The Guardian Below
377 Words
Chapter 14 – The Guardian Below
The c***k beneath the altar widened, releasing a gust of hot, sulfur-scented air that sent Lena stumbling back into Kael’s arms.
From the darkness below, a low, guttural growl echoed through the hidden library—ancient and hungry.
“What is that?” Lena whispered.
Kael’s expression was grim. “A guardian. Every sacred relic has one. The Flame of Origin was never meant to be touched by mortals again.”
The stone floor began to shift as claws—massive, black as obsidian—emerged from the chasm. A creature, neither wolf nor beast, pulled itself up from the deep. Its eyes burned red, body covered in ash and scars. Runes glowed along its flanks like brands from the gods.
Lena could barely breathe. “What do we do?”
“We run,” Kael said, grabbing her hand.
They sprinted through the library, torches blowing out as the creature howled behind them, the walls trembling from its rage. Scrolls and relics fell from shelves as the chamber collapsed piece by piece.
Kael skidded to a stop at a stone wall and slammed his hand against a hidden panel. Nothing happened.
“No,” he hissed. “It’s sealing us in.”
“Let me try!” Lena pressed her palm to the stone, thinking of the fire, the bond, the visions.
To their shock, the stone glowed white under her touch, and the door hissed open.
Kael looked at her, stunned. “You’re connected to it... more than you know.”
They burst out into the forest just as the entrance caved in behind them. The monster’s final howl was swallowed by the stone.
For a moment, there was only silence.
Then Kael turned to her. “You channeled power that shouldn’t be possible.”
Lena’s pulse was still racing. “I didn’t do anything. I just… felt the flame.”
Kael placed a hand gently on her cheek. “You're not just my mate, Lena. You're something ancient. Maybe even part of the curse itself.”
She looked into his eyes. “Then we need to find that flame. Before the blood moon rises.”
Kael nodded. “Then we go to the Temple of Umbra. Tomorrow.”
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