The Mixes

Chapter 10 — The Ascent to Shadow Mountain

Elyria tightened her grip on the black medallion. The cold bite against her palm seemed to pulse in rhythm with her heartbeat. Every nerve in her body screamed that Selene was close, but also that danger was imminent.

Raven’s gaze swept the treeline. “We can’t stay in the low forest much longer. The closer we get to the mountain, the more the coven’s magic saturates the land. It’ll interfere with your witch powers.”

Elyria flinched at the thought. Witchbane silver had already shown her how vulnerable she was. Yet she knew she couldn’t let fear slow her down. Not now.

The first foothills of Shadow Mountain rose ahead, jagged and black against the storm-smeared sky. Lightning cracked along the peak, illuminating massive stone faces carved into the cliffs—faces that seemed to watch her as she climbed.

“Those carvings…” Elyria whispered, “they look… alive.”

“They are,” Raven said grimly. “Old wards. The coven carved them centuries ago to protect their fortress. The closer we get, the more they’ll try to… influence us.”

Elyria swallowed hard. Her teeth ached, fangs tingling—a vampire’s instinct warning her of unseen predators. But it was more than instinct. The medallion burned hotter now, tugging her forward, pulling her toward the source of her sister’s magic.

Hours passed as they climbed. The air grew thinner, sharper, charged with electricity. Rain began to fall, drenching them in cold sheets.

Finally, they reached a plateau—a narrow ledge overlooking a black chasm. At the center of the cliffside, a massive doorway had been carved directly into the mountain. Runes flickered faintly along its frame, and shadowy mist curled from the cracks.

“That has to be the entrance,” Elyria said, breathless.

Raven nodded, unsheathing his claws. “Ready yourself. Wards like these don’t just open for anyone. And I guarantee… they’re watching.”

Elyria stepped forward, the medallion glowing brighter as if responding to the wards. A cold wind rose from the doorway, carrying a whisper of voices—chanting, low and ominous. She felt the pulse of Selene’s magic somewhere beyond that door.

She exhaled. “We don’t have a choice. This is where it begins.”

Raven glanced at her, amber eyes fierce. “Then we go together. No mistakes. No distractions. If the coven finds you alone…”

Elyria clenched her jaw. “I know.”

Together, they stepped into the shadows of Shadow Mountain.

The air inside the doorway was colder than ice, filled with the scent of iron and old blood. Runes along the walls glowed brighter, casting shifting, ominous shapes across their faces.

Suddenly, the hallway split into two paths, both winding deeper into the mountain.

Elyria’s hand went to the medallion. It pulsed violently, pointing one direction.

“This way,” she whispered.

Raven followed silently, alert to every sound, every flicker of magic.

And somewhere in the darkness, hidden beyond the twisting halls, a pair of silver eyes watched them.

Selene.