The Mixes

Chapter 12 — The Labyrinth of Shadow Mountain

Elyria and Raven navigated the twisting corridors of Shadow Mountain, wards sparking along the walls. Every step felt heavier, as if the mountain itself resisted their passage.

The black medallion pulsed violently, burning against Elyria’s chest. “We’re close,” she whispered. “I can feel Selene. She’s here.”

Raven’s claws scraped against the stone floor. “Good. That also means they know we’re coming.”

Ahead, the corridor opened into a labyrinth of tunnels carved into the living stone. Shadows moved unnaturally, shifting and curling like smoke. Runes along the walls glowed faintly, humming with dark energy.

Elyria tightened her grip on her magic, feeling it sparking uncontrollably. Selene… I’m coming.

Suddenly, a wave of energy slammed into them. The walls of the tunnel shivered, sending shards of stone clattering to the floor. Runes flared bright red.

“Trap,” Raven growled. “They’ve been expecting us.”

Elyria’s hands ignited with wild blue fire. “Then we fight.”

Shadowy figures emerged from the walls—servants of the Coven, twisted beings with claws like iron and eyes like coals. They lunged simultaneously from every direction.

Elyria roared, magic blazing, knocking several back with a shockwave of power. Raven moved like a storm beside her, claws slicing through the creatures.

But more kept coming. Endless, relentless.

The medallion pulsed violently again, tugging her toward a narrow archway in the far wall. She realized it wasn’t just a trap—it was a test.

The Coven wants me to fail before I reach Selene.

With a deep breath, Elyria lunged toward the archway, Raven following closely. Shadows shrieked and lunged after them, but the magic protecting the medallion flared, shielding them just long enough to escape deeper into the labyrinth.

And beyond the next corner, a soft silver glow pulsed.

Selene.