The ruins of a palace (6)

In the heart of the labyrinth, the celestial guiding light that had guided Aria and Lacrosse began to fade, leaving them in darkness. The fading light had been their only means of navigating the treacherous corridors, and now they were left with uncertainty and guesswork. Aria's heart sank as she realized they were lost, their path shrouded in shadows.

To make matters worse, Lacrosse's condition deteriorated rapidly. The pain and blood loss were too much for him to bear, and he collapsed, his body weakened and on the verge of giving in to unconsciousness. Aria's heart clenched at the sight of her fallen comrade, his untapped potential now threatened by the encroaching darkness.

Aria was faced with a difficult decision. Should she use her remaining celestial energy to try and stop Lacrosse's bleeding, risking her own abilities and potentially leaving them defenseless, or should she press forward, hoping to find safety and answers in the treasure chamber? It was a choice between her loyalty to her companion and the uncertainty of the path ahead.

At that moment, Lacrosse's eyes shot open, filled with fierce determination. A surge of energy emanated from him as a vine burst forth from beneath them, attaching itself to Lacrosse's injured arm. The pain on his face was evident, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to let it overcome him. With his newly formed artificial arm, controlled by his extraordinary talent, Lacrosse spoke with resolute determination.

"Go," he urged, his voice filled with unwavering determination. "I'll be fine. Don't let my sacrifice be in vain. Find the treasure chamber and fulfill our mission."

Aria's heart swelled with both gratitude and concern as she gently lifted Lacrosse onto her back, his makeshift arm supporting him. With renewed determination, she pressed forward, the weight of her injured companion propelling her forward in the labyrinth.

Meanwhile, Valerian fought a desperate battle against the relentless waves of darkness. Despite his best efforts, every attempt to redirect the destructive force seemed to fall short. Time was running out, and the crumbling throne room showed no signs of relenting.

In the depths of the labyrinth, Aria and Lacrosse forged ahead, their steps guided by intuition and instinct. The treacherous path tested their resolve, but they persevered, fueled by a shared determination to reach the treasure chamber and uncover the truths hidden within.

Chapter 19 concluded with Aria carrying Lacrosse on her back, their resolve unshaken despite the uncertainty that lay before them. Valerian, facing his own trials, continued to search for a way to overcome the relentless darkness. The group's bonds were tested, and their strengths were pushed to the limit, as they faced the labyrinth's challenges together, their ultimate destination still shrouded in mystery.