Queen Of Darkness

Chapter Seven: The Journey Begins

Kali and Mason stood at the edge of Crescent Valley, the towering peaks of the northern mountains looming in the distance. The path to the Sanctuary of Shadows would be treacherous, but the promise of answers drove them forward.

"We have everything we need?" Mason asked, adjusting his backpack.

Kali nodded, her bag securely fastened and filled with the essentials they had gathered. "Yes. Let's get moving. The sooner we start, the sooner we find the Oracle."

They set off, their footsteps crunching on the gravel path. The forest around them gradually thickened, the air growing cooler and the light dimmer as they ascended. Birds chirped and leaves rustled, but the underlying tension in the air reminded them of the gravity of their mission.

Hours passed, the climb becoming steeper and more challenging. They took a brief rest on a rocky outcrop, the view of the valley below a stark contrast to the rugged terrain ahead.

"Kali," Mason began, his voice breaking the silence. "Have you thought about what you'll ask the Oracle? What you want to know?"

Kali stared into the distance, her thoughts a whirlwind. "I want to know about my parents, about the power I possess, and how I can use it to help our people. And I want to understand why they had to hide me."

Mason reached out, his hand resting on hers. "Whatever we discover, remember that you are stronger than you think. We'll face it together."

Kali squeezed his hand, drawing strength from his unwavering support. "Thank you, Mason. I don't know what I'd do without you."

They resumed their journey, the path becoming more perilous as they climbed higher. By late afternoon, they reached a narrow gorge, the entrance to the mountains proper. A faint trail led upward, disappearing into the mist.

"According to the map, we need to follow this trail," Mason said, studying the parchment they had found in the library. "It should lead us to a series of markers that will guide us to the Sanctuary."

They pressed on, the trail becoming more rugged and less defined. As twilight descended, they spotted the first marker—a stone pillar engraved with ancient runes.

"This must be it," Kali said, examining the pillar. "The runes are a guide. We need to follow them."

Night fell, and the forest around them grew eerily silent. The moonlight provided just enough illumination to see the faint trail and the occasional marker. Despite the darkness, Kali felt a sense of purpose guiding her steps.

After hours of hiking, they reached a small clearing, the next marker visible in the center. Exhausted, they decided to make camp for the night.

As they set up their tent, Mason glanced at Kali. "Do you think we'll find the Sanctuary tomorrow?"

Kali nodded, her eyes reflecting the firelight. "I hope so. We're getting closer. I can feel it."

They shared a simple meal, the crackling fire providing warmth and comfort. As they settled into their sleeping bags, the sounds of the night enveloped them.

Kali's mind drifted to the journal, the words of her parents echoing in her thoughts. The journey ahead was daunting, but she knew she had to face it. For her parents, for Mason, and for herself.

The night passed quietly, and as dawn broke, they continued their ascent. The air grew thinner, the temperature dropping as they climbed higher. By midday, they reached a plateau, the final marker standing before a large, ornate door carved into the mountainside.

"This is it," Mason said, his voice filled with awe. "The Sanctuary of Shadows."

Kali approached the door, her heart pounding. The runes on the door glowed faintly, responding to her presence. She reached out, her fingers brushing the cold stone.

As the door slowly creaked open, a sense of anticipation and fear washed over her. The answers she sought were within reach, but what would they reveal?

With Mason by her side, Kali stepped into the darkness, ready to uncover the secrets of her heritage and the true extent of her powers.