Chapter 192: Message Of Hope

Chapter 192: Message Of Hope
Brenda’s POV

The dismal, cloud-filled morning sky seemed to be bearing the same weight as my heart. I looked at the horizon while perched on the bluff. Despite the frigid wind, I remained motionless.

The last combat had been days ago. Damian disappeared days ago.

I heard the same thing from everyone: "He's gone." I didn't believe it, though. My heart refused to allow it.

Behind me, Lila said, "Brenda." "You must take a break."

Grasping the Moonstone around my neck, I said, "I can't." Now it glowed dimly, but warmly, like a beating heart. I told myself the beat of his heart.

Lila let out a sigh. You haven't eaten much. You've hardly—

Something shimmered in the air in front of me, and she stopped talking. I went cold. Shining like silver fire, the Moonstone became brighter.

"Lila," I said, gasping for air. "You see that?"

"Yes," she responded in a shaky voice. "What is that, Brenda?"

A tiny orb whirled in the air as the light took on a shape. Then, gently, a small scroll of silver paper appeared as it unfolded like a flower. It drifted into my grasp.

As I unrolled it, my heart was beating. I read out loud, my voice trembling, as the letters shone like moonlight:

"I'm alive, Brenda. I'm struggling to get back to you. Wait a moment. For us.

My knees became weak. My eyes were blurry with tears. "Damian," I said.

Lila put her hand over her mouth. "Brenda, is that him?"

"Yes," I said, holding the scroll close to my chest. It's him. He's still alive!

I laughed for the first time in days, a broken, unsteady, but genuine chuckle. I cried as I said, "I knew it." "I was certain he wouldn't abandon me."

New words emerged beneath the first as the scroll shone once more:

"The last darkness is approaching. Never put your confidence in anyone. Even the people who are closest to you.

My smile vanished from my face. I gripped the scroll tighter.

"What is meant by that?" Lila said.

With my heart racing, I shook my head. "I'm not sure, but it seems like a warning."

The scroll disappeared into the wind, turning to silver dust. My hands shaking, I looked at the void where it had been.

"Brenda?" Lila put her hand on my arm. "Now what?"

The weight in my chest changed to something angular and ferocious as I looked out at the horizon once more.

"Now," I continued steadily, "I prepare myself. Damian will return. As well as the adversary.

But one question gnawed at the back of my mind: Who can't I trust?

I turned as the idea became clear, and I noticed a figure observing me from a distance among the woods.

They vanished as I blinked.

The route ahead was dangerous, convoluted, and the forest was dark. However, I pressed on, my heart fixed on Brenda.

Each step was painful. Even though my body was still hurting from the fight, I was unable to stop. I'd come back, I'd promised her.

I ran my fingers over the tiny crystal that hung from my neck and was connected to the Moonstone she wore. I'd sent the message to her through it. I hoped she'd noticed.

"Wait for me," I said. "I'll be there."

Abruptly, the ground trembled. I drew my blade and froze. Shapes sprang from the shadows, animals distorted by the blackness, red-eyed.

I tightened my jaw. "Not today."

They made a lunge. I went quickly, following my instincts and slicing and evading. Blood scorched my flesh, and claws raked my arm, but I didn't mind.

One of the creatures circled and hissed. You can't prevail," it growled. "The child of the Moon will fall." She will never be reached by you.

"Observe me," I snarled, piercing its chest with my blade. Ash dropped from the wound as silver fire erupted from it.

There were more. I battled until my muscles ached and the forest floor was covered in blood, both mine and theirs. I gasped and fell to my knees as the last of the shadow was extinguished.

"Brenda..." I said. "I'll get back to you. Regardless.

Leaning on my sword, I pushed myself to my feet. I didn't stop even though every step felt like a mountain.

Then I saw it—a gate of black stone, engraved with odd symbols, rising from the ground. My heart was racing.

"That's all," I whispered. "The final stronghold of the enemy."

A voice slithered through the air as I approached: "Hello, Damian. We have been anticipating your arrival.

Shadows swirled around me as the ground split up and poured forth like a river. A tall, black-cloaked person with coal-like eyes materialised in the middle of the gate.

The real adversary. The one who had initiated everything.

"You..." I gripped my blade and hissed.

The voice of the figure was cool and smooth. Brenda will arrive shortly. When she does, she will have to decide between your life and her own.

Chains of darkness sprang out and around me before I could move, pulling me to my knees.

"No!" I yelled as I struggled with them. "I will not allow you to—"

With its voice like poison in my ear, the figure leaned very close. "You'll. Because love will ruin you both this time.

I was unable to breathe as the chains got tighter.

Then there was darkness.