Darkwood: Circus Inferno

Forest Retreat

The tension in the air was palpable as Zephyr paced back and forth in the makeshift common area where the group had gathered after Onyx’s outburst. His expression was unusually serious, his brows furrowed as he replayed the events over and over in his mind. Elion sat quietly in a nearby chair, watching his close friend with uncharacteristic restraint, while Amythest leaned against the wall, arms crossed and lips pressed into a thin line. The rest of the group lingered nearby, still shaken from the confrontation.

Zephyr finally stopped, turning to face the others. “What was that?” he demanded, his tone sharp. His eyes scanned the group, finally landing on Greyson, who had been attempting to collect his thoughts. “Because whatever it was, that wasn’t just a temper tantrum. That was something... darker.”

Greyson sighed heavily, his gaze meeting Zephyr’s. “It’s complicated.”

Zephyr snorted. “Complicated? The guy nearly killed your friend, and you’re calling it complicated?” He folded his arms. “Start talking.”

Greyson hesitated, his eyes flickering to Amythest, who gave a small nod of encouragement. Finally, he spoke. “Achelios.” The name fell like a stone into the room, its weight shifting the atmosphere entirely.

The color drained from Zephyr’s face. “What did you just say?”

“Achelios,” Greyson repeated, his voice grave. “Onyx is... connected to him.”

Zephyr’s eyes widened as he took a step back. “No. That’s not possible. Achelios is a legend, a nightmare used to scare kids into behaving. He’s not real.”

Amythest interjected, her voice calm but firm. “He’s very real, Zephyr. And Onyx is tied to him in ways that we’re still trying to fully understand.”

Zephyr’s mind raced as he pieced together the fragments of information. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to steady his breathing. “Achelios,” he muttered again, his voice low. “The Harbinger of Chaos. The Devourer of Light. The—”

“The very same,” Elion interrupted, his tone unusually somber.

Zephyr shook his head, his hands clenching into fists. “You’re telling me that that thing—the one whose name alone strikes fear into mortals and immortals alike—is somehow linked to him?” He gestured toward the direction Onyx had stormed off in.

“Not just linked,” Greyson said quietly. “Onyx is his vessel.”

The words hit Zephyr like a thunderclap. His mouth opened, then closed, as he struggled to form a coherent response. Finally, he managed, “And you’ve just been... what? Letting him walk around like that? Knowing what he’s carrying?”

“We don’t have a choice,” Amythest said firmly. “Onyx didn’t ask for this. He’s been fighting Achelios’ influence every day, trying to keep him at bay.”

Zephyr’s expression twisted into one of disbelief. “And what happens when he can’t anymore? What happens when Achelios takes over completely? You saw what just happened—he nearly killed one of his own!”

“Which is why we’re trying to help him,” Amythest countered, her tone growing sharper. “But this isn’t something we can fix overnight. It’s a constant battle, and Onyx is doing everything he can to stay in control.”