"Devin, what are you doing!?" Emily exclaimed, her voice trembling with worry.
Devin's blazing crimson eyes fixed on Statheros, a hazy red aura leaking from his gaze—a sight only he could see.
'Bloodlust?' Statheros muttered, his composure faltering momentarily as the murderous desire behind Devin's eyes pressed against him. "Are you agreeing to fight by my side, Devin?" he asked, his golden eyes gleaming.
Thump! Devin's fist slammed against the table, the impact sending plates clattering. Gnashing his teeth, he nodded furiously at Statheros.
'What happened to you, Devin?' Emily thought, her amber eyes flicking nervously between him and the prince. She sat in quiet contemplation, torn between the fear of what agreeing to fight might entail and her overwhelming concern for Devin. Exhaling deeply, she came to a decision.
"Emily, are you serious?" Cassidy gasped, her voice tinged with disbelief as Emily rose from her seat.
Emily looked up, meeting the prince's steady golden gaze. "I will fight, Your Highness," she said quietly, her voice firm.
"Devin, Emily, thank you," Statheros said warmly, before a sudden sigh echoed through the room, followed by the creaking of a chair.
"Angel…" Cassidy whispered, her emerald eyes widening as she looked up at him.
"I'm sorry, Cass," Angel said softly, his gaze lingering on hers. "But I have to do this." Lowering his head to meet her gaze, his voice strengthened. "I will fight. I will do whatever it takes to keep you safe—and out of harm's way-"
Angel froze as Cassidy rose from her seat, meeting his shocked gaze with a mischievous giggle. "What? You thought you were getting rid of me that easily? If you fight, we fight together," she declared, turning to Statheros. "Did you hear that, Your Highness?"
Statheros smiled warmly and nodded. "Yes, I did."
The moment was broken by a muffled "Hmm, hmm…" as chewing noises drew everyone's attention. Aidan, oblivious to the scene, moaned in delight while sampling what looked like blue berries from a separate platter.
"Mmm, this is so good," he said, savouring the fruit. "It's like a grape and cherry fell in love and made the fruit of prophecy!"
Feeling the weight of their stares, Aidan looked up, glancing between them with a sheepish shrug. "What? You can't expect me to fight on an empty stomach."
Cassidy smacked her forehead in exasperation, Angel chuckled, and Emily's lips curled into a gentle smile as Aidan rose from his seat.
"I am deeply honoured by the trust you've all placed in me," Statheros said, bowing slightly to the group. He gestured toward the table brimming with food. "Please, enjoy Kemet's delicacies before they get cold. You'll need your energy for the crest's ritual."
"The crest's ritual?" Angel asked, his curiosity piqued.
"I'll explain everything during the feast," Statheros replied.
The group settled into their seats, the aroma of spiced meats and sweet fruits weaving through the air as they began their meal. During the feast, Statheros gave Douglas a subtle nod. Douglas left the dinner room under Emily's attentive gaze.
What started as a tense awakening to a new world dissolved into an afternoon of warmth and laughter. As they shared the meal, Statheros, Angel, and the others let their worries float away—if only for a moment—embracing the bliss of this brief reprieve.
…
Right before the foot of a magnificent structure streaked in white and gold. Marble steps stretched skyward in regal splendour, descending to a towering 10-meter tall golden statue that shimmered in the sunlight. Before it stood an obsidian dais, its dark surface devouring the light around it, casting a shadow that radiated an ominous, unyielding presence.
At its center, a rectangular frame of polished obsidian glimmered faintly, its edges carved with intricate patterns. Without warning, the stillness shattered as a dark portal erupted within the frame, its surface rippling and twisting like a living void.
Statheros, Angel, Cassidy, Aidan, Emily, and Devin stepped out of the dark portal, their movements purposeful as they descended the obsidian dais. Devin seemed somewhat lucid, his steps steady as Emily and the others took in their surroundings with wide-eyed wonder.
"Finally, we're outside!" Aidan's voice broke the silence, his tone tinged with relief as he turned his gaze upward. The dawning sky stretched above them, its warm hues of orange and gold fading into the encroaching indigo of nightfall.
Emily, however, remained alert. Her sharp amber eyes flicked toward the empty streets, their lifeless state pressing heavily against her senses, stirring a flicker of unease within her. Resolute, she trailed after the group as they moved toward the golden statue, its majestic presence looming ahead.
"Here stands Jeanne Arcensis," Statheros declared, his voice reverent as he gazed upon the towering golden statue. Jeanne stood resplendent in her full armor, her gauntlet-clad hands gripping the hilt of a four-crested longsword. The radiant Sun was engraved on its hilt and cross guard, the blade pointing toward the heavens. Through the open-faced helmet, her features were immortalized—cheeks subtly defined, a gentle, serene smile gracing her lips. Bold yet graceful, she stood with unwavering poise, her gaze fixed on the horizon.
As Statheros ascended the marble steps, Jeanne's golden cape caught the breeze, its sculpted folds glowing as if alive under the fading light. Angel and the others followed in his wake, their footsteps soft against the polished stone.
"Known for her kindness," Statheros began, his voice steady but tinged with sorrow. "She was the cornerstone who united us with the Vehin's against the spawns." He paused, before concluding. "In the end, she sacrificed herself—her life—for the salvation of our world."
Atop the marble steps stood a monumentally large set of double doors, slightly ajar. Crafted from dark, polished ebony wood and reinforced with gleaming golden carvings, the doors caught the light and seemed to glow with an otherworldly radiance. The carvings told stories of valour and victory, depicting epic battles and the triumphs of champions, culminating in a radiant golden sun etched at the apex.
Flanking the doors stood towering statues, each rising 10 meters tall, their imposing forms radiating strength and reverence. Statheros gestured toward the one on the right, drawing the group's attention.
"Here stands Maximilian Roberion, the founder and first Pope of the Sanctuary of Eternal Light. A man who painted the world red with his crusade against the dark creatures, his legacy etched into every battle won." Maximilian's statue rose with an imposing majesty, every detail exuding strength and authority. Deep-set, narrow eyes, carved with piercing precision, held an unyielding focus. His bare hands gripped the shaft of the colossal war-hammer with resolute determination, the veins and tendons etched into his palms speaking of his brutal resolve. The hammer stood upright in all its formidable might, its blunt head adorned with a radiant carving of the sun.
"And to our left, Henry Lancaster, founder of the Lancaster household and a steadfast bastion of Kemet. He was the more clear-headed of the champions, crafting ingenious strategies that remain in use to this day." Statheros gestured toward Henry's statue, its quiet majesty commanding the space. Henry stood tall, his posture strong and dignified, gripping a large oval shield close to his side. The shield's surface gleamed, its radiant Sun carved at the center, with rays stretching outward in intricate, mesmerizing detail.
"Now, let's step inside," Statheros said, stepping through the threshold, with Angel and the others following in his wake.
End of Chapter 26