Chapter 134: Journey to the Scarlet Peaks-1

Chapter 134: Journey to the Scarlet Peaks-1
The moment we step out of the fiery portal, the intense heat of the Fiery Realm hits us like a physical force. The landscape stretches out before us, a vast expanse of molten rock, towering volcanoes, and rivers of flowing lava. The sky is a brilliant orange-red, streaked with fiery clouds, and the air is filled with the scent of sulfur and ash. It’s a harsh, unforgiving environment, but there’s a raw, untamed beauty to it.

I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself. This place is so different from the Night Realm, where the air is cool and the sky is always dark. Here, everything is bathed in a warm, reddish glow, and the ground beneath our feet is warm to the touch.

Aleksandr, Konstantin, Luka, Bloodbane, and Pyra are all with me on this life and death quest to retrieve the artifact that will allow me to fuse my Blood Wraith powers with the new powers I will give when I become a vampire, without turning into a monster. It’s a daunting task, but with my friends and loved ones by my side, I feel a surge of determination.

Luka, in his silver wolf form, pads ahead of us, his keen senses alert for any danger. He’s been our scout for most of the journey, using his enhanced abilities to keep us safe. After a few minutes, he shifts back into human form, his expression one of frustration.

"Why couldn’t you just create a portal that opened directly in the Blood Scribe’s temple?" he asks Pyra, a hint of exasperation in his voice. "This journey is taking forever, and I want to get back to Mircea as soon as possible."

Pyra gives him a sympathetic smile. "The Blood Scribe’s magic prevents anyone, even her priestesses, from portaling within miles of the temple. It’s a protective measure, to keep it safe from intruders."

Luka sighs, running a hand through his silver hair. "I get it, but it doesn’t make it any easier."

Aleksandr places a reassuring hand on Luka’s shoulder. "We’ll get there, Luka. And when we do, we’ll find what we need to make this transformation safe for Arianna."

We start walking, the rocky terrain making our progress slow and difficult. As we journey to the temple of the Blood Scribe, we talk about the hardships of living in the Fiery Realm.

Bloodbane walks beside Pyra, their footsteps echoing against the rocky ground. The two of them have been stealing glances at each other for most of the journey, their mutual attraction evident to everyone. Despite the tension and danger surrounding us, I can’t help but smile at their awkward attempts at conversation.

“Pyra, how are you holding up?" Bloodbane asks, his voice uncharacteristically hesitant.

Pyra blushes, her cheeks turning a deeper shade of red than the fiery landscape around us. "I'm doing okay. This place... it brings back memories."

"Good ones, I hope?" Bloodbane’s tone is hopeful, but there's a nervous edge to it.

Pyra nods, tucking a strand of fiery hair behind her ear. "Mostly. I served the Blood Scribe for many years before I left to help Arianna. It’s strange being back, but in a good way."

Bloodbane looks down, kicking a small rock out of his path. "I’ve only ever been here once before. It’s... intense."

"It is," Pyra agrees, her eyes brightening with enthusiasm. "But there’s a certain beauty to it, don’t you think?"

Bloodbane nods, his gaze softening as he looks at her. "Yeah, there is. It’s kind of like you."

Pyra’s blush deepens, and she laughs nervously. "You're just saying that."

"No, I mean it," Bloodbane insists, his voice sincere. "You’re strong and fierce, but there’s a softness to you too. It’s... nice."

Pyra bites her lip, glancing away shyly. "Thanks, Bloodbane. That means a lot."

They walk in silence for a moment, the awkwardness between them palpable. Finally, Pyra speaks again, her voice thoughtful. "You know, I find it hard to understand it. Our people have always hated each other. Blood wraiths and fire wraiths have been enemies for as long as anyone can remember."

Bloodbane sighs, his shoulders slumping slightly. "Yes, it’s madness. We’re not so different, really. We both have our strengths and our weaknesses."

"It’s forbidden for our kinds to marry," Pyra continues, her tone wistful. "I’ve always thought that was such a shame. Love shouldn’t be limited by old grudges and rules."

Bloodbane looks at her, his expression serious. "I agree. Maybe one day, things will change."

Pyra smiles sadly. "Maybe. But it’s hard to break centuries of tradition."

Bloodbane hesitates, then speaks, his voice soft. "Have you ever heard the story of Ignis and Sanguis?"

Pyra’s eyes widen in surprise. "You mean the fairytale about the fire wraith and the blood wraith who fell in love?"

Bloodbane nods. "I’ve heard bits and pieces, but I don’t know the whole story."

Pyra’s expression turns thoughtful. "It’s a story I heard as a child. I know it well."

"Tell me," Bloodbane says, his eyes locked on hers.