Ferox Amor by pearl

The necklace is more than just a symbol

In a vast sitting room befitting only the rich in Vascarian City, where two couples madly in love with each other, . Both had their arms wrapped around each other; Emily cradling a glass of wine, with her head perfectly rested on Blackwood's (her husband) bare chest, as they talked about how amazing their vacation went.

Suddenly, the air became tense as Emily asked how her husband intended to tell the kids that they would be transferring schools.

"Ever since Richard told us about the spy, I knew there was fire on the mountain. Honey, what are we going to do?" She asked, drawing lazy patterns on his chest.

"Don't worry, my love; we will find a way around this. Come here, babe," he said, his hand ruffling through her hair.

They were still in their world of love when.

Gra, gra,gra

Blackwood's phone rang, breaking the moment. With a voice laced with anger at whoever dared to call him at this moment, he picked up. "What?" he barked, without even checking the caller ID.

Emily couldn't help but shake her head as she looked at her husband, who looked like a child deprived of candy.

"Mr. Blackwood, Trevor, Cassie, and Sasha are in the restricted area," Victor said hastily. "How?" Blackwood asked, his chest heaving as he rose to his feet, making Emily's motherly instinct come alive as she followed him closely, trying to make out the situation.

"It's still unclear. Also, Sir Richard said you should get there ASAP. Aurora is on the loose again," Victor added hastily before hanging up the phone.

"No! No! No! Not again!" Blackwood screamed, shaking his head as he rushed towards the parking lot.

Emily, not knowing what to do, quickly grabbed Blackwood's shirt, which was lying on the sofa, and followed suit. "Honey, what is it?" she asked, as they got into the car, and she handed him his shirt.

"The kids, Mily, they are in danger; we need to stop them before they open that door. I thought it was hidden; they aren't supposed to find out about it yet, right?"

"I thought as much, but what do you expect from Richard's daughter? She has a way of unlocking even the strongest obstacles, and coupled with Aurora on the loose, I don't want to imagine anything."

"It's taking all my willpower not to teleport right now; how I wish Richard could, but the potion will surely restrain him."

"Aurora is on the loose," Emily asked, eyes widening. "But we defeated her a century ago?!"

"Wife, I don't know; we will find out when we get there," he said, increasing the car speed to its maximum.

I don't want history to repeat itself again. I can't afford to lose Zarin a second time.

It won't my love we will stop her no matter what. Nothing will happen to Trev nor Cassie. Our Zarin will not come back after a century just to leave us heart broken.He said gently enveloping her hand in his, his warm fingers wrapping around hers. Softly, as he began to rub her palm with his thumb, the gentle strokes a soothing balm to her racing thoughts.

Necklace

************_______________************

Guys, let's explore."

Cassie grinned. "Finally!"

Trevor nodded. "Stay close."

As they ventured deeper, the passageway led them to a mysterious room filled with an eerie silence.

"Wow," Cassie breathed. "What is this place?"

The room was empty except for a lone staircase, its steps disappearing into darkness.

Trevor frowned. "Why is it just stairs?"

“How did you say you discovered this place Sash” He asked looking skeptical .. She could see he was trying very hard to keep his expression in check.

“Don't tell me you're scared” I'd asked mockingly.“

why should I be?I'm not. If anyone should be scared here it's you little kitten. Or Cassie what do you think? “Don't be over confident boy even Cassie can see that you are scared”.

The ball was definitely on Cassie's court now. My eyes slowly pleaded for her to be in my support but she just ignored me

….

She wandered over to the stairs, her eyes scanning the floor.

"Guys, look!" she exclaimed.

We rushed to her side.

"What is it?" I asked.

Cassie's fingers traced the writing on the floor.

"Quod petis, in abyssis maris est" ("'The Secret thou seeketh lieth at the deepest ocean),'" she read.

Sasha and Trevor exchanged confused glances.

"Cassie, what are you doing?" Trevor asked.

Cassie's eyes sparkled. "You guys don't see it?"

I shook my head. "See what?" I asked.

Cassie's voice filled with awe. "The writing."

Trevor's brow furrowed. "What writing I can't see anything just a plain stair

Same here I butted in.

Here Cassie pointed trying to draw out attention towards it as she traced her fingers on it.

I still can't see anything ooo Trevor said just then.., the writing began to shine, illuminating the room.

And we all could see it very clear now "Quod petis, in abyssis maris est" THE SECRET THOU SEEKETH LIETH AT THE DEEPEST OCEAN” we read at the same time.

Suddenly, the staircase shifted, revealing a long, winding stairway.How did things even get to this point I asked no one in particular”.

I can still recall how I stumbled upon this place.

After Dad broke the heart wrenching news of me transferring to a new school. My first thought was to talk to Miss Priye. Off course she reassured me that I will understand everything when I come off age. Not wanting to be kept in the dark I visited the library to see if there was anything I would find out concerning the coming of age…

Now what started so simple has become Soo coplicated.

We all walked in a single file down a long line of stairs, until we finally got to the end of it.

what greeted us was a large door. It was crafted in such a way that there was only a single keyhole. It had diamonds embroidered on every side. It obviously was made of gold as it shined brightly…

“How in the whole wide world I Will supposed to pass through that door” Cassie the over dramatic queen asked.

Before I could even answered Trevor had already gone close to the door trying to figure out a way of opening it but he was flung six feet back by an unknown energy…

Shocking us all as we ran to him . He was still in shock at how much force he has been throwned.

“Oh my__ I think I've broken my spinal cord , my waist it hurts “he said trying to get back to his feet. I quickly ran to him and pulled him up trying to hold him tight so that he wouldn't slip and fall on his butt again.

Mere thinking of the view got me trying so damn hard to surpress my laughter. I know right I'm not supposed to be laughing and that's why I'm trying to hold it…

What a view of this handsome prince of mine (Trev) suddenly gets on his butt. Oh goodness I'm not supposed to be thinking of that.

I shook my head trying to remove those trashy thoughts and focus on the main issue how to get that door open.We can't go this far and end up quitting now. When we are this close

"Your necklace... could it be the key?" Cassie asked feeling a mixture of excitement and uncertainty

Sasha's hand instinctively went to the necklace.

She hesitated, No I Can't this was the Only thing my mum left behind I can't take it off. I said as my eyes was overwhelmed with emotions..

My fingers wrapped tightly around the necklace, my eyes welling up with tears.

"This necklace is more than just a symbol. It's my connection to her."

Tears streamed down my face as memories flooded my mind.

"Mom gave this to me before she left. It's the last thing she touched."

My voice cracked.

"I could still remember her smile, her laughter... her warmth.

My grip on the necklace tightened. Cass, Trev I'm sorry but I can't take this off … I don't think I'm ready yet. I said as I tried to stop the tears from flowing down my cheeks.

Sasha's body shook as sobs racked her fragile frame. Tears streamed down her face, mingling with the faint glow of the necklace.

Trevor's arms enveloped her, pulling her close as she crumpled against him.

"Ssh, Sash... I'm here, For you" he whispered, his voice trembling with emotion.

My face buried in his chest, my tears soaking through his shirt. arms wrapped tightly around him, clinging to him like a lifeline.

Trevor's hand stroked my hair, gentle and soothing.

"It's okay... Let it out," he coaxed, his heart aching with compassion.

As Sasha cried, her body trembled, releasing pent-up sorrow and fear.

Trevor held her securely, his warmth and strength a sanctuary.

Cassie watched, her eyes misty, as Trevor's gentle touch calmed Sasha's shaking.

The air was heavy with unspoken words, but in this moment, none were needed.

Sasha's tears slowly subsided, replaced by ragged breaths.

Trevor's hold remained firm, a silent promise of protection.

As I pulled back, my red-rimmed eyes met Trevor's.

"Thank you," I whispered, my voice barely audible.

Trevor's smile was soft.

"Always, Sash."

Cassie joined, her voice firm. "We're here for you, Sash."

Trevor's voice barely above a whisper.

"Sasha, I have something to tell you."

Her tear-stained face turned towards him.

His hands slowly reached out and wiped her tear

His voice filled with conviction.

"Your mom's love is still with you, in here."

He gently poked her chest.

"And we're here for you, too."

Her composure crumbled.

Trevor enveloped her in a warm hug.

"I won't let anyone take that away from you," he whispered.

Cassie joined the embrace. Its okay if you don't want to take it of .

I understand Sash, what you are going through not many of us can go through it and still stay strong.

Always know that you are the most strongest girl I'd ever meant_ Trevor continued

I do admire your courage and I swear you are a rare gem.

The Sasha I know is a strong girl that won't let anything weigh her down..

You know that time in class when you had told us “Cassie and I” how your mum took care of you and takes you out making you have whatever you want.

I was so jealous then __because all my parents wanted was to build me to become a strong man fit to take over their family business.

But now I realize that was so childish of me he chuckled as he slowly released Sash from his embrace as she threw her first on his rock hard arbs. How could you? She said as a small smile slowly etched on her face making us all laugh.

Suddenly, a voice laced with anger and frustration echoed through the chamber.

"Remove the necklace Sasha" it said.

Sasha's heart skipped a beat.

"Who's there?" she called out.

The voice replied, "Someone who's been waiting for you."

WHO?

Sasha asked trembling..