Page 397 of Evil Hearts

Chapter Eight

Elena crouched low,her heart pounding as she approached the entrance to the cult’s lair. Tendrils of darkness curled around the ancient stone archway, beckoning her closer. The shadows seemed to pulse with a life of their own, urging her forward into the unknown with her newest allies.

With a nod to a gargoyle’s who’s name she hadn’t even had a chance to learn, she watched as his dark-purple, stony fingers wrapped around the seam of the door and tugged it outward. She slipped inside, her footsteps silent on the cold stone floor. Goosebumps pricked her skin as the temperature dropped, chilling her to the bone. The air was thick with the scent of incense and the faint hum of energy, a reminder of the danger lurking within.

Elena took a shaky breath, steeling herself. There was no turning back now. Aldric needed her. She barely knew him, but she knew she was drawn to him in ways she wanted to continue to explore.

Creeping forward, she hugged the rough-hewn walls, allowing the deep shadows to conceal her form. The incense grew stronger, cloying and suffocating. It made her head swim.

What horrors could we bump into in this unholy place?The thought chilled her more than the frigid air. Images of darkrituals and blood sacrifices flashed through her mind.No. Focus, Elena. For Aldric.

She reached a hand out, fingers trailing along damp stone as she advanced step by cautious step. Deeper into the abyss. Somehow the men in front and behind her made no noise despite their bodies still appearing to be made from stone, just as Aldric’s appeared.

The labyrinthine corridors twisted and turned, a never-ending maze of darkness and despair. Elena’s resolve hardened with every step, her determination to save Aldric outweighing the fear that threatened to overwhelm her.

“He’s close,” one of the gargoyle-men rumbled, his deep voice echoing through the narrow passages. “I can sense his presence.”

Elena nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She couldn’t shake the feeling that they were being watched, unseen eyes tracking their every move.

Suddenly, the corridor opened up into a vast chamber, the vaulted ceiling disappearing into the gloom. Elena squinted, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. And there, at the center of the room, was Aldric.

He was bound and helpless, his once-proud form slumped against the cold stone floor. Elena’s heart ached at the sight, tears pricking the corners of her eyes. He was as human as he could be, but he looked so much smaller than he did the last few times they’d met.

“Aldric,” she breathed, taking a step forward.

He lifted his head, his piercing emerald eyes locking with hers. In that moment, the world fell away, and it was just the two of them, lost in a sea of emotion.

“Elena,” he rasped, his voice hoarse with pain. “You shouldn’t have come. It’s too dangerous.”

She shook her head, a fierce determination burning in her chest. “I couldn’t leave you here, Aldric. I won’t let them hurt you anymore.”

Elena turned to the guardians, their stony faces etched with concern. “We need to get him out of here, now.”

They nodded, moving forward to cut Aldric’s bonds. But even as they worked, Elena couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. The air was too still, the silence too heavy.

And then, from the shadows, a figure emerged, his presence commanding and sinister. Elena’s blood ran cold as she recognized the face of their enemy, Lucien.

“Well, well, well,” he drawled, his voice dripping with malice. “What do we have here?”

Lucien’s eyes gleamed with malevolent delight as he surveyed the scene before him. “The brave little art historian, come to rescue her beloved guardian.” His mocking laughter echoed through the chamber, sending chills down Elena’s spine.

Elena met his gaze, her eyes burning with determination. “You won’t win, Lucien. We know the truth about the curse, and we will stop you.” Her words were sharp and precise, a challenge aimed at unsettling his composure.

Lucien’s smile only widened, a predatory grin that spoke of his confidence. “Do you truly believe you can defeat me, Elena? I hold all the power here.” He gestured to the shadows, where the silhouettes of his followers lurked, ready to strike at his command.

“You underestimate us, Lucien. We have something you lack, my blood connects them to their maker.” Her voice rang out clear and strong, a rallying cry for her allies.

Lucien’s eyes narrowed, a flicker of annoyance crossing his features. It seemed this darling woman had forgotten just who he was. “Pretty words, but they mean nothing in the face of true power.” He took a step forward, his aura pulsing with darkenergy. “I will crush you and your pathetic guardians, and then nothing will stand in my way.”

“You’re wrong, Lucien. Love, loyalty, and the unbreakable ties that bind us together will always triumph over your twisted ambitions.I won’t act like I understand our secrets and our pasts, but I plan on learning them.” Her words carried a weight that seemed to fill the chamber, a declaration of defiance against the forces of darkness.

Lucien’s laughter took on a cruel edge. “We shall see, Elena. We shall see.” With a wave of his hand, he summoned forth his minions, their eyes glinting with malice as they advanced upon the group.

He let his lips curl into a sneer as he circled Elena, his footsteps echoing in the cavernous chamber. “You think you understand the curse, but you know nothing of its true power.” His voice dripped with condescension, each word a calculated barb meant to unsettle her resolve.

Elena held her ground, her eyes tracking his movements. “I know more than you think, Lucien.” She lifted her chin, a glint of defiance in her gaze. “The curse was born of jealousy and spite, a twisted act of vengeance by a scorned lover. It holds no true power beyond what Cassandra imbued it with.”

His face twisted, his composure cracking for the briefest of moments before he set it back into a firm line. “You dare speak her name?” He hissed, his hand clenching into a fist. “Cassandra’s power was unmatched, and her legacy lives on through me, her firstborn son.”

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