The ruins of a palace (5)

The battle raged on in the crumbling throne room as the whispers of darkness grew more intense. The destructive wave unleashed by Malevolus wreaked havoc, causing the very foundations of the room to tremble. With each passing moment, Valerian found himself in a dire predicament, unsure of how to overcome the overwhelming odds stacked against him.

The room around Valerian began to disintegrate, debris falling from above as cracks spread across the once majestic walls. Time seemed to be slipping away, and he knew he had to act swiftly. The weight of responsibility pressed upon him, his mind racing for a solution that could turn the tide.

As Valerian desperately searched for an opening, Aria and Lacrosse raced forward, their footsteps echoing through the crumbling corridors. Aria's mind was filled with concern for her wounded companion. She knew they had to reach the treasure chamber quickly to find a means of healing and respite.

In a moment of desperation, Aria reached out, attempting to connect with a celestial being for guidance and assistance. However, her attempts were met with silence. The celestial energies that usually flowed through her seemed distant and unresponsive. It was as if a veil had been drawn between her and the celestial realm.

With no other choice, Aria made a fateful decision. She consumed the remaining guiding celestial light, hoping that it would guide them directly to the treasure chamber. The light surged within her, filling her with its power, but she couldn't help but wonder if she had made a grave mistake by using it all at once.

Together, Aria and Lacrosse pressed forward, their path illuminated by the fading celestial light. The corridors twisted and turned, a labyrinthine maze testing their determination and resolve. Each step was a risk, as they didn't know if another trial awaited them or if they would encounter even greater dangers.

Lacrosse's wounds pained him with every stride, but he gritted his teeth, his determination unyielding. He knew that their survival depended on reaching the treasure chamber, where answers and solace awaited. With each passing obstacle, Lacrosse's hidden talents flickered, urging him to push beyond his limits.

Chapter 18 concluded with Aria and Lacrosse venturing deeper into the crumbling ruins, their path illuminated by the fading celestial light. Valerian, locked in a fierce battle against the overwhelming darkness, struggled to find a way to prevail. The throne room continued to crumble around him, time slipping through his fingers. The fate of the group hung in the balance as they fought against time, uncertainty, and their own limitations, their paths converging toward an uncertain yet pivotal destination—the treasure chamber.