Chapter 161: Some peace of Hope
Witches were darting here and there between their training grounds or running through facilities, eyes lit with a tint of fear. She knew the war was close near, and so did Reika.
She stood in the balcony of her chamber, with cool breeze caressing her skin.
The Moon Goddess had warned that Ariadne sought powers from the Lord of Underworld, and now it stretched darkness over lands.
A gentle knock on the door brought her back from dreamland.
"Enter," she called out.
She nodded, and as she entered the dim interior, the expression of her face remained grim. "The witches await training, though their spirits, Reika-they have feelings of fear from what lies in store for them."
Reika turned her gaze in her friend's direction with fixed eyes. "Fear, I understand; yet it would be against everything we've worked for."
Elira leaned forward, her head nodding. "You need to rest too. You haven't stopped since the Moon Goddess visited you. The power you're trying to harness-it's draining you."
Reika let out a heavy sigh, running a hand over the swollen swell of her belly. Six months now. The child, Alpha lleus' child, was well on its way into this world, and the war refused to make room for peace. Shutting her eyes for a second, she sent silent prayers that Lleus would come back before the birth.
"I cannot afford to rest, Elira. Not while I know what Ariadne is capable of."
Elira leaned forward and rubbed her hand. "You are not alone, Reika. We'll fight with you. But you won't be able to lead if you don't take care of yourself when the time arises."
A soft smile crossed Reika's lips. "You're right," she said, "but first I have to go and see how it goes with the witches."
With a defeated sigh, Elira took her down the corridors of the coven toward the training ground.
Before Reika's eyes rows of young witches stood before her, their hands glow with the practice of spells of defense and attack. Some fumbled, their energy spitting like dying candle flames; others executed perfection in their magic.
Kael and Althea wove through them, correcting their stands, offering advice. When Kael saw Reika, he veered over to her, swiping the sweat off his brow.
"They're getting better," he said. "But so many are still weak. They aren't prepared for a demon war."
Reika nodded somberly. "They will have to be. We don't have options."
Althea joined them, her emerald eyes hazed with apprehension. "Have you heard anything about the Alpha?
Reika was silent for a moment, then shook her head. "No, but I know he's out there, waiting for me."
Kael folded his arms. "Then we have to believe that he'll find his way. Till then, we continue training."
Reika turned to a young witch who seemed to be unable to control the fire in her hands properly. The fire weakly danced within her palms, then utterly went out. An irritated sigh left the girl as she dropped her hands.
Reika went up to her and knelt down before her. "What is your name?
Reika smiled softly. "You are trying too hard, Mira. Magic is not all about power; it's about control. Your fear is blocking your energy."
Mira cast her gaze. "I am scared, my lady. What if I do not have the strength?"
Reika leaned forward, raising the girl's chin so their eyes met. "Strength is not about how much magic you possess. It is about how one uses it. Close your eyes. Breathe."
Mira did, after a while, with lots of trepidation.
"Now," Reika said, "let the fire in you. The fire is inside of you already-you just let it flow."
A deep breath, then another, until fire slowly lit within Mira's palms, sure and steady. She gasped, wide-eyed in wonder.
"You did it!" she whispered.
Reika smiled. "You always could. Believe in yourself, Mira."
Elira reached out and laid her hand on Reika's shoulder. "The witches need moments like this. You give them hope."
Hope.
She whirled to face the knot of witches. "You are all here because you believe in something greater than fear. We are not fighting against Ariadne-we are fighting for our future, for freedom. And I promise, we shall not fall."
A murmur of resolution swept through them; their eyes, with new determination, shone.
Kael smiled wryly. "Well, that's one way to put a boost on morale."
But before Reika could respond, a sharp concussion shook the landscape.
The earth had heaved beneath their feet, and far out across the distance curled a column of thick black smoke up into the air.
Elira's eyes were wide. "That's in the direction of the village."
Reika felt her heart go cold. "Ariadne."
The other woman whirled about in a single motion and sprang to run for town, calling to her magic on-the-go, as the others took off after her:.
And by the time they made their arrival, pandemonium was already a thing in motion with buildings on fire, screaming villagers, and among these one giant monster creation apart from the rest: a great, distorted beast with lava swirling in his eyes, claws smeared with poisonous black slush.
Reika's heart was pounding-doubtlessly at an incredibly high speed. She had never in her life seen such a monster, the thing was not even a monster, but an outrage, a weapon.
Kael let his sword loose. "We need to knock that thing down before it eradicates everything."
Reika nodded. "Althea, Elira—barriers around the villagers. Protect them!"
These words were said with attentiveness towards the people as, with crackling magic in her fingers, Reika moved on.
It turned then, his soulless eyes locking onto hers. Then it let out a roar-a deafening, bone-chilling sound that shook the very air.
"Come on, then," Reika muttered, bracing herself.
With one mighty bound, the beast leaped.
Reika flung her hands up, and the gold wave of energy crashed into its chest, sliding it backward in motion.
Kael was right on in its side deep on in, into its leg. The beast let out a howl and wheeled in its fury on him.
"Kael, move!" Reika yelled.
He dodged in time and rolled to safety just when the claws tore through the air where a moment before he was standing.
Reika clenched her fists, calling for more power. She needed to end this.
With a deep breath, the Moon Goddess' energy ran through her veins; she raised her hands, and a spear of light shot radiantly, straight into the chest of the beast.
The beast shrieked,into ashes. it died.
The village stood dumbfounded in astonishment for some moments. Then cheering.
Reika exhaled hard, stumbling. Elira caught her. "Are you all right?"
Reika nodded, still trying to catch her breath. "I'm fine. But this… this was a warning."
Kael wiped his blade clean. "Ariadne knows we're resisting. She won't stop here."
Reika turned to the villagers. "We have to be prepared. This has just begun."
As she spoke, a shape coalesced in the air: the silhouette, a form-an apparition-seeing from afar. Ariadne.
Ariadne watched her right back across the gulf between them, promising wordlessly.
War has just began