Embers to Flames (Fates Entwined #1)

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Tw o

We make our way towards the outskirts of the city. I feel Theo’s hand tighten around mine, as if seeking reassurance in the cold morning air. Eulee remains glued to my side. We approach Lord Phirel and he hands me a small satchel filled with necessities: a dagger for protection, a compass, a vial of healing elixir, and a set of charms imbued with protective magic.

As he hands it over, he utters a solemn warning, “Remember, the trials are not just tests of your physical strength, but also of your mental resilience. The Raven Witches may push you to your breaking point. There is no turning back once you embark on this journey. ”

I nod. Accepting whatever fate has in store for me. “Lord Phirel, I can’t thank you enough for your generosity. The horse and the winter clothing are more than I could have ever asked for,” I say gratefully, gesturing towards both gifts.

“It is nothing, Princess,” he responds with a slight bow. “May the Gods watch over you.”

I don’t think I will ever get used to that… me… a Princess.

I turn to face Theo, cupping his cheeks in my palms. “I vow to keep my promise to you, my love. Our bond is the strongest I have ever known.” My gaze searches his, attempting to convey the depth of my feelings. “You have become the very air I breathe, and I will carry you with me in every step.”

With a fierce intensity in his eyes, he captures my lips and pulls me into a desperate embrace. His hands tangle in my hair, holding me close as if we will never have another chance. We pour all of our love and longing into this one final kiss, savoring every second until we are forced to let go. Tears glisten in our eyes, knowing that this may be the last time we ever see each other again.

He finally untangles himself from my embrace before he speaks. “I believe in you, my sweet. You’re the strongest person I know, and I’m confident you’ll succeed. I shall be right here, waiting for you.”

A spark ignites within me, fueled by his faith in me. As I step away from him, the air grows colder, signaling the beginning of my journey. I turn back one last time, my eyes seeking Theo’s. And with a final nod, I take a deep breath, as Eulee and I venture forth into the unknown.

The path Lord Phirel has marked on the map winds through rugged terrain and dense forests. It will be a full day’s journey, but we should arrive at the steps of the temple before nightfall. Venturing deeper into the forest, the light begins to dim, and a sense of foreboding settles over us. The trees grow denser, their twisted branches interlocking to form a natural vault above, obscuring the sunlight. Shadows dance among the undergrowth, and an eerie silence blankets the air.

Suddenly, a low growl resonates through the trees, causing Eulee’s ears to prick up and her hackles to rise. A chill runs down my spine as I instinctively reach for the dagger at my side. The growl grows louder, reverberating in my chest like an ominous warning.

From the thicket ahead emerges a creature of legend—the Frostfang. Its fur is as white as the snow it prowls upon, glistening with a frosty sheen. Eyes like burning coals pierce through the dim light, filled with a primal hunger. The beast’s fangs are like twin shards of crystalline ice, each a masterpiece of natural artistry. They are long, slightly curved, and come to a needle-sharp point, capable of piercing through armor and flesh with ease. It is said that when the beast bites, a chilling frost spreads from the wound, a testament to the creature’s icy dominion.

Without hesitation, the Frostfang lunges at me with blinding speed. I quickly dismount the horse and roll, narrowly dodging its deadly claws, feeling the rush of cold air as they swipe past me. Eulee leaps to my defense, her teeth bared and a deep growl rumbling in her throat.

The battle commences in a flurry of movement and fangs. I find myself dancing with the Frostfang, each strike aimed at a vulnerable spot. The ground trembles beneath our feet as the creature unleashes ferocious snarls in an attempt to overpower us with its massive size and strength.

We will not yield. We will not waver. We will not fail.

In one swift motion, I find an opening—a small gap between the creature’s massive paws. With resolve burning in my veins, I plunge my dagger deep into the soft flesh behind its front leg. The Frostfang howls in agony, its cry echoing through the forest like an ancient lament.

Eulee takes advantage of the distraction and seizes the opportunity. She lunges at the beast’s other leg, sinking her powerful jaws into its flesh. Together, we work as a seamless unit, using our combined strength and agility to bring down the formidable Frostfang.

Wounded and enraged, the creature lashes out at Eulee, sending her tumbling across the snow-covered ground. My heart clenches with fear for her, and I know I must finish this battle swiftly. With renewed determination, I charge at the Frostfang, my dagger gleaming in the dim light.

The Frostfang fights ferociously, unwilling to succumb. But I refuse to back down now. With a final cry that echoes through the forest, I deliver a decisive blow. My dagger finds its mark—piercing the creature’s heart. The Frostfang staggers, its once fiery eyes growing dimmer by the second. And with one last shudder, it collapses onto the snowy ground.

I rush to Eulee’s side, her body battered but still alive. Carefully, I administer the healing elixir from Lord Phirel’s satchel, willing her wounds to close and her strength to return. As she slowly regains consciousness, I wrap my arms around her, feeling the warmth of her fur and the relief that she is unharmed. “You were brave, my friend. We faced the Frostfang together and emerged victorious.” With a gentle pat on her head, I turn my attention to the fallen beast. Its once imposing form now lay still in the snow.

“We must remain vigilant, for I fear there will be more danger lurking in the shadows of the forest.” I say as Eulee nuzzles against me; her grey fur still stained with blood from the battle. I stroke her gently, feeling the tension in my muscles slowly ebbing away as the adrenaline of combat fades.

As we stand amidst the fallen Frostfang, a sudden chill grips the air, sending shivers down my spine. The hairs on my arms prickle in response to an unseen presence lurking nearby. Instinctively, I reach for my dagger once more. A low growl rumbles through the trees, followed by the creaking of branches as if the very forest itself is alive with malevolence. Eulee’s ears perk up, her senses attuned to the impending danger. I tighten my grip on the hilt of my dagger, my heart pounding in anticipation of what may emerge from the darkness.

And then, a figure materializes before us—tall and imposing, cloaked in shadows that seem to dance around him like sinister spirits. It is Prince Ruvyn, his tone oozing with disdain as he looks down at us with a satisfied smirk. We are still reeling from the intense fight with the Frostfang, and he takes pleasure in our weakened state.

“Ah, my dear sister, Princess Rosanhi,” he taunts, his words laced with venom. “How valiant you are to stand against the Frostfang. It seems we may share blood after all, but your efforts are futile. There is no hope in conquering the darkness that currently creeps into the lands.”

I stand my ground, Eulee by my side, her growls echoing my defiance. Despite the fear clawing at my insides, I muster all the courage within me and meet his gaze with unwavering determination. “I’m not sure I know what you mean— brother .”

His lips twist into a malicious grin, but then his expression quickly turns to rage and he yells, “Don’t play coy with me half-breed! I know you are not blind to the truth behind the Obscuro Elves. They do indeed rise under my command and are loyal only to me. ”

I stand my ground, unflinching in the face of his fury. “You would turn against your own kind just for power?”

Ruvyn’s laughter cuts through the forest like a blade, chilling me to the core. “Power is all that matters in this world, Rosanhi. And soon, you will witness its true might. Elven power reigns supreme… Humans are nothing but a worthless scourge upon this land.”

I clench my jaw, swallowing the rising lump in my throat. “You will never rule anything, Ruvyn,” I retort, my voice steadier than I feel. “You are a monster, and your actions will be your downfall. I know of more than you realize!”

He murdered Meemaw for nothing.

The prince merely chuckles, the sound causing a chill to run down my back. “Time will prove you wrong, sister.” With a final, menacing look, he disappears into the shadows, leaving us alone once more.

“We need to leave,” I whisper to Eulee, my own voice barely audible in the oppressive atmosphere. “Before it’s too late.” She whines in agreement, jumping to my side as if sensing my urgency. I scan my surroundings for the horse, but she is not in sight.

Damnit!

It’s difficult to think straight with the cold, and the lingering sinister whispers of Ruvyn’s words echoing in my mind.

It doesn’t matter, we have to keep going.

But we have to be careful.

The sounds of rustling leaves and snapping twigs under our feet grow louder as we move deeper into the woods. The air feels heavy and still. Shadows lengthen and dance around us, cast by the sinking sun. A chill runs down my spine, and I can feel the weight of the impending night. Relief washes over me as I finally spot a small clearing ahead through the trees.

“Eulee, over there!” I exclaim; my finger outstretched towards the opening. Eulee picks up her pace, her tail held high as she leads us to the small clearing. My heart leaps into my throat at the sight of the horse, caught in the act of drinking from a nearby stream. I approach cautiously, trying not to startle her and thanking the Gods for her safety.

The horse lifts her head, her eyes wide with fear. I move closer to her, speaking softly, trying to soothe her frayed nerves. “Easy, girl,” I whisper, stroking her sweaty neck. The horse nickers and leans her head into my touch. I take a deep breath, feeling a small spark of hope in the midst of the darkness that surrounds us. But I know better than to let my guard down.

Still following Phirel’s map, we journey through the mountains, each step a testament to our resolve. The path, a narrow ribbon against the unforgiving stone, winds upward through the towering peaks. We battle against the howling gusts of wind that seem determined to push us back, as if the mountains themselves are guardians of an ancient secret. The landscape transforms as we climb higher; snow blankets the ground, and icicles hang like daggers from rocky overhangs, glistening in the intermittent sunlight.

The air grows thinner, the cold bites deeper, seeping through my cloak and numbing my fingers. Eulee fares better against the chill with her thick fur, but even she seems to understand the gravity of our quest, her playful demeanor replaced by solemn focus.

As we near the summit, the Raven Temple comes into view, its spires reaching toward the heavens. The sight fills me with awe and trepidation. With a final push, I reach the temple gates, the stone figures of long-forgotten deities standing sentinel. The air is still here, the silence profound, as if the mountains have granted me a moment of respite before the trials to come.

I take a deep breath, feeling the weight of my destiny upon my shoulders. I glance at Eulee, who returns my look with steady, knowing eyes. Together, we step across the threshold, leaving the howling wilderness behind and entering the sanctum of secrets and fate.