Into The Unknown

Reluctantly, with one last downhearted look, Eleanora stepped through the portal. In succession, the others mustered their courage and followed suit as Visenya watched them depart, her heart heavy with the weight of their trust.

Victoria, Caspian, and Synora were the sole ones left. Sarai, her eyes brimming with emotion, wrapped her arms tightly around Synora, and Visenya joined in the hug, while Caspian said his farewells to Victoria, his voice filled with gentle promises of their reunion.

Visenya couldn't help but be caught off guard by his words. "Why are you telling her goodbye? Aren't you going with them?"

"No, I need to be there in case something goes wrong, in case you need my help," Caspian replied.

"No! Caspian, you're absolutely not coming with us! Now, get your ass through that portal!" Visenya's voice cracked with frustration.

Caspian stood his ground, his gaze unwavering. "Sorry, Vee, but you know the law of the pack. A Beta never deserts their Alpha, especially in battle."

Victoria sighed, her voice tinged with both understanding and worry. “Caspian and I discussed this. He's already lost his parents, he doesn't want to lose you or Sarai."

A low grumble escaped Visenya's lips as she clenched her fists. "You're one stubborn ass, you know that?"

Caspian smirked, his eyes glinting with defiance. "Well, I learned from the best, didn't I?"

Gracefully, Victoria stepped through the portal, her fingers intertwined tightly with Synora's, their eyes reflecting a blend of angst and worry as they ventured into the unknown. With one last look of conviction, Visenya closed the portal behind them. She glanced over her shoulder at her remaining companions Lucian, Sarai, and Caspian, their presence a comforting anchor amidst the uncertainty.

"Everyone, join hands," Visenya instructed, and they dutifully complied. Lucian reached out, his hand finding Sarai's, while Caspian mirrored the action with the other.

Eager anticipation filled the air and Sarai couldn't help but inquire, "What now?"

A sense of calm enveloped Visenya as she gracefully approached, her hand resting gently on Lucian's shoulder, her voice a steady guide. "Brace yourselves.”

Visenya channeled her powers and the world around them began to blur into a whirlwind of colors and shapes. Moments later, they materialized at the peak of a towering mountain, their arrival accompanied by a gust of wind that tugged at their clothing and tousled their hair.

Lucian, his head spinning from the sudden teleportation, struggled to regain his equilibrium but in the end, he managed to maintain his footing. Caspian, however, was not as fortunate. He fell to his knees, his hands instinctively reaching out to steady himself. His face contorted in discomfort as he grappled with the lingering effects of the unfamiliar means of travel.

Sarai, too, was caught off guard by the disorienting experience. Her legs wobbled beneath her, threatening to give out completely. Just as she was about to succumb to the vertigo, Lucian's quick reflexes kicked in. He reached out grabbing hold of her arm, preventing her from toppling over.

Visenya, observing the scene, couldn't help but offer a small smile. "Apologies for the abrupt arrival.”

Caspian slowly rose to his feet, still feeling somewhat unsteady. "Remind me never to let you do that to me again when this is all over."

As the group stood on the mountaintop, the majestic surroundings served as a stark reminder of the daunting challenges that lay ahead. The towering peaks pierced the sky, their jagged edges cutting through the clouds. The gusts of wind carried a chill that permeated their bones, causing a shiver to run down their spines. The vast expanse below seemed to stretch endlessly, a treacherous terrain filled with uncertainty. It was in this moment that a sense of unease washed over them, fueling their apprehension and casting shadows of perturbation upon their hearts.

"Is she here?" Lucian questioned, his eyes scanning the towering peaks. "Is she hiding somewhere amongst these mountains?"

"Yes,” Visenya answered, her tone grave. “I can feel her dark presence,"

"Listen...” She spoke to Lucian through their mind link. “This is as far as you all go, clear? If I need you, for any reason at all, I will call for you through our link. And if I tell you to fly them far away from here, promise me you'll do just that... and you won't look back."

"Visenya..." Lucian's voice wavered, his emotions evident.

"Promise me, Lucian!" Visenya’s tone urgent.

Lucian hesitated for a moment, his eyes searching Visenya's determined gaze. After a deep breath, he nodded, his heart not liking that scenario one bit. "I promise.”

She pulled the dagger out from her waistband, her eyes studying the intricacies of its design. There was no doubt that it was indeed crafted by the Gods.

"It's time," she announced, her gaze sweeping over each of their faces before falling back on Lucian’s.

"There is something I need to tell you about that dagger," Lucian began. "There's a reason we kept it locked away in a vault and told the world that its existence was nothing more than a myth. All it takes is one drop of the mage's blood for it to fulfill its purpose. However, if that dagger is driven through the heart of any supernatural being, it will kill them. And I mean any supernatural, even dragons... and quite possibly, even you."

His touch was feather-light as he traced the contours of her face, his fingers lingering on the curve of her lips. With closed eyes, she surrendered to his tranquil touch, finding solace in his presence amidst the chaos that engulfed her mind.

"Do not let that dagger fall into her hands, Visenya." Lucian implored, his tone pleading.

Visenya's eyes fluttered open, meeting his gaze with an unspoken understanding that burned deep within her soul.

"I won’t." She vowed, her conviction unyielding.

And as those resolute words hung in the air, Visenya vanished, leaving them behind with heavy hearts filled with foreboding. They braced themselves for the impending storm, uncertain of what awaited them.