The Arcane Chronicles: Unveiling the Lost Secrets

Chapter 9: Trapped in the dark

Aiden

I remember when I was a kid, me and Nana Babaylan once talked about something.

"Nana, even though you've taught me everything, I still don't really understand a lot. Is it true when you mention that the Coven of the Wyrd has twelve members as you said previously?" I asked Nana Babaylan.

"Yes, little one. The Coven consists of twelve formidable witches. But beware, Aiden. It can be risky to even know someone's name, let alone address them directly. I have never told you their names for that reason." Leaning on her staff, Nana Babaylan’s presence was both calming and commanding, her gaze soft but unwavering.

"But Nana, why? I thought that knowing more about them would make this world easier for me to comprehend." inosenteng tanong ko kay Nana Babaylan,

"Knowing too much tends to attract unwelcome attention. Their secrets and their power are not to be taken lightly. It’s safer for you to learn from a distance for now." Nana Babaylan maintained a strong grip on her staff, her gentle smile serving as a subtle counterpoint to her powerful posture.

"Are... are you part of the Coven?" tanong ko sakanya out of curiosity.

"I am, Aiden. I have been there for a while, but you don't need to worry about me there. My obligations to them and you are not the same." Nana Babaylan pauses, her fingers lightly tracing the carvings on her staff.

"Then why didn't you tell me? Why don't you tell me more?" I frown in confusion.

"Since certain things aren't yet ready for you to carry. You will understand eventually. You see, little one, it's not always necessary to have all the answers at once. It involves being able to interpret the actions of others and motivations." As she knelt with the support of her staff, Nana Babaylan’s voice remained calm and radiated warmth.

"You mean, like… knowing why someone does what they do?" I'm intrigued.

"That's right. Motives are what drive the actions of others. But you have to get to know them before you can realize that. You will start to sense the truth underlying their acts through that link, which you could describe as an unseen thread. That connection will convey far more to you than any words could." Nana Babaylan gave a nod, the soft tap of her staff echoing as she rose to stand.

"Paano? Wala akong Kaibigan o kahit sino man na malapit sa akin, ikaw lang." ang tanging nasabi ko sakanya.

"Diyan yan nagsisimula, Aiden." ngumiti siya. "It all begins with time and trust. You'll eventually find your way to other people, just as we've developed our relationship over these years. You'll get the ability to discern their reality and look beyond surfaces. Little one, learn patience from this. Just like you've grown into your gifts, you'll grow into it." she then rested both of her hands on top of her staff.

"I’ll try, Nana. I want to understand… people, their actions, everything" I'm very determined to say that.

"And you will. But keep in mind, not all truths are simple to discover. Some are better left unseen, and some are best kept secret. However, I'm here to help you at all times." Nana Babaylan smiled fondly, her staff glowing faintly as she watched me with quiet pride.

Now back to reality. I'm trapped in the dark.

It was so fast that I didn't even notice. Shadow surrounded me outside the tavern as if the darkness devoured me.

"How can an unknown witch a threat?" I hear Valeria's voice. Natawa ako sa sinabi nya, akala mo hindi kami magakausap kagabi lamang.

I swallowed really hard. "This is it, I'm dead." bulong ko sa sarili ko.

"Well, well... if it's not the so-called witch Aiden Blake Carter. Alone once more, I see. Did you truly believe that you could avoid us?" Cloaked in shadow like a living cloak, Clisandro Vexthorn took a step forward. His tone was a deep, sarcastic drawl.

My heart was pounding, but I braced myself, muttering to myself, calling forth a protective spell. "Velaris ignis... Silenarium..." Just a moment Mira Shadowrend's shape vanished into the darkness, a barrier shimmered into existence.

"You think a mere barrier will save you, Aiden? We are the masters of darkness. You can’t escape us" Her voice was a chilly, venomous echo, and the lights in the tavern grew even darker as she whispered from every shade.

I whirled, just in time to avoid an unexpected blow. Behind my back, Mira reappeared, her blade slicing through the air with lethal accuracy. I ducked and chanted frantically. Another spell I cast sent a surge of energy through the ground, and my words resonated with ancient power.

Unaffected by my power, Valeria Dreadspire only grinned as the energy swung toward her. With a wicked enjoyment in her eyes, she took a step forward.

"Pathetic. You really don't know what true fear is, do you? Allow me to show you!" Valeria shouted.

I was suddenly struck like a hurricane by a stifling wave of horror. Panic gnawed at my head, almost causing my knees to buckle, but I bit my lip and forced myself to stay focused. "Lumis Etrum Cordium…" muli ay bumigkas ako ng isa pang spell. Then, light flooded my mind, pushing back Valeria’s mental assault.

Alaric Darkspike charged from behind, his shadow spear flashing with deadly intent. With another spell shuddering through my voice, I turned just in time.

"Tempus... Fractura..." The time stopped.

Everyone froze. Valeria, Mira, Clisandro, and Alaric, frozen in mid-attack. With breathless breath, I stared at Kael Mikairos Voidborn as I stood there in the unsettling silence. Kael wasn't like the others. His gaze was piercing and unwavering even in this still moment. Dark power blazed in his crimson eyes, a strength I knew I could not confront head-on. Betrayed... I knew I couldn't win this fight, and as I walked past Kael, my heart sank.

Time snapped back. I barely dodged Alaric’s spear as it slammed into the ground where I had stood moments before.

"You really thought you could outrun your fate, Aiden? You’re nothing. An insignificant threat. A witch without a coven. You don’t stand a chance against us" Kael’s voice, cold and cutting, sliced through the chaos.

"I may be alone, but I’m not powerless, Kael." I stepped backward, my hands shaking, searching for a way out.

"Powerless? You're still not even close to realizing what true power is." Kael smirks that sent chills down my spine.

Nyssa Grimblade raced forward, her twin swords slicing through the air with startling speed, before I could even react. I ducked just in time, my lips forming the words to a new spell. I twisted, letting off a surge of energy that sent my cloak spinning behind my back. However, Nyssa was too quick and agile.

"This is your end, Aiden. Run if you can, but it won’t matter. You’re already dead." Clisandro laughed darkly, his form now a shifting, living shadow as he spoke.

My heart was pounding in my chest as I clenched my teeth. I need to think quickly. I could sense the Vanguard bearing down on me from all sides, and the darkness drawing in around me. Although Kael's betrayal hurt deeply, there wasn't time to think about it. I needed to make it through.

Wala na akong ibang maisip, desperado na akong makatakas. Itinaas ko ang aking kamay at muli ay sumigaw ng isa pang spell.

"Tempus... Abscindo!!”

Once again, time broke apart, stopping the Vanguard in their tracks. My body ached from the strain of halting time twice in such short order that I gasped for air. My gaze flitted to each of them, Nyssa, Kael, Alaric, Valeria, Mira, and Clisandro. I realized that I had this one chance.

I crept into the shadows with shaky hands, hiding my escape with their own blackness. When time started up again, the Shadow Vanguard's attacks hit nothing but nothing.

"You can run, Aiden, but you can’t hide. We will find you. Next time, there won’t be an escape!" I felt a deep sense of horror when I heard Clisandro's voice echoing through the shadows. It was a cry of cold rage.

-----

|The Order of the Written Word|

An exciting new edition of The Order of the Written Word, chock full of important updates and gripping tales, is about to be unveiled in a world where news is produced and stories are woven. Scribes huddle around their parchment as scribes fill the ink-stained hallways of their headquarters with anticipation.

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When she shows up with a spirit as fierce and unshakable as the biggest storm, people start to question the newly crowned Queen of the Abyssia Kingdom's ability to handle the trials that lie ahead.

Many in Blazoria Kingdom are doubtful that peace can actually be achieved because tensions there imply that violence may break out again while peace talks are ongoing.

As the Path Slayers remain silent and speculation about their mysterious activities within the 7 Keeps grows, concerns are raised regarding their true goals and allegiances.

Amidst this period of change, a crucial question arises: who of the six dominions has the genuine power to dominate? The struggle for power looms on the horizon.

Finally, news of a deadly battle between The Angels and The Fireborn Zealots undermines the foundations of faith. Questions abound: What divine quarrel sparked this conflict? Who genuinely has control over the will of the Gods?

----

"Wake up, Aiden"

"You're safe now."

"Worthless witch, can't even fight back."

"Little one."

My eyes opened.

Nagising ako sa isang pamilyar na lugar. Lugar na kung saan ko huling nakita si Nana Babaylan. Our house.

But who brought me here? How did I escape the Path Slayers earlier?

Bumangon ako at lumabas ng kwarto ko at pinakiramdaman ang paligid. I don't feel anything, I just feel safe. Ganon parin ang itsura ng lugar na 'to, akala mo'y walang nangyari dito noon bago kami magkahiwalay ni Nana Babaylan.

I recall the day Nana Babaylan and I split ways, it was even worse than what I'm going through now. Or perhaps they're both bad, but who am I to judge?

"There's something inside her room" That voice... it's back again. I'm starting to think it's lodged itself inside my head, driving me toward madness

A peculiar pull draws me into Nana Babaylan's room, as if something unseen is calling me back to the beginning.

"The Grimoire, find it"

"Unveil the Lost Secrets"

"Release me!"

"NO! Stop it!" I shouted. I realized this voice is more than just a voice. It appears as though someone is attempting to seize power by tugging threads from the shadows. I'm not sure who they are or where they are, but something about this feeling is off. I have the impression that I'm about to awaken something or, worse, upset something that shouldn't be disturbed.