Empyreal, Book 1

Chapter 13

The map of the hollow earth lay spread across the stone table as Kai traced his finger along the faded lines.

"This area here is a death trap," Helena said, her voice low and grim as she tapped a section of the map. "We call it the maze of Despair. None who enters ever return."

Kai pulled his hand back quickly while Max leaned in wide eyed.

"But there are safer paths," Helena continued. She slid her finger along a winding tunnel skirting the edge of the map. "These will take you where you need to go."

Kai and Max exchanged a hopeful glance at the promise of a clear route.

Helena rolled up the map with care. As she tied the parchment with a leather cord, a heaviness filled the cottage, like a held breath. No words were needed to convey the dangers that still awaited them.

Helena turned to them, her expression grave. "There are creatures in those tunnels more twisted than you can imagine. Banshees with screams that will shatter your bones. Nightcrawlers that will drag you into the darkness if you let your guard down."

Kai and Max paled at her words. The horrors she described were beyond anything they had ever faced before.

"You must be vigilant," Helena urged. "Never let the light of your amulets fade, or you will be lost."

She removed an amulet from around her own neck. It was intricately carved from obsidian boasting glyphs etched into its surface.

"Take this," she said, placing the necklace over Max's head. "It will glow red when danger is near. But you must keep it close to your skin at all times, or it will not work."

Max gripped the amulet tightly, feeling the power thrumming within it. He glanced at Kai, seeing his own apprehension reflected in his friend's eyes.

Helena placed a hand on each of their shoulders. "I have faith in you both. Trust your instincts, trust each other, and you will make it through.

Max took a deep breath as he ran his fingers over the smooth obsidian surface and intricate glyphs, feeling the latent power contained within.

At first, nothing happened. The amulet remained dark and cold against his skin. Then suddenly, the glyphs began to glow, bathing Max's face in a deep red light. He gasped, clutching at the amulet in surprise.

"It's glowing!" he exclaimed. "Does this mean danger is near?"

Helena's face was grim as she studied the flickering red light.

Helena held up a finger "Shhh," she whispered. All was still and silent in the cottage, except for the crackling fire in the hearth. Helena's keen senses strained against the quiet, listening for any trace of disturbance outside.

A low, rumbling growl pierced the heavy silence. Helena's eyes snapped open, meeting Max's worried gaze. Kai tensed as his fingers twitched toward the dagger on his belt. The three exchanged anxious looks as the growling grew louder and more insistent. Something prowled just outside the flimsy wooden door, barely muffling its snarls and pants.

Helena rose cat-like and crept toward the window. She pulled back the curtain a sliver, peering out into the forest. Her breath hitched as two burning crimson eyes stared back hungrily from the brush, flashing bright one moment and disappearing into darkness the next.

"It seems something has caught our scent tonight," Helena murmured, letting the curtain fall closed. She turned to face Max and Kai; her expression grim. "But it will not find us such easy prey."

Helena's words sent a chill through Max. He reached for the lantern on the table, turning down the flame until only a faint glow remained. Shadows crept across the walls of the small cottage, broken only by the dying fire's weak light.

"We're being hunted," Helena said, her voice low and tense. "By what, I do not know, but its aura reeks of dark magic."

Kai placed a hand on his dagger hilt. "Malachi."

Helena's eyes narrowed, "That I'm certain of."

The growling outside rose to a frenzied pitch, accompanied by the sound of heavy paws scraping against the door. Max swallowed hard. That flimsy wooden door would hardly keep out an angry raccoon, let alone whatever infernal beast Malachi had set upon them.

He moved carefully to the window and lifted the curtain once more, just enough to peer outside. His breath hitched as two eyes stared hungrily back at him. The creature's lips pulled back, revealing row upon row of jagged teeth, glistening with saliva.

This was no ordinary beast. Malachi had sent a demon for them.

Max let the curtain fall back into place. He took a deep breath to steady his nerves before turning to face the others.

"We need to get out of here," he said urgently. "Whatever that thing is, it's no match for the three of us together. But if we split up, it'll pick us off one by one."

Helena regarded him solemnly. "You and Kai should flee. I will remain behind to confront the beast."

"What?" Kai burst out. "Helena, you can't be serious!"

"Go now, quickly! I can buy you some time."

Max shook his head firmly. "Absolutely not. We're not leaving you here alone."

The cottage shuddered under the force of the demon throwing itself against the walls and door. They were running out of time.

Helena drew herself up, a silver light shining in her eyes. "You underestimate me, Max. I am more than capable of handling Malachi's pet."

Max hesitated. He knew Helena was powerful, but even she could not stand alone against a demon.

The growling outside rose to a thunderous volume. They had seconds left at most. Helena lifted her chin, ready to sacrifice herself for them.

Max stepped forward and put a hand on her shoulder. "I know you're strong," he said gently. "But so are we, together. We stand a better chance as a team."

Helena's tear-filled eyes bore into Max. "Take care of Kai for me."

But before Max could respond, Helena flung her arms out. The air crackled with energy as a blinding portal materialized in front of them. With a mighty shove, Helena sent Max and Kai tumbling through the portal.

Kai's stomach lurched as they fell through the void.

Just as suddenly as it opened, the portal snapped shut and they crashed to the ground. Kai groaned as he held his spinning head. He looked around wildly, but the portal was gone.

"No!" He jumped to his feet. He raised his hands, trying to summon his magic. But nothing happened. The portal would not reopen.

Kai let out a cry of frustration. He slammed his fist against a nearby tree trunk letting the rough bark scrape his knuckles.

"It's no use," Max said softly. "Helena has blocked us from coming back."

Kai's shoulders slumped in defeat. He leaned against the tree, staring up at the unfamiliar night sky. A sick feeling settled in his gut. Helena had sacrificed herself for them. And now they were stranded, alone in the Hollow Earth.

Kai took a deep breath, trying to steady his nerves. He had to keep it together, for Max's sake.