Orryx Enchanted

Locator spell ||

Selene POV

As I head to the attic to search for the realm maps, my phone dings, signaling a text message. “Your friend Nina gave me your number. I was hesitant to use it, but I realized you dropped your ring in the train station and wanted to tell you I grabbed it for you,” the message reads.

I glance at my fingers, realizing my mom’s ring is missing. She gave it to me when I turned 18—a piece of her jewelry collection that we all cherished. “Wow, if you hadn’t had my ring, I would’ve thought you were stalking me, lol,” I send back.

“To be fair, it seems the world keeps directing me to you,” he replies.

“Thanks for keeping my precious jewels safe,” I send.

“You’re welcome. Perhaps we can hang out so I can return them to their beautiful owner.”

“Do you even know my name?” I question, not planning to date the handsome stranger but wanting my heirloom back.

“Of course, Selene. I asked your friend. She was more than happy to tell me all your business, stating that you need a good lay these days.”

“Wow. I’m going to get that big mouth of hers. But I’m in no hurry to date. What’s your name?” I question.

“Arrun Noctis, but you can call me Arryn if you like. And I’m not looking to date either, but I do enjoy a good hangout.”

“Hmm. Perhaps when I get back to town, I’ll take you up on your hangout to get my ring back.”

“See you then, Sel,” he sends.

I slightly smile at the nickname he gave me. Oh, come on, Selene, you don’t even know this boy, I think to myself. But the memory of his sexy, dark tan skin glistening in the sun and his strong arms pulling me out of the fireball’s path sends a jolt of warmth through me.

“Did you find the map?” Amara asks, walking into the attic, snapping me out of my thoughts.

“Yes, I did,” I say, grabbing the large folded map from the small table.

Amara POV

I return to the kitchen, crystal in hand, feeling a sense of nervous energy in the air as we begin to set up. “Alright, let’s do this,” I say, placing the crystal, now charged by moonlight, in the center of the map of the realms. We have the underworld map unfolded next to it, both looking almost too delicate to touch.

“Got everything?” I ask, looking at Thalia and Selene.

Thalia nods and retrieves a small vial, one that contains something of our parents—a locket Mom used to wear, containing their photo. “This should work,” she says, placing it beside the crystal.

I take a deep breath and prick my finger, watching as a small drop of my blood hits the bowl. Selene and Thalia do the same, and soon, the bowl contains all three of our essences, swirling with something powerful. Thalia begins the chant:

“Blood of ours, through realms untold,

Guide us to the ones we hold.

Through earth and air, and time undone,

Reveal to us where they have gone.”

As the last word leaves her lips, the crystal hovers above the map, rotating slowly. The air thickens with tension, and a cold breeze sweeps through the room. Our eyes lock on the crystal, hearts pounding as it hovers over the underworld map. Then, with a flash, it points directly to a spot—glowing faintly. “There!” I shout, both excited and terrified.

We exchange glances, realizing the spell worked. But now, we have to face what comes next—our journey into the underworld.