Page 204 of Crimson Promises
Haziel searched my eyes. “Yes, Lucifer was beloved amongst the people and most of the Originals. It wasn’t until the decision to make the castes that he rebelled against the Almighty. But he was never secret about his desire for ambition and power to ascend the throne and reign over the realms.”
Ben's voice was resolute and determined. "We cannot let the relic fall into the wrong hands, be it Lucifer's or anyone else's. We must explore if there's a chance to use its power for good. But we must also be prepared to protect it from those who would misuse it."
"You carry the burden of choice, Aurora and Ben,” Haziel began, his eyes reflecting the weight of our shared responsibility. “Sensing your skepticism, I must inform you that there are additional tests to determine if you can withstand the relic's power and not be consumed by the negative energies it can unveil."
Ben gave me a determined glance, a silent promise that this challenge would prove himself. I cradled the hope that was beginning to brighten within me. It had been snuffed out but yearned to sprout and grow.
I bit my lip. Had we been back at ACU, I would have never looked at him again. But the stakes were different here. Ben was the closest thing I had to an ally. We had to see this through—whatever it was.
I’d give him thisonelast chance. I didn’t have much of a choice otherwise.
With a terse nod, I returned to Haziel, ready to accept the test. "We accept the challenge," I declared, my voice sounding steadier than I felt.Here goes nothing. Again.
Ben's expression mirrored my determination as he added, "We're willing to prove ourselves worthy of the relic."
Haziel's eyes held a sense of both caution and hope. "Very well. The test will reveal your strength and the purity of your intentions. It may be challenging, but it is necessary to ensure that the relic's power is not misused." With a wave of his hand, the chamber seemed to shift and transform. "The trial will test your ability to resist temptation, to overcome your emotional constructs for the greater good. The relic can unveil desires and fears that can consume the heart and cloud judgment. It would be best if you remained focused on your mission. You will not be able to leave until you fulfill the terms to the relic’s satisfaction or find your mind will forever be trapped in a nightmare of your own making. Beware.”
The world again transformed until my boots hit solid ground.Here goes nothing.
* * *
The uproar of laughter, shouting, and howls intensified as we entered a colossal arena. I squinted as I spun around. We had been dropped in an arena reminiscent of the Colosseum. The faces of those in the stands were blurry.They're not real, just a product of this simulation, I chanted like a mantra.
A hollow voice resonated through the stadium. "You have come far. Your final trial awaits. Do not fail now." The crowd's laughter rose at the mention of our potential failure.
I clenched my fists.We willnotmeet our end in this bizarre arena.We had overcome trials before, and we would do so again.
The ground trembled beneath us as a platform ascended from the far end of the arena, bearing two figures with brown sacks obscuring their faces. They shifted nervously, trying to decipher the murmurs that spread like ripples through the stadium.
The voice overhead echoed once more. "Your task will be different for each figure standing before you both."
In front of each of the individuals was a frosted bell jar.
The hood of the first figure was magically removed—Lucifer. How could he even be here?
Lucifer looked around the arena, bewildered. He was dressed in a black suit. Like usual, it hugged every dip and curve of his muscles. The tailoring was impeccable, and the fabric appeared freshly pressed.
His pupils dilated a fraction when his eyes found me roughly a dozen feet from him.
“What am I doing here?” He demanded. His lips pressed into a white slash.
All I could do was shrug my shoulders in response. I had no more information than Lucifer did.
Ben’s entire body went rigid.
“Aurora,” the voice boomed over us. “Proceed to stand in front of the first jar, horizontal to the first figure.”
I made my way across the aisle with the feel of Ben’s gaze burning a hole in my back.It’s not like I’m the one who summoned Lucifer here.
I didn’t understand what he was doing here. Haziel directly expressed his concerns about the relic being used around Lucifer. He shouldn’t have anything to do with the trial.
Once I approached the dais, the voice delivered further instructions. “Aurora. The relic possesses the unique ability to reveal the interconnectedness of all things. It allows users to see the ties and threads that link souls, hearts, and fates together. It can perceive the bonds that exist even if you do not yet wish to acknowledge them.”
“What does that have to do with Lucifer being here?” I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. I agreed to participate in the trials; I didn’t have to be polite during the process.
“A bond exists between you and the Prince of Hell.”
“Yes, one of hatred. If you weren’t aware, Lucifer kidnapped me and has refused to let me leave. He plans on using me and my powers. That’s the only type of bond that exists between us.”
