CHAPTER:12
1125 Words
The world stood still as the ground broke apart under my feet. Ronan’s words hit me deeply, but even at that I still refused to let him win.
“Serenity!” Caden’s call brought my attention to him as Our eyes met, he was filled with fear, but there was no time to speak. The cracks spread toward me like a creeping shadow.
I didn’t hesitate to react. I reached deep inside, calling on the power buried within me. A golden light burst from my hands, holding the ground firm just long enough for me to jump to safety.
Ronan curled his lips into a grin. “Impressive Serenity, but that's pointless. You’re only buying yourself time.”
I stood tall on my feet and took a steady breath. “You always thought I was weak, Ronan.” but you thought wrong Mr .Man.
His low laugh was laced with cruelty. “Maybe. But tell me, Serenity, how much are you willing to lose?”
With a flick of his hand, dark energy shot toward me, twisting like black smoke.
Before I could react, Caden came forth immediately standing in front of me, with his sword cutting through the darkness. The force from the dark energy pushed him back, and he was breathing heavily.
“Stay back, Serenity!” Caden ordered, his eyes were burning with determination and bravery.
“No,” I said, standing beside him. “We are into this fight together and will finish it together as well.”
Ronan raised an eyebrow, amused. “How sweet of you, Serenity ! Two fools fighting against fate. But together or alone, you both can't stop me.”
The shadows around him thickened, and the air started growing heavy with dark magic. My chest became tightened, but I refused to let fear take over me. “Caden, we have to end this now,” I said, keeping my voice strong and fearless.
He gave a sharp nod, and his grip tightened around his sword. “I’ll hold him off. So you can break the curse.”
The curse. The weight of the curse weighed me down. Lives were at stake. I closed my eyes, reaching for the power inside me. The Oracle’s words came back to me: “You must unite your strength to break what was bound”.
“Serenity!” Caden’s voice brought me out of the thoughts to reality. I opened my eyes just as Ronan’s sword struck Caden's own ,Sparks flew immediately, and I realized how much danger Caden was in.
I had no choice. If I don't act very fast now, we would lose everything, and both Caden and I would die. Even the villagers whose hopes are on us for their freedom would be dead.
So I came down very low to my knees, I urgently pressed my hands to the ground. And a deep pulse of energy came, beating in time with my heart. A golden glow spread outward, moving like waves in water.
“What are you doing?” Ronan thundered, with a harsh sharp voice.
“Ending this,” I said, with a stern look and steady tone, ready to strike him with all the power I possess.
His expression was darkened. “You think you can stop me? You're dreaming Serenity, No one can stop me! I owe the people, the curse can't be broken , and you and Caden can't ever unite. Both of you must suffer. That power will destroy you and everyone who dares try to stop me .”
“Maybe,” I admitted, holding his gaze. “But I’d rather lose myself or die in the process than let you win.”
The ground trembled as my light clashed with his darkness. The curse pushed back, fighting to stay.
“Serenity, stop!” Caden’s voice came terrified, raw with fear.
“I can’t,” I gently told him, as tears were sliding down my face. Caden, “This is the only way, please I can't stop now.”
Ronan charged at me, but Caden blocked him, their swords smashing together. “Stay away from her!” Caden roared, his strikes geared by something deeper than rage.
As they fought, my power surged. The curse was old and strong, but I felt it breaking apart, piece by piece.
Then a memory came flashing through my mind. A memory of my father's voice, when he was a real and caring father to me, soft and warm. “True strength is in what you are willing to give up for others.”
Understanding took over me. For me to end the curse, I had to give up on everything to make sure I won.
“Serenity, don’t!” Caden’s voice echoed like waves. He knew that I was not going to give up.
When I looked at him, my heart was aching at the pain in his eyes. “I’m sorry Caden,” I said.
And then I let go.
Light burst from me, blinding and pure. The curse was shattered, with its darkness fading into nothing meaningful. But the pain was unbearable for me, like fire rushing through my veins.
I collapsed to the ground, the world was spinning randomly around me . My vision was now blurred, but I saw Caden running towards me.
“Serenity!” Caden shouted, falling to his knees beside me. His warm and steady hands cupped my face.
“I… I did it,” I whispered with a light smile on my face as I was barely able to speak smoothly.
“Yes you did it,” he said, Caden's voice was full of emotions and love. “But you’re not going to leave me and die. Do you hear me? You’re staying alive for me .”
I forced a weak smile. “Still bossy.”
He let out a shaky laugh, eyes glistening with tears. “I mean it, Serenity. You’re staying.”
But even as he spoke, I felt myself slipping away, the price of the sacrifice was too high.
“Caden,” I called gently, barely able to say or form words. “Promise me… promise me you’ll protect them.”
“I promise,” he said, his voice breaking. “But you’ll be here to protect them with me.”
Before I could answer, a shadow fell over us.
Ronan stood like a resurrected demon, bloody but furious. “This isn’t over,” he growled, darkness was gathering around him again, more dangerous than the first one.
Caden rose to his feet, gripping his sword tightly. He spoke with a calm voice full of certainty.
“Yes, it is.”
And with one final strike, the fight started again.
- Writer
