The Awakening II

The Awakening II

In a swift and decisive move, Sheila positions herself between Luca and Commander Jorah. With a flick of her wrist, she extinguishes the flames surrounding Jorah's outstretched hand. Then, she summons a shadowy figure. As the shadows wrap around Luca, his movements slow, his aggression dampened by an unseen force. It's as though he's trapped within a cocoon of darkness, his limbs weighed down by an otherworldly presence.

Despite his best efforts to break free, Luca finds himself immobilized, his attack thwarted by the mysterious power of Sheila's spell.

"Release me," Luca demands stubbornly, still trying to set himself free.

King Elian lets out an exasperated sigh, his hand meeting his forehead with a resounding slap. "Priestess, please release him," he says, his patience wearing thin. "Commander, I would appreciate it if you could return at a more opportune time."

As Sheila dispels the shadowy enchantment, releasing Luca from its grasp, and Commander Jorah reluctantly withdraws, the tension in the room eases.

"Thank you, Priestess," King Elian acknowledges, rising from his throne. "It is imperative that we investigate this matter further. We should head to the temple and determine if Luca is indeed the one prophesied about. If he can pass through the great green flames unscathed, then there will be no doubt of his destiny."

"And what if I fail to pass through the flames?" Luca interjects, his heartbeat growing frantic.

"Well, then you'll meet a fiery end," Elian retorts, a derisive snort escaping him.

"Thanks for the vote of confidence, but I highly doubt I'm the chosen one of your prophecy," Luca retorts, attempting to make a swift exit. However, Sheila steps into his path, blocking him.

"You will obey the King's command," Sheila states tersely, her gaze unwavering. Luca mutters a curse under his breath, realizing he's not going to be able to evade this fate so easily.

As they enter the temple, Luca feels an undeniable pull towards the burning flames, a sensation that forces him to confront the reality of the elves' prophecy. The disciples bow respectfully to King Elian as they step aside, their eyes trained on the unfolding scene.

"The great green flames await you, Luca," King Elian announces, gesturing towards the cave-like entrance where the flames dance and crackle with otherworldly energy.

Summoning his courage, Luca takes a tentative step forward, his hand outstretched towards the searing heat. As he draws nearer, the flames seem to intensify, their brilliance almost blinding. With a scoff, Luca recoils, his confidence wavering.

"It's too hot," he declares sharply. "I can't do it."

Sheila rolls her eyes, her patience wearing thin. "Your Majesty, I don't believe he's the one," she remarks dryly.

King Elian nods slowly, his expression unreadable as he approaches Luca with purpose. Without warning, he shoves Luca into the flames, eliciting gasps of shock from the disciples. They watch with bated breath, squinting through the brightness to see if Luca has succumbed to the fiery green flames.

To their astonishment, Luca emerges unscathed, his figure bathed in the ethereal glow of the flames. With a determined stride, he moves deeper into the heart of the fire until he disappears from view.

"He's truly the one," Sheila whispers in awe, her disbelief giving way to wonder.

"Hmm, indeed he is," King Elian confirms, his gaze fixed on the flames with newfound respect.

Less than a minute later, Luca emerges from the green flames with a small golden bottle in hand. “So, this is the potion of transition, huh?” he remarks, eyeing the bottle skeptically.

“It's the very last one,” Sheila confirms, her tone serious. “You have to take it. It's your destiny.”

Luca chuckles, his disbelief evident. “I've had enough of your tricks. This fire is fake, and I'm sure whatever's in this bottle holds no special power. It's probably poison.”

King Elian clears his throat, his expression unwavering. “Rest assured, this fire is very real. And I'll offer a demonstration to dispel any doubts you may have.”

Luca grimaces, bracing himself for more theatrics. “Ah, more tricks. But go ahead, let's have it.”

With a snap of his fingers, King Elian calls upon the disciples. “Anyone willing to volunteer as a living sacrifice, or should I choose one?”

An elderly woman steps forward. “Your Majesty, as the oldest disciple, I offer myself for this sacrifice.”

King Elian lays a reassuring hand on the woman's shoulder. "Death by the holy fire will cleanse your soul, and you will join the goddess Vero after this sacrifice.”

As the woman steps into the flickering green flames, Luca's heart clenches in terror at the sight of her agony. The screams pierce the air, echoing through the temple until suddenly, they cease, leaving only the crackling of flames in their wake.

“That could've been me,” Luca murmurs, a shiver running down his spine.

“Still think the fire isn't real?” Sheila asks, her tone somber.

Luca shakes his head, his skepticism waning. He gazes at the bottle in his hand. “So, what exactly does this potion do?”

“It will grant you great power,” Sheila explains.

“Ha, so you're telling me if I drink this, I'll be powerful enough to take down all of you?” Luca retorts, uncorking the bottle.

“Having power doesn't mean you know how to wield it,” Sheila warns, her tone firm. “And with our experience, we'll be able to handle any challenge you pose.”

“Okay, okay, hold your horses,” Luca says, holding up a hand. “Can't I give it to someone else, like my Alpha?”

“You can't leave here with that,” Sheila insists. “You either drink it or return it.”

King Elian steps forward, his gaze steady. “Listen, Sandro has been trying to obtain the potion for himself. Our powers are what's making him partially immortal, and only a Lycan can kill him. You and others like you have been sent as pawns in his game to steal the potion of transition. You're all test subjects to see who is truly destined to wield it.”

Luca furrows his brows, processing the revelation. "But why wouldn't Alpha Sandro be honest about this?"

A faint smile plays on King Elian's lips. "Because if you knew the true purpose, you might seek the potion for yourself."

The revelation leaves Luca reeling. "I don't understand. All my life, I've been taught all my life that elves are our enemies, Alpha Sandro told me that they killed my parents. I came here to destroy your kind because I was seeking retribution, not to take sides with you."

"I can't confirm whether an elf was involved in your parent's death," King Elian admits. "And while there's been enmity between our kind, it's because werewolves for ages have sought elven aid to enhance their abilities as we did in the past.”

“So, what's your decision, Luca?” Sheila asks, her gaze fixed squarely on the bottle.

Luca stares at the bottle in his hand, weighing his options. With a deep breath, he makes his choice and downs its contents in one bold gulp.

Almost immediately, a surge of energy courses through him, his senses sharpening and his muscles pulsing with newfound strength. Memories long buried in the depths of his subconscious flood back with vivid clarity. He sees Sandro's betrayal unfold before his mind's eye as if it were happening all over again.

In his vision, Luca witnesses the horrifying scene of Sandro's bloodied hands clutching two hearts, his menacing figure looming over the lifeless bodies of Luca's parents. The image sears itself into Luca's consciousness, and he breaks down into a loud cry.