The three heroes materialized on Elyrian soil, their teleportation spell dissipating like mist in morning sun. Aria spoke softly, “We’re here. My mother waits at Jasmine Manor.”
The landscape unfolded before them – rolling hills of lavender and chamomile, gentle breeze carrying soft whispers.SeventhSight led, his eyes scanning horizons. Thea walked beside him, hand on dagger hilt. Aria followed closely behind, her senses heightened.
As they crested a hill, Jasmine Manor appeared – stone walls cloaked in ivy, windows like empty eyes staring back. Suddenly, Thea halted. “Do you feel that?” she whispered.
SeventhSight nodded, eyes narrowing. “It’s dark magic” he said. The manor gates creaked open by themselves. A figure stood in the entrance. She was petite with long curly brown hair and piercing green eyes. She wore a white dress with blood stains.
SeventhSight asked “What happened, Eliana?” Eliana’s eyes widened, fear flashing across her face.
“Erebus…” she whispered urgently. “He sent something for me.” SeventhSight drew his sword with a black blade and a white handle wrapped in black cord. The guard was bronze shaped like a dragon. Thea readied her dagger. SeventhSight’s eyes scanned the darkness beyond Eliana.
Eliana’s eyes locked onto SeventhSight’s then back to the darkness behind her. “Erebus…” she whispered urgently. “He sent a wraith.” Thea stepped forward slightly. “Where is it?” SeventhSight’s sword gleamed in the moonlight.
Suddenly darkness shifted behind Eliana.
The darkness coalesced into a figure – tall, gaunt, eyes glowing emerald green. Its presence seemed to draw the air colder. Eliana stepped back, closer to SeventhSight. Thea whispered “By the Order of the Veil…” SeventhSight charged forward slightly then halted. The wraith began to speak in a voice like wind through dry leaves. “Eliana… Erebus claims you.” Its eyes fixed on her then shifted to the three. “And warns off her guardians.”
SeventhSight’s grip on his sword tightened.
The wraith took a step closer to Eliana. SeventhSight raised his sword slightly. Eliana stood behind the trio. The wraith halted, eyes fixed on his sword. Then it spoke, “Courage… or foolishness?”
SeventhSight said, “Both.” Then he added, “Leave now.” The wraith vanished into darkness. Eliana collapsed to her knees.
SeventhSight helped her up. She grasped his arm tightly. “Erebus wins if you don’t hear me out…”
Thea watched her intensely. SeventhSight’s eyes locked on Eliana’s. He nodded for her to speak. She took a deep breath. “Erebus was once my love… and my family’s enemy.” SeventhSight’s eyes narrowed.
Eliana’s voice barely above whisper. “He was obsessed with gaining power to destroy my family’s legacy… the Elyrian Artifact.” She glanced nervously at Thea then back at him. “Your kind seeks it too, SeventhSight.”
Thea’s eyes flashed with surprise, then narrowed at SeventhSight. He remained silent, expression unyielding. Eliana continued, “Erebus proposes alliance with your enemy… the Order of the Veil.” She paused, studying his reaction. “Together they’ll crush your rebellion.” SeventhSight’s gaze burned intensely – yours matched it. Thea spoke up, “We need to hear more inside.” Eliana nodded vigorously. “Quickly, before Erebus sends another wraith.” She turned towards Jasmine Manor doors.
He followed closely behind her, Thea beside him. SeventhSight covered the rear, eyes scanning darkness. Inside, warm candlelight enveloped him – lavish decor, eerie silence. Eliana led deeper into the manor. Doors creaked shut behind SeventhSight. Eliana stops in a grand study
She turned to face them all. SeventhSight’s eyes locked onto hers. But then he noticed something. A book on the floor with blood on it.
SeventhSight pointed to the book. “Eliana, what happened here?” Her eyes darted to the book then back to yours, “Erebus’s minion… attacked my maid, Aria’s aunt wasn’t here yet… but my guard fought back.” She paused, collecting thoughts. “Guard was wounded, dropped that book… it was open on this page when I found it.”
SeventhSight walked over to the book. The page showed a dark ritual. Thea gasped softly. SeventhSight’s eyes narrowed. Eliana whispered “Erebus’s plan… to summon the Devourer.”
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