Throne of Shadows

Chapter 4: Into the Depths

The morning sun barely pierced the thick canopy of trees that surrounded their cabin as Serena packed the last of their supplies. Her hands trembled from the weight of the unknown as well as from dread. There was mystery around the way ahead, and the suspense seemed to increase with each second that went by. Elias was still silent, his eyes vacant, staring off into the distance as if the voices had taken hold of him completely.

"Is he going to be okay?" Serena whispered, her voice breaking as she turned to Kael, who stood a few steps away, organizing his equipment.

Kael didn’t immediately answer. His face was a mask of concentration, his jaw tight as he checked the maps and made sure everything was in order. He was used to danger, that much was clear. But this, this felt different. Kael was more aware than anyone of how easily things may go out of hand due to the ancient and unpredictable nature of the cursed power that had taken hold of Elias.

In a low voice, he finally stated, "It's not going to be easy." "But he’s stronger than he knows. I’ll make sure we reach the temple before the curse takes full hold of him. We have to hurry."

Elias's head sprang up as he shifted from his corner. "Mom... "I'm afraid," he murmured, his voice shaking. "They're getting closer. I can hear them. They want me to follow them."

Serena’s heart twisted. Rushing to his side, she knelt next to him and placed her hand lightly on his shoulder. "Elias, listen to me. You're not by yourself. We will resolve this. Kael is going to assist us, and I'm right here by you. You are under no obligation to listen to them. Focus on my voice. We’re going to stop this, I promise."

Elias looked at her, his eyes wide with fear. "I... I can’t stop it, Mom. I don’t know how." His lips trembled as he spoke, and Serena could see the battle inside him—between his will to resist and the overpowering force that was slowly consuming him.

Kael approached them, his face softening ever so slightly. "Elias, listen to me." He crouched down to meet Elias at eye level, his voice firm but calm. "You have the strength inside you. It’s just buried deep. But we need to reach the temple. The closer we get, the more you’ll be able to control the voices. But you have to trust me."

"I don’t trust anyone!" Elias snapped, standing abruptly.What makes you worthy of my trust? Aren't you involved in this? You know what’s happening to me!"

Serena felt the anger rising in her chest, but she held it back. Elias was scared, lost. He was unaware of his feelings, and he wasn't at fault. Gently pulling him back down to sit, she placed a hand on his arm.

Serena said, "Kael is right," in a calmer tone. "We don’t have a choice, Elias. This is the only way."

The noises in his ears grew louder, and Elias lowered his head and closed his eyes. "I do not wish to participate in this. I'm not interested in being what they want me to be.”

Kael nodded slowly. "I understand, Elias. Believe me, I do. However, this is your legacy and heritage. You can manage it, but you can't get away from it. You are not required to become what they desire you to be. You are capable of changing the course of your life.”

Elias hesitated, his hands clenched in his lap. Serena watched him closely, silently willing him to understand. Finally, he looked up, his eyes dark with fear but also... something else. Something that hinted at the faintest spark of hope.

"Okay," Elias said quietly, his voice barely a whisper. "I’ll try."

Serena’s heart gave a small, fragile leap. "That’s all we need, Elias. Just try."

The trip to the temple was exhausting. For hours, they strolled through lush woodlands, the air heavy with moisture and the smell of rotting. It was a small, dangerous trail that wound like a serpent through the bush, seemingly intended to deceive them. However, Kael remained steadfast, and his intuition led them farther into the woods with a startling accuracy.

Serena became aware of the increasing hostility between her and Kael as they plodded forward. She wondered how much he knew about this curse—and how much he may be keeping from her—based on the way he walked and the stiffness of his stance, even though he had promised to help. For the time being, she could only trust him.

"How much further?" she inquired, attempting to induce conversation.

"Not much," Kael replied, his voice curt. "The temple is hidden in the heart of the mountains, surrounded by wards. The closer we get, the stronger the pull will be. You’ll feel it too. It’s part of the curse’s nature."

Serena nodded, but her stomach twisted. Something seemed to be watching them, and she could already sense a slight stirring at the corners of her mind. It was faint, barely noticeable, yet it was there. The temple grew stronger as they approached it.

Elias, walking slightly ahead of her, suddenly stopped. His body tensed, and he jerked his head sideways as if he heard something that was just out of his grasp.

"Mom," he muttered in a distressed voice. "Do you hear them? They’re... they’re calling me again."

Breathing became difficult for Serena. She placed a hand on his arm. "Elias, focus on me. Block out the voices. We’re almost there. We can do this."

But Elias wasn’t listening.His hands started to shake, and his eyes widened, blinded. "I'm unable to stop it. They’re too strong."

Kael stepped in, his tone commanding. "Elias! You can stop it. You have to fight. You have the The forest was strangely silent for a moment. Elias stood motionless, caught between the curse and the lure of his mother's voice, and the only sound was his heavy breathing.

Then suddenly Elias fell to his knees and gripped his head. "Make it stop! "Please, stop!" he screamed, his voice brimming with agony.

With her heart broken, Serena collapsed to her knees next to him and clutched him while muttering fake words of consolation.

Kael stepped forward, his eyes narrowing."We’re close now," he replied, his voice almost audible above a whisper. "This is it. The curse has been waiting for Elias for a long time. We have to hurry before it consumes him completely."

The air around them grew colder, the whispering voices louder, until they felt as if the forest itself was alive, watching them, waiting for them to make their move. Serena tightened her grip on Elias, knowing that they were about to face whatever nightmare had been lurking in the shadows all this time.

Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled, and a low growl rumbled through the trees. Something was watching them—something ancient and powerful. Serena felt the weight of its gaze, and she knew, with absolute certainty, that the curse wasn’t the only thing they had to fear.