SOULBOUND

ANCIENT MAGIC

When it struck midnight, Ava made her way to the oak tree, her heart pounding in her chest. Sophia was already there, her eyes glimmering in the moonlight.

"Drake is being held in the ancient ruins deep in the forest." Sophia whispered, handing Ava a small pouch containing a vial of glowing liquid. "This is a protection potion, it will keep you safe from the elders magic."

Ava took the pouch feeling a surge of determination. "Lets go." She said charging forward.

As they approach the ruins, Ava could feel the weight of ancient magic in the air. She followed Sophia through the crumbling structures, her senses on high alert.

They reached a large stone door, adorned with symbols of the elements. Sophia pushed the door open, revealing a dimly lit chamber.

Drake stood in the center of the room, his eyes fixed on Ava. He was surrounded by a circle of candles, and his hands were bound by chains.

Ava rushed forward, but Sophia caught her arm. "Wait", She whispered. " The elders have set a trap, we need to be careful."

Ava nodded and focused her mind, calling upon the ancient magic that flowed through her veins. She raised her hand, and a soft white glow emanated from her fingertips.

The glow enveloped the chain binding Drake, and they began to glow with a faint, blue light. The air was charged with magical energy as Ava worked to disable the trap.

As Ava continued to channel her magic, the chains began to weaken, their bond on Drake faltering. With a final surge of energy the chain shattered, freeing Drake from his bonds.

He stood, his eyes locked on Ava, a look of gratitude and wonder on his face. " Thank you," He whispered, his voice barely audible.

But their moment of triumph was short-lived. A loud rumbling noise echoed through the chamber, and the ground began to shake.

Ava didn't hesitate. She grabbed Drake's hand, and Sophia followed close behind as they made a dash for the door. The rumbling noise grew louder and the ground shook beneath their feet.

As they emerge from the ruins, Ava saw a massive boulder tumbling down the hillside, heading straight for them. She pulled Drake and Sophia to the side, narrowly avoiding the rock.

They didn't stop running until they reached the safety of the forest. Breathless and shaken, Ava turned to Drake. "What was that?"she demanded.

Drake's eyes was grim. "The elders' trap. They must have set it to prevent me from escaping."

Sophia's face was pale. "We need to get out of here, now. The elders will stop at nothing to silence Drake."

Ava nodded, her mind racing. They have to find a safe place to hide, and fast.

As they ran through the forest, Ava realised she had no idea where they were going. She looked at Drake who seemed to sense her uncertainty.

"Trust me," He said, his eyes locked on hers. I know a place where we can hide."

Ava nodded and Drake led both she and Sophia to a cave, which seems to be secluded alone in the depth part of the forest.

Ava decided to put her questions aside for now and focus on getting some rest. The cave was cozy, and the soft candlelight made her feel drowsy. Sophia nodded in agreement and they both settled in for a well- deserved rest.

Drake sat by the fire, his eyes fixed on the flames. Ava watched him for a moment, wondering what he was thinking about. She felt a pang of curiosity, but her eyelids grew heavy, and she drifted up to sleep.

Hours passed, and Ava woke up feeling refreshed. Sophia was still sleeping, but Drake was nowhere to be seen. Ava got up and search the cave but there was no sign of him.

Suddenly, she heard a noise outside the cave. Ava's heart skipped a bit as she realised that Drake must be in danger.

Ava cautiously approached the entrance of the cave, her senses on high alert. She peeked outside, and her heart raced, as she saw Drake surrounded by a group of shadowy figures.

Without hesitation Ava charged out of the cave, ready to defend Drake. But as she approached, she realised that the figures weren't attacking him- they were talking to him.

Drake turned to her, his eyes locked on hers. "Ava, these are the resistance," he said. "They're here to help us."

Ava's eyes widened as she took in the group of vampires, each with a determined look on their face. She had so many questions, but before she could ask any of them, the leader of the resistance spoke up.

"Drake has told us about you, Ava," he said. "We believe you have a crucial role to play in our fight against the elders."

Ava's mind reeled as she tried to process what was happening. She had so many questions, but still again before she could ask any of them, Drake took her hand.

"Trust me," he whispered. "This is the only way we can defeat the elders and bring peace back to our world."

Ava hesitated, unsure if she was ready to join a rebellion. She looked at Sophia who seemed equally uncertain.

"I don't know, Drake," Ava said finally. "This is just too much for me. I just want to go home and forget about all this."

Drake's face fell, but he nodded understandingly. "I get"he said. "But please Ava be careful. The elders won't stop until they find you."

Ava nodded and turned to leave, Sophia followed close behind. As they walk away from the cave, Ava couldn't shake off the feeling that she was making a mistake.

Suddenly, Sophia spoke up. "Ava, i think we should go back."

Ava turned to her surprised."Why?"

Sophia's eyes were serious. "Because i think Drake was telling the truth. And if we don't help him, who will."

Ava looked at Sophia stunned at what was coming out of her mouth. "You want us to go back and join them. For what reason exactly? You joining them is normal, because he's your brother, so and not mine. Remember i am a werewolf and you guys are vampires, so expecting me to go back there is actually off limit. And anyways just repaid your brother because he saved one of my kind and i don't like owing people."

Sophia's mind reeled at what Ava said, and then she had no choice but to agree, because a vampire and a werewolf cooperating means danger.

"Okay, since whatever happens to us the vampires has nothing to do with you werewolves on a normal note, then i will just have to say thank you for your help."

Ava hesitated, torn. Part of her wanted to forget about the whole thing, but another part of her felt a spark of determination.

Ava nodded, making a decision. "I'm going home, Sophia. But if you want to join the Resistance, i understand, after all you are also a vampire and this matter is about your brother's life and that of your pack."

Sophia's face lit in determination. "I'm doing it, Ava. I have to try and make a difference."

Ava nodded, pulling Sophia into a hug, knowing fully well that it was a no go area between both packs."Be careful Sophia, please."

Sophia smiled and hugged her back. "You too Ava, take care of yourself."

With that, they parted ways, Ava heading back to her normal life and Sophia joining the Resistance to fight against the elders.

But as Ava settled in for her routine, she couldn't shake off the feeling that she was being watched. And when she received a mysterious message with no sender, she realized that her involvement in the supernatural world was far from over.

The message read: "The elders know about you Ava, you can't hide forever."

Ava's heart raced as she read the message again. "Who could have sent it? And how did they know about her involvement with Drake and the supernatural world?

Determined to get answers, Ava decided to investigate. She started by asking around, but no one seemed to know anything about the message.

Undeterred Ava decided to do some digging on her own. She spent hours researching and snooping around, but every lead ended in a dead end.

Just when Ava was about to give up she received another message, but this time around, it wasn't a threat but a warning.

The message read: "Ava, i know you are looking for who wrote you the letter, but i just want to warn you not to bother yourself about finding the person, because the person is everywhere, and you can't find or see the person, instead it's the person who sees you. So my only warning to you is not to try anything funny, and stay away from matters that aren't related to you."

After reading the letter, Ava felt shivers run down her spine, as she stood there really nervous. She had no idea who sent the message and anytime she gets a lead, it always vain. Has she really gotten herself into a really dangerous problem. She thought.

Startled by the sound which came from a place near her, she looked up and was met by Sophia's eyes which has an urgent look on it.

"Ava, i need to tell you something," Sophia said.

"What is it this time, haven't i warned you to stay away from me else you might get yourself in trouble," Ava said to Sophia, with an upset expression.