The Ascension

The Abyss

Ethan lands hard on the stone floor of an underground cavern, the air thick with the scent of damp earth and burning incense. He groans, trying to push himself up. A soft, flickering glow illuminates the space—torches lining a vast chamber carved with more of the cult’s strange symbols.

Lucian rises effortlessly, as if the fall had no effect on him. "Now you see," he murmurs, gesturing around them. "This is where it all began."

The cavern is ancient, its walls covered in depictions of eclipses throughout history. Figures bow beneath them, their forms growing more distorted with each successive carving. At the center of the chamber stands a stone altar, fresh blood staining its surface.

Ethan's breath catches. "How long has this been going on?"

Lucian steps closer. "Centuries. Millennia. We are merely the keepers of the cycle."

Above them, the chants from the temple continue. The Eclipse is at its peak.

Ethan knows he has two choices—run and risk never escaping, or stay and put an end to this nightmare once and for all.

As he clenches his fists, preparing for the fight ahead, a familiar voice echoes through the chamber.

"Ethan... help me."

He turns to see Amelia, bound and bleeding on the altar. And standing over her, dagger in hand, is Lucian.

"Decide, Ethan," Lucian says softly. "Become one of us... or die with her."

The choice is his.