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

Chapter 20: The Clash of Power

The clash between Elesis's dark aura and the artifact's golden light was overwhelming. The air vibrated with raw power, and the ground beneath us trembled as cracks spread outward from the pedestal. Shadows and light twisted together like warring serpents, fighting for dominance.

“Elesis!” I shouted, my voice barely audible over the chaos. “Stop! You don’t have to do this!”

Her head snapped toward me, her glowing red eyes blazing with fury and desperation. “I do, Zach!” she screamed. “If I don’t take control of this, it will take you from me! I won’t let that happen. I won’t let anything take you from me!”

The artifact pulsed brighter, its golden glow growing in intensity as if responding to her words. For a moment, it seemed to push back against her darkness, and Elesis staggered, her aura flickering. But then she screamed, a sound of pure defiance, and unleashed a surge of energy that darkened the chamber.

“No!” I yelled, rushing toward her despite the searing pain in my body. “Elesis, stop! Please! This isn’t the way!”

She turned to me, her expression softening for just a fraction of a second. “You don’t understand, Zach,” she whispered. “This power... it’s the only way I can protect you. The only way I can keep you safe.”

Tears welled in my eyes as I reached out to her. “You’re already strong enough, Elesis. You don’t need this. You don’t need to sacrifice yourself.”

Her gaze faltered, and for a moment, I saw the girl I had grown up with—the girl who had stood by my side through everything. But the moment was fleeting, and the darkness surged around her once more.

The artifact, sensing its chance, unleashed a wave of golden light that engulfed the chamber. Elesis cried out, her aura flickering violently as the light pierced through her defenses.

“Elesis!” I screamed, reaching for her as the light grew blinding.