141: The Artifact's Call

Hayley's POV

It was a cool night, with the moon casting its silvery glow across every leaf and tree as we pressed on into it, our small group making their way through an almost impenetrable undergrowth. Standing next to me, I had Aiden a source of relief in such times. Lucas, Mia, and Zoe-our three most experienced pack members-followed behind us quietly, each trained up for any little distraction that might crop up in the woods.

Aiden warned as the danger hissed in barely more than a breath over the rustling of leaves. There are big dangers in the forest by night.

My vision sat heavy in my mind as I nodded. The artifact was near, so close it almost seemed as if we were being led towards it. There was an ominous beauty to it, whispering gently that we would not be the only ones looking for what lay within.

"Sure we will," I said, stealing confidence where there was none.

Aiden smiled gently; he knew I could do it. "I know we will. Together."

We made our way across the land, with nothing but silence and the distant cries of night birds or a call from a far-off wolf. The forest that enveloped us was alive, exuding a breath of age-old secrets and lost tales. Something about it felt familiar, like a piece of my lineage.

While walking, Aiden grabbed my hand, and our fingers overlapped. His touch was warm, and it sent a sizzle of peace through my body and our connection. These were the moments that gave me strength-a confirmation I was not fighting this battle alone.

"Thanks for coming," I mumbled at him.

His eyes connected with mine, warm and affectionate. "There's nowhere else I got to be. You are not alone in this, Hayley."

Everything in the world outside of us disappeared, and we were left suspended in a bubble of what it means to share emotion. I leaned in until I could hear the soft pulsing of his heart, a continuous beat that was as firm and regular as my own.

Before our moment could go any further, Lucas cleared his throat. "We should keep moving. We've got a long way to go."

We parted quietly, the task at hand making its way back to the forefront of our thoughts. Yet the bond remained-an unbreakable chord of resistance and healing that would pull us through the hard times to come.

The tracks grew more difficult to follow as we walked deeper into the forest; the ground became rockier, hidden beneath greenery and creeping roots. Mia, as always discerning in spite of the situation, protected with her keen eyes to prevent sudden strikes from any potential problem.

Close now," she whispered, staring off toward the horizon. "I can feel it."

They heightened Zoe's senses, too. "Nice," she agreed with herself. "There's something up ahead. Be ready."

Reluctantly, we downgraded to a sauntering speed until the land was little more than tarps and finally broke. They were at the very heart of this place: a colossal stone edifice, weathered stones piled timelessly high and etched on every surface by ancient runes that ghostly emulated weak phosphorescence.

My voice was hardly more than a whisper, and my heart was almost beating out of my chest in anticipation of whatever treasure might be inside.

We crept closer, and a rumbling growl sprang forth from the darkness, frozen in our steps. Coming from the other side of this darkness were creatures that we had not seen. Their eyes shone mystic, and their bodies man-beast intertwined a vision abhorrent to nature.

"Guardians," Aiden gritted, literally. They are casting a protective spell over the artifact.

Lucas stepped out, and his posture immediately became defensive. We're going to have come in shooting.

That vision flashed in my mind as I hesitated.

There must have been another way, a path to make their words reach the artifact that did not need this amount of bloodshed.

"Wait," I said and held up my hand. "Let me try something."

And feeling that connection to the artifact, I closed my eyes and tried to go within. A leaf fluttered into a pool in Aeration Valley. Line. The air around me vibrated as a flood of power slammed into the artifact, resonating to my summons.

They paused, the growls dying down as they apparently picked up on my plans. I took a step toward it, my heart pulsing like a drummer with hope and terror.

Aiden warned, fists itching to rush in and protect her if necessary.

That I agreed with, and so I turned my thoughts solely to the power that buzzed through me from the object. We intend no injury; I added it for the benefit of any attention that might be caused to them. We search for the artifact to save, not destroy.

There was a stillness in the air for what felt like eternity. But after a moment, the beings slowly began to retreat from them, their eyes dulling as they disappeared back into darkness.

Relief washed over me; my breath caught in my throat. Works," I whispered, disbelief and triumph mixing in a bitter aftertaste.

Aiden walked beside me, still in awe and admiration. "How did you do that?"

I shrugged, the link still humming under my skin. "But we have a chance now."

The obelisk was just a stone's throw away at the other end of this straight strip, and as we made our way towards it, the runes on its surface shined even brighter. The entrance, looming tall before us, is a gateway into the dark and beyond.

Then Lucas spoke with determination, "Let's get this artifact.

Both of us stepped inside the darkness, a breeze blowing across our faces heavy with ancient magic. The interior was huge; the walls were covered in scales and tribal markings that appeared to be pulsing.

As we made our way deeper, the artifact seemed to pull us in further and chart a course through these maze-like corridors.

My senses were heightened with every step, the anticipation of power and hope driving us forward.

We then went to a mellower, almost liturgical, light-filled chamber. At its center, sitting on a pillar of stone was the artifact-a gorgeously crafted piece that radiated with latent power.

I tread carefully with the weight of destiny upon me. One path that I had seen in a vision was the way to survive.

Aiden was next to me, stolid and steady. "Here it is." He whispered, his voice lowered in wonder.

We both reached for the artifact; our fingers bumped against it. It was like an electric wave passed through us, connecting us beyond life and death.

In that moment, I understood. It was not only a tool but also a tie to the past and an assurance of tomorrow.

We shook the oracle, and of his many things, those we heard with movers under our feet as to port from this time signaled new fights. But having Aiden with me and the artifact safely in my possession, I could not help but feel a glimmer of hope.

We had a long way to go yet, but for the first time, I actually thought we could do it-survive. Soul against soul, hearts apart but whole.

We exited the ancient building just as dawn began to hint on the horizon-a gold and pink first light on an inky sky. The next day was a new beginning, and with it came the promise of winning.

With Aiden's hand in mine and the artifact emblazoned into us, we left off toward what awaited us out there. And together with light for any darkness ahead of our time came and took it back!