Chapter 85 Writer's POV
Aurora vanishes from the palace and finds herself in the dimly lit, eerie atmosphere of the temple of black witches. The air is thick with the scent of incense and dark magic. As she materializes there, three figures stand before her, shrouded in ancient black hoodies. Their faces are hidden in shadows, but their presence is menacing and powerful.
One of the figures steps forward slightly, his voice low and compelling. "I had told you to join me," she says to Aurora. "You've been rejected by those you thought cared. So join us. We'll make you have power. Power beyond anything you've known."
Aurora sobs, still reeling from the pain of Onyi's rejection and her tumultuous emotions. She looks up at the hooded figures, and for a moment, she hesitates. The promise of power is tempting, a way to overcome the pain and rejection she's felt.
The figure in the black hood leans in slightly. "You want power to never be hurt again? To make those who hurt you pay? Join us. We'll teach you the darkest arts. You'll be feared and powerful."
Aurora's sobs slow as she considers the offer. The pain of rejection and the feeling of being unwanted are still raw. Finally, in a broken whisper, she accepts. "Yes... I'll join you."
The three figures in black hoodies seem to nod in unison. "Welcome, Aurora. You will learn the power of the shadows. You will be ours."
Aurora's eyes seem to darken slightly as she looks up at the hooded figures, a mix of desperation and a quest for power in her gaze. The temple of black witches seems to grow darker, as if the shadows themselves are closing in on her, embracing her into their fold.
In the temple of black witches, the figures in black hoodies surround Aurora, their voices low and hypnotic as they speak of furthering her power. One of them steps closer to Aurora, his voice taking on a persuasive tone. "To truly unlock the power of the shadows, we must ask you to merge with the spirit of Delilah."
Aurora looks up at them, a mix of curiosity and hesitation on her face. "Delilah?" she repeats, her voice barely above a whisper.
The hooded figure nods. "Delilah was a powerful witch of old, her spirit bound to the shadows. By merging with her spirit, you'll awaken a power within you that's unmatched. You'll be able to wield the darkest arts with precision and force."
Aurora's eyes seem to gleam with a mix of fear and fascination at the idea of merging with a powerful spirit like Delilah's. "What does it mean to merge with her?" Aurora asks, her voice tinged with a mix of emotions.
The figure in black leans in. "It means you'll take on Delilah's power, her knowledge of the shadows. You'll be transformed. But it also means you'll be bound to the darkness more deeply than ever before. Are you willing, Aurora?"
Aurora hesitates for a moment, thoughts of Onyi's rejection, her pain, and her desire for power swirling in her mind. Then she nods, her decision made in the depths of her pain and ambition. "Yes. I'll do it."
The hooded figures begin a low chant, their voices weaving a spell around Aurora. The air in the temple grows colder, shadows swirling more intensely as they call upon the spirit of Delilah. Aurora feels a strange sensation building within her, as if another presence is awakening inside her mind and soul.