Trap Set

Trap Set

Elias couldn't breathe. The man standing before him—the one he had known as Darius—was his brother. A brother he never knew existed.
"That's not possible," Elias whispered. "You're lying."
The man who claimed to be his brother smiled. "Ask Seraphina when she wakes up. She remembers me. She was only eight when I was taken, but she remembers."
Kael growled, stepping forward. "Whatever game you're playing, Darius, it ends now."
"My name is not Darius," the man snapped. "It's Orion. Orion Nightshade. First-born son and proper heir to the Nightshade power."
Elias looked at Seraphina's still form on the altar. Was it true? Did he have a brother?
"If you're my brother, why are you doing this?" Elias asked, his voice shaking. "Why hurt your own family?"
Orion's eyes darkened. "Because our parents gave you everything that should have been mine. The power, the promise, the bond with Aelara—it was supposed to be mine!"
The building shook as Orion's anger grew. Dust fell from the roof.
"Our parents loved you," Elias said. "They would have loved all of us."
"They gave me away!" Orion shouted. "They sent me to train with the leaders, away from home, because they feared my power. And then they had you—their perfect little Omega."
Kael's hand found Elias's, their fingers twining together. Elias felt strength flow between them.
"Whatever happened to you, it doesn't excuse what you've done," Kael said.
Orion laughed coldly. "You know nothing of what I've suffered. The shadow found me when I was just a boy. It showed me the truth—that I was the true bearer of the Nightshade power."
"The shadow lied to you," Elias said softly. "It's using you, just like it used Seraphina."
Orion's eyes flashed with doubt for a moment. Then his face toughened.
"Enough talk," he said. "I didn't bring you here for a family gathering. I need your power, little brother. And your baby's."
Elias's hand went to his stomach. "You'll never touch my child."
"I won't have to," Orion said. "Not if you do as I say."
He walked to the altar where Seraphina lay. From his pocket, he pulled a small black gem.
"This is a soul trap," Orion stated. "Right now, your sister's soul is caught between places. If you want her back, you'll come with me to the Valley of Mists. Alone."
Kael's grip tightened. "Don't listen to him, Elias. It's a trap."
"Of course it's a trap," Orion smiled. "But what choice does he have?"
Elias looked at Seraphina, then back at Orion. "When?"
"Tonight," Orion said. "At midnight. Meet me at the edge of the Shadow Woods. Come alone, or Seraphina's soul will be lost forever." He dropped the black rock on Seraphina's chest, where it sank into her skin. She gasped once, then fell silent again.
With a final smile, Orion stepped back into the darkness. "Remember, little brother. Alone."
Then he was gone, taking the darkness with him.
Elias ran to Seraphina's side. She was breathing, but her skin was cold as ice.
"We need to get her out of here," Kael said, lifting her gently.
They carried Seraphina outside the temple. The sun was setting, painting the sky with red and gold.
"I have to go," Elias said as they made Seraphina comfortable under a tree.
"No," Kael said firmly. "We'll find another way to save her."
"There is no other way!" Elias cried. "You heard him. If I don't go, Seraphina's soul is lost."
Kael took Elias's face in his hands. "And if you go, you and our baby are lost. I can't let that happen."
Elias pulled away. "I'm not asking for permission, Kael."
They fought as night fell, neither willing to give in. Seraphina stayed unconscious, her breathing getting weaker by the hour.
Finally, Elias said, "I need some time alone. To think."
Kael looked hurt but nodded. "Don't go far."
Elias walked a short distance away, his mind racing. He knew Kael was right—meeting Orion alone was dangerous. But what choice did he have? Seraphina was dying.
As the moon rose, Elias made his choice. He returned to find Kael caring to Seraphina.
"I've been thinking," Elias said, his voice calm. "You're right. We should wait until morning, then find another way."
Relief washed over Kael's face. "Thank you. We'll figure this out together, I promise."
Elias nodded, guilt twisting in his stomach. "I'm tired. Let's get some rest."
They made a small camp, taking turns watching over Seraphina. When it was Elias's turn, he checked to make sure Kael was asleep. Then he carefully got to his feet.
"I'm sorry," he whispered, looking down at Kael's sleeping form. "But I have to do this."
He leaned down and put a gentle kiss on Kael's forehead. Their bond hummed with warmth, and for a moment, Elias almost changed his mind. But then he looked at Seraphina, her face pale as death, and his resolve hardened.
Elias slipped away into the night, going toward the Shadow Woods. The moon lit his way, casting long shadows across the ground. His hand stayed on his stomach, feeling the odd flutter of the baby inside.
"I'll protect you," he whispered to his future child. "No matter what."
The Shadow Woods loomed ahead, dark and intimidating. Elias took a deep breath and stepped between the twisting trees.
"I'm here," he called, his voice echoing oddly. "Show yourself."
Orion appeared from the darkness, his mercury eyes sparkling. "Good boy. You came alone."
"I did as you asked," Elias said. "Now release Seraphina's soul."
Orion smiled. "All in good time, little brother. First, we travel to the Valley of Mists."
Unknown to Elias, back at the camp, Kael's eyes had snapped open the moment Elias left. He had been faking to sleep, knowing what Elias planned to do.
Now he followed silently through the woods, keeping his distance so Elias wouldn't feel him through their bond. He wouldn't let Elias face Orion alone, no matter what.
In the Shadow Woods, Orion led Elias to a small opening. An old stone archway stood in the center, covered in runes that glowed faintly blue.
"This is a gateway to the Valley," Orion stated. "Only those with Nightshade blood can open it."
Elias approached the archway carefully. "What do I need to do?"
"Give me your hand," Orion said.
Reluctantly, Elias extended his hand. Orion pulled out a knife and quickly sliced Elias's palm. Before Elias could respond, Orion pressed the bleeding cut against the stone.
The archway burst to life, the runes burning bright. A swirling passageway opened between the stones.
"Now," Orion said, grabbing Elias's arm, "we find the Heart of Aelara."
"Wait," Elias said, trying to pull free. "You promised to free Seraphina."
Orion's grip tightened painfully. "I lied."
With a shove, he pushed Elias through the opening. Elias screamed as he fell through bright light.
Just before the portal closed, a massive black wolf jumped through. Kael had changed into his wolf form to follow them.
Orion spun around, his face twisted with rage. "You!"
The wolf growled, teeth bared.
"No matter," Orion said, stepping into the opening. "You're too late to save him."
The portal snapped shut behind them, leaving the Shadow Woods empty and quiet.
Miles away, Seraphina's eyes flew open. She gasped for air, the black crystal bursting from her chest in a shower of dark sparks.
"Elias," she whispered, sitting up. "The baby."
She looked wildly around. "Where are they?"
There was no answer. She was alone.
Seraphina stumbled to her feet, her body weak. "No, no, no. He's taken them to the Valley."
She clutched her head as memories flooded back. Memories of a boy with midnight blue hair and mercury eyes. Her brother Orion.
"It's all my fault," she whispered. "I should have told Elias the truth."
In the distance, a low howl rose into the night air. It was answered by another, then another. Shadow dogs were coming.
Seraphina squared her shoulders. She had failed Elias once. She wouldn't fail him again.
She had to reach the Valley of Mists before it was too late.