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The Immortal’s Vow A Flicker of Comfort
Zarekth had been gone for a long time, it felt, and Lyra was left to the silence; except for the crackle of dying embers from the fire. The night seemed to burn along at a crawl, and in the absence of her cell phone's hum and a ticking clock, the passage of time became some sort of oblivious blur, a smothering vacuum. She stared up at the stars, trying to gauge how long it had been since he'd gone, but there was no answer across the sky.Her mind wandered to thoughts of her life. She could envision her friends, their faces etched in her mind, and if they had noticed she was missing.What would they be doing right now?Were they out searching for her? Her parents—had they called the police, or organized search parties? The possibility of being declared missing hovered over her like a dark cloud. For a moment, she almost longed for the simplicity of home, where technology could keep her connected and offer some semblance of control.Here, though, she had nothing. Just the stars, the
The Immortal’s Vow Awkward Encounters
Lyra awoke to the soft sounds of movement nearby. Blinking her eyelids open, she watched Zarekth squat next to the remains of their campfire and carefully snuffed out the remaining embers. A subtle dawn light made its way across the horizon, spreading faint light all over the scene. The cold air of the morning hit her and sent her slightly shivering as she sat up.Zarekth noticed her stirring. “It’s dawn. About time that we leave,” he declared impassively, looking elsewhere. Lyra arched her back, bothered by the discomfort of her muscles affected by the previous day’s journey, although not as intense as it had been. Food and water had given her sustenance, enough to keep going.She rose, and brushed dirt from her clothes, and nodded.“I’m ready," she remarked, feeling more energized and awake than in days.They set off in silence, the quiet of the early morning surrounding them as they walked.The ground beneath them was hard and uneven, but Lyra barely noticed. She kept glancing at
The Immortal’s Vow Threads of Destiny
The gods and goddesses gathered under a vast celestial dome, their presence filling the air with an ethereal hum. The ancient hall of Elysium stood at the center of a realm untouched by mortal eyes, where the stars above seemed close enough to grasp.Assembled were deities whose very existence wove the fabric of reality, and tonight, they convened for a singular, unsettling reason: Zarekth had awakened.Nyxara, the weaver of fate, time, and destiny, stood at the head of the assembly, her midnight blue hair shimmering like the phases of the moon as it shifted to silvery hues. Her violet eyes, which held the secrets of countless eras, scanned the gathering. She could feel the weight of the moment—the threads of destiny were taut, poised to unravel in unpredictable ways.Kyrion, the god of nature and animals, was the first to break the silence. His emerald eyes, ever wise and deeply connected to the natural world, narrowed as he spoke, his voice echoing with the sound of rustling leaves
The Immortal’s Vow Crossing the Crystal Sea
Lyra stood at its shore, breathless. Before her lay the sea, a more-than-imagined mirror, its surface catching the light from these distant stars and reflecting them back in a kaleidoscope of shimmering hues. The water seemed much more like liquid glass than it resembled water, each ripple sending shimmy arcs of light across its surface. It was unlike anything she had ever seen.“Wow," she whispered, her voice swallowed by the quiet beauty of it all.The sea spread endlessly, it seemed into the distance, making its horizon join with the starry sky above, as if the world was endless.This left her wonder-struck; she was fascinated immediately by what lay under the water's surface.At first, she thought it was the starlight reflection, but then she saw the large shapes: shadowy figures underwater, moving delicately and slowly. It wasn't until one of the creatures breached the surface that she saw it in full: a whale, but unlike any whale from her world. This one seemed to be carved fro
The Immortal’s Vow The Starwhales’ Fury
Lyra and Zarekth had found their rhythm in the swirling waters of the Crystal Sea. Each step had been deliberate, carefully timed to the haunting song of the starwhales. The tension that had gripped them since the journey began started to ebb away as they moved forward. Lyra felt a sense of relief. Maybe, just maybe, they were going to make it.The glittering trail they were already walking had emerged under their toes as a delicate pathway, always curving with each bearing but strong enough to take them across the dangerous gap.The starwhales swam beneath, their glowing forms lighting the depths as they continued their song. Lyra kept her eyes fixed ahead, refusing to look down at the abyss beneath them. One misstep, and the sea would claim them both."Almost there," she murmured to herself.It was still uncertain if it was true or just made up for the need sake.But Zarekth’s silence unnerved her. He walked a few paces ahead, his eyes sharp, his jaw tight. The god seemed lost in
The Immortal’s Vow Breaking Point
The air felt different here, sharp and biting, and the land stretched out in jagged rock formation and steep inclines. Behind them lay the Crystal Sea, its shimmering beauty long forgotten in the wake of their near-death escape. Now, only cold silence filled the gap between them, tension crackling in the air like electricity.The damp ground squelched beneath Lyra's boots as she trudged on, her hair plastered against her face and still dripping from their ordeal. She coughed, the tightness in her chest from exhaustion. With every step, her anger welled higher.She could have drowned.She could have died—and Zarekth had just left her there.The scene replayed in her mind as he had turned away from her, leaving her to the whims of fighting for her life against the enclosing waters. If it wasn't due to mere luck, or perhaps due to stubborn determination, she would have been at the bottom of that sea.She couldn’t stay quiet anymore.“Are you just going to keep walking?” Lyra’s voice
The Immortal’s Vow Embers of Tension
They sat in a cave….Lyra sat cross-armed, watching the fire-mottled shadows dance around her from the fire that Zarekth had helped her build. Of course, she hadn't wanted his help, and she'd made that as clear as possible, but as was typical, he'd dismissed her protests and had done what he thought was best without so much as asking her opinion.It infuriated her.Her body was stiff and aching, exhaustion deep within her bones after their long journey, the cold bite of the wind still nibbling her skin. But despite the warmth of the fire and temporary safety of the cave, Lyra's mind was anything but at ease.Zarekth’s presence felt heavy, as though the air itself thickened whenever he was near.After the argument earlier, she had been trying to distance herself from him—not just physically, but mentally. She didn't need him. She would survive on her own, no matter how overwhelming and alien this world was. Zarekth had made abundantly clear that her survival wasn't his concern, so why
The Immortal’s Vow The Forest’s Test
The sun had barely begun its ascent when Lyra and Zarekth reached the outskirts of the Gloomwood Forest. Daylight notwithstanding, the forest stood out as a looming dark phantom, its immense trees reaching for the sky, the summits hidden in a tangled, misty canopy. The way forward was lost in darkness and fog draped low along the ground like ghostly pale hands with the intent of taking them.Lyra involuntarily shivered with each step closer to the forest, her nervousness increasing with every minute that passed. The air in this place was heavy, smothering, as if it was all about to crush her from every direction.She shot a glance at Zarekth, who stood beside her with his usual calm indifference, but there was something different in his gaze. His jaw was set, and his eyes, cold as ever, gleamed with faint recognition as he looked into the depths of the forest.“We’re here,” Zarekth said, his voice low, almost a growl. “The Gloomwood Forest.”Lyra glanced back at the trees, feeling a
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- The Immortal’s Vow
The Balance of Power
Tharion carefully placed a weathered tome on the table, its aged leather cover showing cracks, accompanied by scrolls that exuded an equally ancient air. A solitary lantern illuminated the room, casting elongated shadows on the stone walls. Lyra and Viana, consumed by curiosity, leaned in closer, their eyes gleaming with interest. “Alright,” Tharion commenced in a scholarly yet eager manner, “let's delve into the fundamentals—how Nerathia came into existence.”Lyra, feigning composure despite the myriad of questions bubbling within her, rested her chin on her hand. The sense of anticipation surged through her, though she strived not to disrupt the narrative unfolding before her.Turning the fragile, yellowed pages of the book, Tharion's lips curled into a faint smile as his fingers delicately traced the text. It seemed as though he had traversed the tale countless times, yet still found marvel in its words.“An era preceding mortals, cities, or even the notion of time, Nerathia lay
- The Immortal’s Vow
The Pursuit of Knowledge
Tharion guided Lyra and Viana through the winding corridors of Valestra, the soft echo of their footsteps reverberating against the ancient stone walls. The flickering glow of enchanted lanterns bathed their path in a pale, ethereal light. The day’s events had left Lyra’s muscles sore, but the faint smell of parchment and ink in the air brought a strange comfort, reminiscent of the library back home. They entered a modest chamber with three neatly arranged beds and a table cluttered with scrolls and ink pots. Tharion paused, gesturing around with a bright smile. “You’ll rest here. Not bad, eh? Well, as much as one can expect while journeying with a god of chaos.” He glanced around as if expecting Zarekth to appear from the shadows. When he didn’t, Tharion shook his head. “Where is he? Wandering off, I suppose. Typical gods, always mysterious.” He looked back at Lyra and Viana, his face alight with excitement. “Still, I can’t believe it. You’re traveling with Zarekth. Do
- The Immortal’s Vow
The City of Scholars
The towering gates of Valestra, the City of Scholars, loomed before them, their intricate carvings glinting faintly under the soft glow of enchanted lanterns. The gates were vast, an imposing wall of engraved knowledge and symbols of wisdom, as though every inch carried the weight of history. Beyond them, faint murmurs of life could be heard—footsteps, low voices, and the hum of magic weaving through the air.Zarekth, Lyra, and Viana approached cautiously, their journey weary yet purposeful. Two magicians, clad in flowing robes lined with silver runes, emerged from their posts near the gate, their staff glowing faintly with defensive magic. Their expressions were stern, their gazes sharp as they surveyed the strangers before them.“Halt!” One of them commanded, his voice as crisp as the cold night air. “Who seeks entry into Valestra? Strangers are not welcome without cause.”Lyra tensed, clutching her bow instinctively. Viana stepped closer to her, though her own knives were sh
- The Immortal’s Vow
The Distance Between
The ruins stood like a forgotten monument, its jagged stones and crumbled walls offering shelter from the night’s chill. The distant wind whispered through the ruins, carrying the last remnants of the battle they had just escaped. Lyra’s breath came in shallow gasps, her body tired but her mind racing from the encounter. She had barely noticed the minor scratches that lined her arms and face, too preoccupied with the danger that had almost claimed them.Viana, ever the healer, moved swiftly to her side. “You’re lucky, Lyra. Nothing too serious here,” she murmured as her hands glowed with healing light, closing the shallow cuts with a practiced touch.Lyra nodded, grateful for the comfort, but her eyes drifted toward Zarekth. The god’s face was strained, his jaw clenched as he stood, trying to ignore the pain radiating from his side. The slash was deep, the blood oozing from the wound in thick golden rivulets. Lyra’s heart skipped at the sight—gods didn’t bleed red, as mortals di
- The Immortal’s Vow
The Creatures of the Night
The dwindling fire barely illuminated the camp, casting subtle, flickering shadows. The night remained tranquil, disturbed only by the occasional leaf rustling in the breeze and the soft crackling of the embers. Lyra and Viana rested on their bedrolls, swathed in their cloaks, the fire's warmth easing them into a profound slumber.Zarekth, ever vigilant, had drifted into a restless slumber, though his mind never fully left the surrounding woods. Even in sleep, his senses remained sharp, attuned to any threat that may arise.And something was coming.The unfolding events began with a mere whisper, a faint and fragmented murmur that hovered on the fringes of consciousness. Subsequently, the ambient temperature plunged, shrouding the camp in a chilling embrace, while shadows seemed to lengthen ominously. An array of peculiar sounds permeated the atmosphere: soft skittering, faint rustling, and indistinct murmurs, suggestive of a veiled observer, a silent presence lingering nearby. As
- The Immortal’s Vow
The Unseen Threat
The forest was alive with the murmurs of dusk—leaves rustling in the breeze, branches creaking under the weight of night-dwelling creatures, and distant howls echoing in the cool air. Lyra crouched low behind a jagged stone, her fingers tightening around the smooth wooden shaft of a borrowed bow. Viana knelt beside her, whispering instructions that only half-registered in Lyra’s buzzing mind.“Steady your hands, keep your eyes on the target,” Viana murmured, pointing toward their prey—a deer grazing in a moonlit clearing not far ahead. Its ears twitched as if sensing danger, though it continued its meal, oblivious to the two figures hidden among the shadows.Lyra exhaled deeply, feeling her heartbeat resonate loudly as she pulled the string back. Her muscles quivered under the unfamiliar strain, yet her anticipation overshadowed any physical discomfort. Peering intensely along the arrow's path, she observed her breath forming mist in the crisp air. Her focus narrowed to a singular
- The Immortal’s Vow
A Taste of Malice
The air reeked of sulfur and decay. Shadows swayed unpredictably on the uneven walls, driven by a restless, simmering fire casting erratic flickers in the heart of the chamber. Within the vast expanse, skeletal remains, devoid of flesh, stood in rows, their empty sockets giving an impression of a perpetual, haunting gaze.The oppressive heat of the place made even the darkness feel alive, writhing with malicious intent.From the depths of the gloom came laughter—low and guttural at first, then rising into a cacophony of voices, each more twisted and deranged than the last.“Awake. Awake!” one voice hissed, its tone dripping with mockery. “The son of Aureon lives again. Can you believe it?”Laughter rippled through the chamber, sharp and biting, like claws scraping against stone.“Foolish,” another voice sneered. This one was deeper, a slow rumble that seemed to shake the very ground beneath. “He should have remained buried, forgotten. Who dared disturb the seal?”A third voice join
- The Immortal’s Vow
Fractured Memories
The group rested beneath the canopy of stars, the firelight flickering low as the chill of the night settled in. Lyra and Viana had drifted into peaceful sleep, their figures wrapped snugly in soft, woven cloaks that bore the craftsmanship of Sylvaen’s villagers. The faint sounds of their steady breathing blended with the crackle of the dying embers and the occasional rustle of leaves stirred by the cool wind.Zarekth, seated a few paces away from the campfire, allowed himself to close his eyes. Just for a moment.He rarely afforded himself this luxury, knowing how vulnerable it made him. But tonight, weariness lingered at the edges of his thoughts, pressing down with a weight even he couldn’t ignore. His eyelids drooped, and in the obscurity behind them, remnants of something long concealed began to awaken. A whisper—initially faint and indistinct—intricately wove its way into his consciousness, gradually increasing in volume with each fleeting second.The words were foreign, sh
- The Immortal’s Vow
The Road to Valestra
Zarekth scowled, his patience already wearing thin. He cast a cold glance at Viana, who stood before him with a determined look in her eyes and a travel bag slung over her shoulder. The sight of her preparing to join their journey only added to his irritation. It was enough that Lyra had been thrust into his path—an unexpected weight he hadn’t asked for—but now this? Another mortal tagging along? He released a quiet exhale, gently squeezing the bridge of his nose.“You should go back,” Zarekth said, his voice flat and commanding. “This journey isn’t for you. It’s dangerous, and you’ll only slow us down.”Viana tilted her head proudly, indifferent to the biting coolness of his refusal. "I'm no longer a child," she said in a steady tone.“Alda knows that, which is why she let me leave. I’m seeking a better future, and I’ll find my own path when the time comes. But for now, I’ll travel with you both.”Lyra, standing at Viana’s side, crossed her arms and looked at Zarekth with a raise
