Empyreal, Book 1

Chapter 24

The cold stone floor chilled Max's skin as he sat cross-legged, desperately trying to recall the pages of his spell book in his mind. Across from him, Kai traced obscure runes onto the cell door, muttering incantations under his breath. Their efforts proved futile - not even a shimmer rippled across the solid iron barrier.

With frustration mounting, Max slammed his fists on the ground. The sharp crack echoed through the damp chamber. He shot Kai with an accusing glare, his anger threatening to boil over.

"This is all your fault ya know. If you hadn't picked up that cursed pendant, we wouldn't be trapped in this god-forsaken dungeon right now."

Kai's shoulders tensed, but he kept his gaze lowered, continuing the fruitless spell work. Max's words burrowed under his skin like barbs. He couldn't deny the truth in them - this predicament was his doing. But the pendant's allure had been irresistible, its lunar energy calling to him. How could he have known its sinister purpose?

Silence hung between them, broken only by Kai's hushed incantations, as the reality of their imprisonment sank in. They were out of options, left at the mercy of Malachi . Max seethed with bitterness, the restless energy in his veins threatening to erupt. He had to get out of this cell but for now, all he could do was wait.

Kai let out a long sigh, his shoulders slumping in defeat as he leaned against the cold stone wall.

"You're right," he admitted softly, finally meeting Max's hardened stare. "I should have been more cautious. But how could I have possibly known picking up that pendant would summon Malachi?"

Kai's voice took on a pleading edge, willing his friend to understand. Max scoffed derisively, not ready to forgive so easily.

"It doesn't matter if you knew or not. We're still stuck here because of your mistake."

Max turned away, a scowl etched on his face. He refused to let Kai off the hook that easily. A tense silence fell between them once more as the weight of their predicament settled like a pall.

After several long moments, Max whirled around, jabbing an accusing finger at Kai.

"This is just like you, always acting without thinking. You never consider the consequences."

Kai opened his mouth to protest but Max barreled on. "If you had just listened to me for once, we wouldn't be trapped here waiting for Malachi to do who knows what with us."

Their bickering continued, the echoes bouncing off the cold stones. Blame and frustration volleyed between them as the hopelessness of their situation fueled their discord.

The two friends were so engrossed in their heated argument that they didn't notice the entry door slowly creaking open. A young man slipped inside, moving as silently as a cat stalking its prey. He was slender and dark-haired, with intelligent brown eyes that carefully tracked the room. In his hand he held an iron ring laden with keys, which he quickly slipped into his pocket before clearing his throat.

"Ahem."

Max and Kai jumped, startled by the sudden interruption. They whirled to face the intruder; their hands raised defensively. The young man held up his palms in a peaceful gesture.

"Easy now, I'm not here to hurt you." His voice was smooth and soothing. Kai and Max exchanged a wary look but lowered their hands.

"Who are you?" Max demanded.

The young man gave a gracious bow. "Casper Holloway, at your service." A hint of a smile played at his lips. "I couldn't help overhearing your predicament and thought perhaps I could be of some assistance."