In the hidden depths of the temple, the air was thick with anticipation as the High Priestess stepped into the dimly lit chamber. Flickering candles cast shadows that danced against the walls, revealing intricate carvings of dark beings and twisted symbols. Before her loomed a statue that exuded a menacing allure—sharp features and an aura of forgotten power marked it as the mother of demons, a goddess revered in secret but shunned by the masses.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmriR2mGBbA
With determination etched on her face, the High Priestess approached the statue, her obsidian robes trailing behind her like smoke. She knelt before the figure, placing her hands on the cold stone, feeling a pulse of energy beneath her fingertips.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3PG9rIHfuW
“Great Mother of Demons,” she intoned, her voice echoing through the chamber, reverberating off the ancient stones. “I summon you! Awaken from your slumber and grant me the strength I seek!”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMdl7Y5lciO
A heavy silence enveloped the room, broken only by the sound of her heartbeat. The shadows around the statue began to coil, dark tendrils swirling in response to her call.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4h8R9QEkD
“I have sacrificed for you, poured my devotion into this temple,” she continued, her breath quickening with excitement. “For too long, I have been dismissed, ridiculed! I will embrace the darkness that others fear and wield it as my own.”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVEkb6he3QR
As her voice crescendoed, the air crackled with energy, and a deep rumble resonated from the statue. The High Priestess felt the power coursing through her, her eyes igniting with an unnatural red glow. “Grant me the might to reshape this world!” she cried, the shadows intensifying around her. “With your power, I will bend the very fabric of reality to my will! I will make them pay for their scorn!”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Gi8iapnTO
In that moment, the statue seemed to pulse with life, its eyes glinting with a malevolent light. The High Priestess trembled as the darkness seeped into her, filling her with insatiable hunger. “Yes, Mother,” she whispered, her voice barely audible beneath the chaos. “Let me be your vessel.”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpFFX98fWEW
Meanwhile, in the palace, Lethyxia had been trapped in the realm of unconsciousness for nearly two weeks. Suddenly, her eyes snapped open, glowing a striking dark red. Dark tattoos slithered across her skin, curling like smoke around her limbs before vanishing just as quickly as they had appeared. As if reborn, she inhaled sharply, her expression shifting into a chilling smile as she sat upright in bed. The world outside her window beckoned to her, dark and enticing.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6D3DmIyNEJ
“Ahhh, this feels so right,” Lethyxia murmured, her voice a sultry whisper. “It’s as if I’ve finally awakened from a long, forgotten dream.”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV1ICHoYmKa
The shadows in her room flickered in response, as if in agreement. She leaned closer to the window, her smile widening. “I missed so much since I've been asleep."
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5suc2Jmnhw
Back in the temple, the High Priestess reveled in her newfound power, her loyal followers knelt around her, their voices entwined in a hushed chant, weaving a dark spell that resonated through the chamber. One acolyte, a young man with wide eyes, hesitated, his voice trembling. “Is it truly wise to invoke her? The legends say she demands much in return.”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfOaQeQUmM3
The High Priestess shot him a sharp glance, her expression fierce. “Wisdom is for the weak who fear the darkness! We are the chosen ones, destined to wield her power and restore what has been lost.” Her voice rang with authority, and the chanting grew louder, a rhythmic incantation that reverberated against the stone walls.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjxmmb0enhd
“Let the sacrifice begin!” she commanded, her voice unwavering. Two cloaked figures stepped forward, dragging a bound and trembling sacrifice into the flickering candlelight. The air thickened with tension, a shiver of fear and anticipation running through the assembled followers.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk3mXdv2siG
“Great Mother, accept this offering,” the High Priestess called, her hands clasped tightly in prayer. “In return, grant us your blessings and the power to rise above our enemies.” As she spoke, the atmosphere shifted, the temperature plummeting as a deep, resonant voice echoed through the chamber, “What a pleasant surprise awaits me here.?”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHWYtxV4u5a
The High Priestess’s heart raced, a mixture of fear and exhilaration coursing through her. “Yes, Mother! We seek your strength!”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVTm89Bgxo
The shadows coalesced, forming dark tendrils that wrapped around her, pulling her closer to the statue. The acolytes gasped, their chanting faltering as the darkness began to engulf the chamber.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHyfuHW3ha
“Feel her presence!” the High Priestess urged, her voice rising above the chaos. “Let her power flow through us!”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPbTXQm56Cg
The energy in the chamber swelled, pulsating like a living entity. “You will be my chosen one,” the voice boomed, reverberating through the temple, “but know this, power comes with a price.”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhiiSqewAg5
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6F41bpJQSj
---
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4KHljvozBV
Meanwhile, back in the orphanage, Xia lay sleeping, her dreams twisted into shadows. Unbeknownst to her, tightness gripped her lungs, a phantom pressure as if someone were choking her in the dark. Emris’s shadow, vigilant at her side, sensed the dark magic chaining her, a malevolent force creeping closer.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh9jb2mAFaP
A low growl rumbled through the shadows, echoing the urgency of the moment. “I won’t let this happen,” Emris hissed, his form shifting, dark tendrils swirling protectively around Xia. “Wake up, Xia! You must break free!”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuVLeAhkjqt
Xia stirred, her brow furrowing as she sensed the encroaching darkness. “What...who’s there?” she gasped, her voice barely rising above a whisper, fear igniting in her heart.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAXqqvrVIzV
“Stay with me,” Emris urged, his voice low and firm, almost a growl. “You are stronger than this darkness. Fight!”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk8dQALFNB8
______
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmZC6Epuzan
In the temple, the High Priestess felt the energy of the statue reaching a crescendo. “Great Mother,” she cried, her voice echoing in the chamber, “show me your will!”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVymRwBo8L
The shadows erupted, engulfing her in a swirling vortex of darkness. “You will pay the price for this power,” the voice intoned, its chilling authority wrapping around her like a vise.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2fK4UmvxYO
The High Priestess’s heart raced as she realized the gravity of her choice. “I will do whatever it takes,” she vowed, her voice steady amidst the chaos. “I am ready.”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxZw7shTnXI
Laughter echoed in the room, satisfied with the powers she wielded. "You will never regret choosing me, mother," she declared, a confident smile gracing her lips as she reveled in the surge of energy coursing through her. The ancient magic of the temple responded to her call, shimmering like stars around her.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqatSe6CZkr
In that moment, she felt invincible, as if she could bend reality itself to her will. Her mother, the High Priestess, had entrusted her with this sacred duty, and she intended to prove that her choice had been the right one.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8whCXiHofL
Suddenly, the atmosphere shifted as a cold breeze swept through the hall, extinguishing the flickering candles and sending a shiver down her spine. But her laughter continued to ring out, defiant against the encroaching shadows.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqjXzfC8vN
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwPqRPgVOkk
---
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDxXYfpfvoY
Meanwhile, in the opulent chambers of the imperial palace, Lethyxia stirred awake, her mind slowly returning from the depths of sleep. The ornate silk drapes swayed gently in the morning breeze, filtering the sunlight that poured in like liquid gold. Yet, her mind was clouded, still grappling with the memories of her dreams—visions filled with power, darkness, and an undeniable sense of purpose.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlDEY8gSAGE
As her eyes fluttered open, she was met by the startled gazes of the maids who had been tidying her room. Their gasps broke the silence, and they quickly dropped their tasks, rushing toward her.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2rtpbT09G0
“Your Highness! You’re awake!” one maid exclaimed, her voice trembling with a mix of relief and excitement.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9qSUR0QRDs
“We must inform the Emperor at once!” another maid urged, her hands fidgeting nervously. “He has been so worried about you.”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZVdcKJIpz9
Lethyxia tried to rise, but a wave of dizziness washed over her. “What happened?” she asked, her voice hoarse and uncertain.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S4atKFfgr
“You fell into a deep slumber, Your Highness,” a maid explained, her face pale. “The palace was in turmoil. The Emperor sent out the guards, fearing the worst.”
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ijc0MRnfY
"Oh," Lethyxia replied, a mixture of surprise and intrigue flickering in her eyes. She could sense that her choice was perfect. “The mirror…” she said, her voice shaky with anticipation.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOnvMwY5N4
“Here, Your Highness,” the maid said, carefully presenting the mirror with a respectful bow.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡetpWYxR7EU
Lethyxia accepted the mirror, her heart racing as she lifted it to her face. Looking into the reflective surface, she touched her face with curiosity, tracing the contours of her new features. “This is me?….” she whispered, her voice barely above a breath as she examined the striking transformation. The girl staring back at her had an air of confidence and power, a stark contrast to the uncertainties she had once felt.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbX0te4kaxu
The maids exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of admiration and concern. They quickly resumed their tasks, scurrying about the room as Lethyxia remained lost in her reflection, captivated by the woman she had become.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGhbPIziuI1
A soft breeze danced through the open window, rustling the curtains and bringing with it the scent of blooming flowers from the palace gardens. Lethyxia turned her gaze from the mirror to the window, a smile spreading across her lips. The world outside seemed vibrant and alive, filled with possibilities that stretched before her.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5695OCN66
"A new era begins," she said, her voice steady and resolute. The words hung in the air like a proclamation, resonating with the power she had felt awakening within her.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1otktMp7Hx
With the mirror still clutched in her hands, she stood and stepped toward the window, feeling the warmth of the sun on her skin. The palace grounds were bustling with activity, servants and guards moving purposefully, and in the distance, she could see the Emperor’s banners fluttering in the wind.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhIatiFLYy7
"I thought you were dead," a cold voice echoed in the room, slicing through the tense atmosphere.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE0G49r29z1
Lethyxia turned around, her eyes landing on a familiar face. "A child who looked like Rune," she remarked, recognition flashing across her features.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ba4XYVOZ2
"Ru? What?" Caelum asked, confusion mingling with concern.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUTBNNAAluM
"What are you doing here?" Lethyxia demanded, her tone sharp.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMpmmg94U0r
"Of course I'm here to check whether you're alive or not," Caelum replied sarcastically, crossing his arms defiantly.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBKZVEckVpr
Just then, Aeron appeared, pinching Caelum’s ear with a playful yet firm grip. "Ouch! Ron, that hurts!" Caelum protested, squirming away.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOhxHeSWlHL
“Why are you two shouting?” a cold voice suddenly echoed through the room. Standing tall was a man adorned in regal attire that spoke of his authority.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ42JjKNmcZD
The emperor wore simple white long sleeves and black pants, as if he had just woken up from a nap. His relaxed outfit gave him an air of casual nobility, with an unadorned elegance that contrasted with his usual regal garments.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxoHRST6w6a
"Father?" Caelum said, surprise evident in his voice.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVUVQxyqdn
"Brothers! You're here too?" Valen chimed in, joining the emperor’s side, his presence equally commanding.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc6rkjWnHTy
Lethyxia, who had been silently observing the scene unfold, felt a shiver run down her spine—not from fear, but from the anger bubbling within her. The sight of them, particularly her father and brothers, ignited a fire in her heart. They had always overshadowed her, treated her as an afterthought, and now, their surprise at her survival only fueled her frustration.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4mEECuEpH7
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnA68RaYsJY
(So this is his bloodline... Tsk... Both of his sons have awakened their gifts.)
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjSNuuyWqyR
The emperor surveyed his daughter, Lethyxia, with a mixture of pride and concern. "Lethyxia, how are you feeling?" he asked, his voice steady yet tinged with unease.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnZraJB5Wq8
She turned her gaze towards him, her expression unreadable. "I feel myself," she replied, the words carrying a weight of confidence.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjL7ylO8uq
He took a breath, trying to mask the worry brewing inside him. "We called the priestess to fully examine you," he said, a hint of authority in his tone.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfZmytVhIpA
Lethyxia nodded, her face remaining expressionless. The air between them felt charged, heavy with the implications of their lineage. She understood the significance of the moment; the awakening of their gifts was not merely a personal milestone but a herald of change for the entire empire.
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zjwctlUkL
10Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXNrVgq7xqD
