Chapter 169: What Lies Ahead
**Avery**
We walk into another portal. The In-between is more vast than I think any of us knew, besides Donn and Vincent. I know that they still hold so much untapped knowledge, and I can only hope to learn it in time. They say that I am an old soul because no one my age could have endured what I have, but what if they’re wrong?
Donn and Vincent both take my hands. “Avery, we aren’t wrong. Our souls know yours, and one day we will learn how,” Vincent says.
Donn smirks, “And the fun part will be figuring out just how well.” I giggle because they are night and day, yet they both ground me and understand me as my other mates do. I still don’t think we have seen the last of the malevolent one or Drake. I know we are close to Altima, though, and there we will find sanctuary and answers. My brother, Sam, must know something because he has been kept from me my whole life.
As we walk, we find a cave where we meet a sorceress. I didn’t feel any malice within her. She seeks to offer us aid because she doesn’t want her world to burn and be plunged into eternal darkness. The air in the cave is thick with anticipation as the sorceress’s voice echoes around us, her words heavy with portent. “The path ahead is fraught with peril, Avery. Your choices will shape not only your destiny but the fate of those you hold dear. The darkness you seek to vanquish is ancient, cunning, and relentless. It will exploit your weaknesses, prey on your fears, and test the very bonds that unite you with your mates.”
I swallow hard, my heart pounding in my chest as I absorb her warning. The weight of responsibility feels crushing, but I’m not alone. Beside me, Cassius’s hand tightens around mine, his grip a silent reassurance. Clint’s arm wraps around my waist, pulling me closer, his warmth a comforting anchor. Conner’s steady gaze meets mine, his eyes filled with unwavering determination. James stands tall, his presence commanding, while Donn’s smirk hints at a confidence that borders on arrogance. Vincent’s piercing eyes shift between amber and black, his dual nature a reminder of the complexities we face.
“Lead them through the portal, Avery,” the sorceress continues, her voice softening. “It will take you to the edge of Altima Island, but the journey will not be easy. The darkness will send its minions to thwart your progress, to sow discord among you, and to exploit the cracks in your unity. Trust in your bond, for it is your greatest strength. But remember, even the strongest bonds can be tested, and sometimes, the greatest sacrifices are required to protect what you hold most dear.”
I nod, steeling myself for what lies ahead. “We’re ready,” I say, my voice steady despite the turmoil within me. “Together, we’ll face whatever comes.”
The sorceress steps aside, gesturing toward a shimmering portal that has materialized in the center of the cave. Its surface ripples like water, casting distorted reflections of our determined faces. I take a deep breath, squeezing Cassius’s hand before turning to the others. “Stay close,” I instruct, my tone leaving no room for argument. “We don’t know what’s waiting for us on the other side.”
One by one, we step through the portal, the air around us crackling with energy. The world shifts and spins, and for a moment, I feel weightless, untethered from reality. Then, with a jolt, we emerge on the other side, finding ourselves on a rocky beach bathed in the pale light of a crescent moon. The air is crisp, carrying the salty scent of the sea, and the sound of crashing waves fills my ears.
Altima Island looms before us, its jagged cliffs rising sharply from the water, shrouded in mist and mystery. The island feels alive, pulsating with an energy that both beckons and warns. I can sense the darkness lurking in its shadows, a malevolent presence that seems to watch our every move.
“Stay alert,” James murmurs, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. “We’re not alone.”
His words send a chill down my spine, but I nod, my gaze sweeping the surroundings. The beach is deserted, but the forest beyond seems to whisper secrets, its dense foliage hiding untold dangers. I can feel the tension in the air, the electricity of anticipation as we prepare for the unknown.
Clint’s voice breaks the silence, his tone laced with determination. “We’ve faced worse. We got this.”
Conner steps forward, his eyes scanning the horizon. “The sorceress said the darkness will exploit our weaknesses. We need to stay united, no matter what.”
Donn’s smirk widens, his confidence bordering on recklessness. “Bring it on. I’m ready to tear some shadows apart.”
Vincent’s gaze darkens, his dual nature reflecting the internal struggle within him. “The darkness seeks to divide us. We must not let it. We have absorbed enough, don’t let it consume us anymore.”
Cassius’s hand finds mine again, his touch grounding me. “Avery, I love you, we all do. We aren’t leaving your side.”
I take a deep breath, the weight of their words settling over me. The journey ahead will test us in ways we can’t yet imagine, but I know one thing for certain: as long as we stand together, we have a chance. “Let’s move,” I say, my voice steady. “Altima Island awaits, and so does our destiny.”
With a shared nod, we set off toward the forest, our footsteps echoing on the rocky beach. The darkness may be waiting, but we’re ready. We have faced our fears before, and now we shouldn’t have any, or at least they should no longer have power over us. Let whatever may come underestimate us. Let me think that I am some little girl pretending to be a queen. I am ready to burn anything in my path.
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