Items of Hope

Azazel was at a loss. "But I . . . I only told her the truth."

"You could have lied! At least until we're free!" Elena muttered under her breath, the restrictive hold of the dark fog intensifying with each passing second.

"I can't lie about something like this!" Azazel retorted.

"Stop being a goody-goody and start acting like a demon!" Lorelai spat, still attempting to reach Azazel with her kicks.

Ren, however, noticed a glimmer of hope amidst the stifling darkness. 

Despite the restriction on their abilities, it appeared that they could still use their items. 

A subtle realization lifted a fraction of the weight from their shoulders, providing a potential avenue for escape.

The struggle against the dark, restrictive energy intensified, and Ren and the others found themselves trapped in a paradox –– their powers sealed, yet a small window of opportunity presented through the use of their items.