her dark energy surging. "I've done everything for you, Zach. I've protected you. I've fought for you. And this is how you repay me?"

I backed away, my heart pounding. "Elesis, please. I'm doing this because I love you."

Her eyes flared with a dangerous light, and her lips curled into a chilling smile. "If you really loved me, you wouldn't try to change me. You'd accept me for who I am."

Before I could respond, the chamber shook, the runes glowing brighter as the artifact reacted to her energy. The ground cracked beneath us, and a voice-deep and ancient-echoed through the room.

"Only the worthy may claim the light."

Elesis turned to the pedestal, her expression twisted with determination. "If that thing thinks it can take you from me, it's wrong. Dead wrong."

She lunged for the artifact, her dark aura clashing with its golden glow. The chamber erupted in light and shadow, and I could only watch as the battle between her darkness and the artifact's purity unfolded.

In that moment, I realized the truth: if she couldn't conquer the artifact, it might destroy her. And if it did, I wasn't sure I could live with the consequences.