As we turn the corner, a grand staircase spirals upward before us, bathed in a kaleidoscope of swirling rainbow light that seems almost alive. The light spills down the steps like a waterfall, shimmering against the cold stone walls.

"What in the hell?" I murmur, taking cautious steps forward. The glow is mesmerizing, but there's an unnatural pulse to it, a vibration that crawls under my skin.

Domnik steps beside me, his expression darkening. "This... this can't be," he mutters, his voice barely above a whisper.

I stop mid-step and glance at him. "What is it? What's wrong?"

His eyes stay locked on the light ahead. "Do you really not know what this is?"

I shake my head, gripping my sword tighter. "Should I?"

Domnik swallows hard, his voice laced with unease. "This is a Celestial Gate. The gods crafted these portals across the universe—gateways to different realms. But this one... it's different. It's legendary, unique. No one's ever seen it before, not in this world."

"Why? What's so special about it?"

"It was forged by Chaos himself," Domnik replies, his tone reverent yet fearful. "The God of Creation and Destruction. It's said to lead somewhere no one dares tread. Some say it holds the secrets of the gods; others think it's a trap meant to destroy anyone who enters. Either way, it's the only portal in existence to lead to that place."

The swirling light intensifies as we approach the top of the staircase. The room is bathed in color, shadows flickering as the portal hums with a low, melodic drone. The sight is equal parts breathtaking and terrifying.

"Is it... active?" I ask, trying to suppress the shiver running down my spine.

Domnik narrows his eyes at the swirling vortex. "Not fully. It's in some kind of low-power state, like it was just activated... or woken up." He hesitates, glancing at me. "Do you think your brother—"

Before he can finish, a deep, chilling voice echoes from the shadows behind us. "Ran inside to escape me? That he did."

I whirl around, drawing my sword in one fluid motion. From the darkness, Muthos emerges, his tall, skeletal frame illuminated by the unnatural glow of the gate. His crimson eyes burn like embers, and his lips curl into a wicked grin.

"You," I hiss, stepping forward. The air around him feels suffocating, heavy with malice.

"You know," Muthos says, ignoring the edge of my blade, "I ordered that damn Ogre to bring you to me, but he's been dragging his feet. Something about a debt you still owe him." He sneers. "I got tired of waiting, so I decided to handle this myself."

"Where's Kylen?" I shout, my voice echoing off the stone walls. My grip tightens on my sword, flames flickering faintly along its edge.

Muthos tilts his head mockingly, his grin widening. "I told you. He went inside." He gestures lazily toward the swirling portal. "Brave, isn't he? Or foolish. Either way, he's beyond my reach now. This gate... it doesn't let just anyone through. Even I am barred from entering." He sneers, as if the thought irritates him.

Domnik steps forward, his fists clenched. "What is this place to you, Muthos? What are you doing here?"

Muthos chuckles, the sound sending shivers down my spine. "Oh, don't you see? This gateway is magnificent. It's a source of power unlike anything this world has seen. Its energy twists and shapes everything near it. Haven't you noticed, Red?" His gaze locks onto mine, and there's a dark glint in his eyes. "My children, the vampires—they're evolving. This gate has made them... special. Stronger. Purer."

My mind flashes back to the vampire outside the palace gates, to its unnatural strength and speed. The pieces start to fall into place, and my stomach churns.

"You're using the gate to mutate them," I say, my voice steady despite the storm brewing inside me.

Muthos's grin deepens, revealing his sharp teeth. "Precisely. The energy here is divine, chaotic, untamed. It's perfect for creating an army worthy of my vision. But that's just the beginning."

"You're sick," Domnik growls, flames sparking in his palms.

Muthos's gaze flickers to him, unimpressed. "Oh, spare me your theatrics, boy. You're out of your depth."

I step between them, my sword alight with a fierce flame. "Enough. You want me, don't you, Muthos? Let's settle this now."

He laughs, the sound echoing through the chamber like thunder. "Settle this? Oh, Red. You misunderstand. I don't want to fight you—yet. I want to break you." His grin turns cruel. "But not here. Not now. I'll leave you to play with your little gate. Perhaps you'll follow your brother through it. Or perhaps not. Either way, I'll be waiting for you when you emerge."

Before I can respond, Muthos melts into the shadows, his laughter lingering like a ghost. The oppressive weight in the air lifts, but the tension in my chest doesn't fade.

Domnik exhales sharply. "That bastard. He's toying with us."

I nod, turning back to the portal. Its swirling light feels almost alive, beckoning. "Kylen went through there," I say softly, more to myself than Domnik. "I have to follow him."

Domnik hesitates, then steps to my side. "We both do. But we need to be ready. Whatever's on the other side... it might not be good."

I grip my sword tighter, the flame flaring brighter in response. "Then we'll face it together."

I step closer to the swirling, kaleidoscopic portal and reach out, watching as my fingers touch the edge of the shimmering light. It feels solid, like polished stained glass, cool to the touch. My hand can't pass through.

I frown, my jaw tightening. "It's not working," I mutter, glancing back at Domnik.

He steps forward and presses his hand to the swirling surface, meeting the same resistance. "Huh," he says, tilting his head. "Maybe it takes a while. Like it needs to recharge after letting Kylen through?"

"Maybe," I say, though the explanation feels too simple. My stomach churns with frustration, but I force myself to focus. At least we know where Kylen went, even if we can't follow him yet.

I lower my hand and turn toward the stairs. "We need to report this to Brenelor."

Domnik groans audibly, throwing his hands in the air. "You mean go all the way back to Celestria? Red, we just trekked through a labyrinth of death to get here. Don't you want to get your brother?"

I stop at the top of the stairs, gripping my sword hilt tightly. "Of course I do," I snap, more forcefully than I mean to. I take a breath, steadying myself. "But clearly, we can't do that right now. If Brenelor knows anything about this portal—and let's face it, she probably does—it could be the key to getting Kylen back. She asked us to look for him, and we've done that. We need more information and support, especially now that we know Muthos is involved."

Domnik crosses his arms, his lips pressing into a thin line. "So what? You think Brenelor knows more about this gate than I do? It's a Celestial Gate. This is old magic, Red. Dangerous magic."

"I'm not saying you're wrong," I reply, turning to face him. "But she might have a different perspective. She's seen more, knows more about the gods' history than either of us. This is bigger than just us, Domnik. If Muthos is using the gate's power to twist vampires into something worse, we need help."

Domnik stares at me for a long moment before sighing and shaking his head. "Okay. I just don't want to hear you freaking out later about how we should've stayed to find Kylen first."

"I won't," I promise, though my chest tightens at the thought of leaving him behind. "I'm worried, I am. But I'm willing to bet whatever's in there is better than what we just fought through. Kylen can survive a little longer, he's smart. We'll get him back. But we can't do it alone."

Domnik gives me a sidelong glance, as if weighing my words, before finally nodding. "Alright. Back to Celestria, then. But let's move quickly. I don't want to be around when more of Muthos's twisted children show up."

We descend the staircase in tense silence, the hum of the portal growing fainter behind us. Every step feels like a retreat, and I fight the nagging voice in my head telling me I'm abandoning Kylen. My grip tightens on my sword as we move through the labyrinth once more, the air thick with decay and lingering malice.

-

As we step out of the tunnel into the biting cold of the mountain's shadow, I glance back at the cave entrance. The flickering torchlight feels less like a beacon now and more like a warning.

"We'll be back," I whisper to myself, the promise burning in my chest.

Domnik claps me on the shoulder. "Come on. The sooner we get to Brenelor, the sooner we figure this out."

I nod, steeling myself. The journey back to Celestria won't be easy, but it's our only shot at stopping Muthos—and getting Kylen back.

Celestrian Palace, Celestria

———Alyse———

I stand at the corner of my room, staring into the mirror. My reflection looks just as frustrated as I feel. I hold my hand out in front of me, curling and uncurling my fingers, trying to summon something—anything. My face tightens with determination, and I grunt, as if forcing power through sheer will.

The story has been illicitly taken; should you find it on Amazon, report the infringement.

"Come on," I whisper through clenched teeth. "Do something."

Nothing happens. The air remains still, unbothered by my struggle. Frustration boils over. I grab the nearest book off the nightstand and hurl it against the wall.

"Damn it!" I shout, the sound echoing through the room.

A calm voice interrupts me. "Well, you're not going to accomplish anything like that."

I whip around toward the door, startled, and see her standing there—poised, regal, and completely at ease.

"Empress Stormcrown!" I stammer.

She offers a faint smile. "Please, call me Brenelor."

"I'm sorry, ma'am," I blurt out, embarrassed by my outburst. "I just got so mad. I was trying to see if I had powers like Red. He's my twin, after all. Wouldn't it make sense that if he has them, I would too?"

Brenelor steps into the room, her hands clasped behind her back, her gaze sharp yet not unkind. "You know," she begins, her voice measured, "I've sensed something stirring within you since the first time we met. It's subtle, but it's there—like a storm gathering on the horizon. And then..." She pauses, pulling a necklace from beneath her robes. A shimmering gemstone glints in the dim light. "I began to hear whispers."

My eyes lock onto the gem, mesmerized. "Your necklace... it whispered to you?"

She nods, her fingers brushing lightly over the stone. "This gemstone—it seems you and it may be cut from the same cloth."

"What are you saying?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Her expression darkens, her gaze fixed on the gem as though it holds memories too heavy to speak aloud. "This gemstone is no ordinary trinket. It's a relic of legend, one erased from history as a way to preserve my dominance over this land and conserve peace between the nations of man. It carries power—a power I claimed as my own when I was about your age."

She drifts off, her eyes growing distant, haunted by something unseen. The weight of her words settles over the room like a shroud.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to," I offer hesitantly.

Her eyes snap back to mine, and she nods. "No, I think you should know." She pauses, drawing a deep breath before continuing. "I found it in a cave—one my father had warned me never to enter."

Her voice lowers, and I can feel the gravity of her memory pulling us both in. The air in the room feels heavier, charged with an unseen energy.

"What happened?" I ask, stepping closer, compelled by the weight of her story.

Her fingers tighten around the gemstone. "It was dark, colder than I expected. At first, I thought it was just an ordinary cave. But deeper inside, there were symbols—etched into the walls, glowing faintly, pulsing like a heartbeat. And at the center of it all was this stone, sitting on a pedestal, waiting for me."

Her voice trails off, her eyes distant once more. I can't tell if she's reliving the moment or weighing whether to tell me the rest.

"What did you do?" I ask softly.

She hesitates, then finally answers. "I reached for it, of course. And the moment I touched it, everything changed."

The room grows eerily quiet, her words hanging in the air like a prophecy unspoken. My heart pounds as I wait for her to continue, the mystery of her past and the gemstone unraveling before me.

North Celestria, Year 990, First Era

———Brenelor Stormcrown———

The darkness of the cave yawns before me, deeper and more menacing than I'd ever dared to imagine. For years, I've stood at its entrance, staring into its void, wondering, waiting. Father's warnings have always echoed in my ears: Stay away, Brenelor. It is forbidden. But the whispers from within have haunted me, calling to me during every stolen moment.

The stories say hundreds of men vanished here when our people first settled in the High Forest, seeking riches buried in the earth. None returned. It's told as a cautionary tale, a warning for children, but I've always known it to be more. The whispers are too real, the pull too strong.

This cave is no simple tomb of myths. It holds something—something ancient, something powerful. And I believe it might hold the answer to the kingdom's suffering. The endless raids, the relentless invasions of monsters and men... if there's even a chance this place offers a solution, I must know.

Before I can stop myself, I take a step forward. My heart pounds in my chest, my instincts screaming at me to turn back. But I can't. The pull is irresistible, a hunger that must be fed.

"Stop, Brenelor," I say aloud, as if the words alone can break the spell. But my feet betray me, carrying me further.

I stand within the cave's entrance now, peering into the abyss. A chill wind gusts past, carrying the faint scent of earth and something sharper, metallic. My eyes adjust to the darkness, and I see it—a sheer descent into nothingness, with a single rope dangling over the edge.

"So this is why Father forbids the cave," I murmur with a smirk.

Gripping the rope, I test its strength before beginning my descent. The climb down feels endless, the air growing colder and thicker with every inch. Shadows cling to the walls, twisting and shifting as if alive.

When my feet finally touch the cavern floor, I release the rope and turn. There, glowing faintly in the distance, is the source of the whispers—a gemstone. It hums with a soft, ethereal light, flickering between shades of blue and violet.

Drawn to it, I step closer, my breath shallow. My fingertips brush its surface, and in that moment, everything changes.

The whispers grow louder, more insistent, until they form words, a voice. My hand wraps fully around the gem, and my vision dims. The weight in my chest builds, as if the air itself is pressing down on me. Then, I hear it.

"Brenelor..."

The voice is deep, ancient, and each word carries a power that shakes my very soul.

"Who are you?" I whisper, the words catching in my throat.

"I am Gundriasdan," it rumbles, the name reverberating through the cavern like thunder.

"What do you want?" My heart stutters, and for the first time, fear creeps into my resolve.

"I offer you what you seek—the power to save your people, to end their suffering. A gift, Brenelor. But all gifts have a price."

The words are tempting, almost irresistible. But I know better than to trust blindly. "What kind of power? And what do you want in return?"

"Storm," it says simply. "The power of the storm itself will be yours. In return, you will free me. Release me from this prison."

I glance down at the gemstone, now thrumming in my grasp. "How do I free you?"

"This stone," Gundriasdan explains, "is my cage. Remove it from its pedestal, and I will walk free once more. Do this, and I will honor my word. The power you seek will be yours."

Doubt gnaws at the edges of my mind, but the voice is so commanding, so persuasive. The thought of refusing feels like a betrayal of everything I've ever wanted.

"What do you say?" it asks, its tone almost... patient.

My hand tightens around the gemstone, and before I can reconsider, I rip it from its pedestal. The stone shatters beneath my feet, and the cave is consumed by swirling light and wind. The air crackles with energy, and before me, a gateway forms in the wall, glowing with unnatural brilliance.

"What have I done?" I whisper, stepping back as a figure emerges.

Gundriasdan steps through, its massive form towering over me. Blades of jagged steel line its body, eyes blazing with starlight, and wings that shimmer like storm clouds unfurl behind it.

"Foolish child," it growls, though there is almost a note of amusement in its voice. "Still, I am true to my word."

Lightning bursts from its jaws, striking the gemstone in my hand. The force throws me to the ground, and I watch in stunned silence as Gundriasdan spreads its wings and takes flight, vanishing into the night.

The gem crackles in my hand, then lifts into the air above my palm. A silver chain forms, wrapping around my neck as the crystal settles against my chest. Its hum fades to silence, but the air still feels charged with power.

-

The storm comes swiftly, devastating everything in its path. I sprint through the plains toward the city, the cries of my people echoing in my ears. Lightning streaks across the sky, and the earth trembles with Gundriasdan's roars.

When I reach the gates, I push through the chaos, weaving past the bodies of those I once knew. The castle looms ahead, its walls shaking under the beast's wrath.

"Father!" I cry, bursting into the throne room. He turns to me, panic etched across his face.

"Brenelor, get out of here! Find your mother!"

Before I can respond, Gundriasdan crashes through the walls, its eyes locking onto my father. Without hesitation, he draws his blade and charges.

The beast moves too quickly. Its jaws snap shut, severing my father's arm. He collapses, blood pooling beneath him.

"Death comes for you, Stormcrown," Gundriasdan growls.

My father meets its gaze, then turns to me one last time. Sparks gather in the beast's maw, and a bolt of lightning strikes him, throwing his body against the far wall. He crumples to the ground, lifeless.

"Father!" I scream, but Gundriasdan is already gone, its wings carrying it into the sky.

The sound of footsteps pulls me from my grief. I turn to see her.

"Mother..."

She rushes past me, collapsing at my father's side. Her tears fall freely as she looks up at me, her gaze full of heartbreak and rage.

"You did this," she says, pointing to the crystal around my neck. "You went into that cave. You freed that monster your father imprisoned. How could you?"

"Mother, I—"

"No!" she snaps, cutting me off. "Don't call me that. I am no longer your mother. Pack your things. Leave this city. Never return."

Her words are a dagger to my chest, but I see the truth in them. She's protecting me from the wrath of the people, from what they'll do when they learn what I've done.

She pulls my father's wedding band from his finger and presses it into my palm. Her tears don't stop as she turns away.

I slide the ring onto my finger and walk toward the stairs, each step heavier than the last.

Celestrian Palace, Year 17, Second Era, Present Day

———Alyse———

Her eyes snap back to mine, as if she's pulling herself out of the memory, forcing the past to loosen its grip.

"Your power," I ask hesitantly, "it came from the stone?"

Brenelor nods solemnly. "It did. But power like that doesn't come without a price. The moment I claimed it, my entire life was stripped away. I vowed to bring justice to that beast, and so I slayed it with the very power it granted me. With its death, the last remnants of its power were bound to this crystal. I then used that power to unite the nations of man and elf, and forged the very empire you now live in."

I glance at the gem, its shimmering depths suddenly feeling much heavier. "But what does that have to do with me? How could it be connected to me?"

She tilts her head slightly, studying me. "As I told you before, it whispered to me. And it wasn't calling for me—it was calling for you. Somehow, this power is yours. It's as if the stone has been holding it for you, waiting. Perhaps it was stolen from you long ago, gifted to that beast as part of some divine plan. Perhaps the gods themselves willed it so—that when the time was right, it would return to its rightful owner."

I shake my head, struggling to comprehend. "But why? Why would it have been taken from me at all?"

Her voice softens, almost tender. "To protect you, perhaps. Red killed a god—a Daem, but still a god. That makes him something more than mortal. And you, his twin, are something more as well. The gods may have seen your shared potential and sought to safeguard you both in their own mysterious way. This power could have been lent to me as a tool to unite the nations, but it was never mine to keep. Now that the world faces greater threats than mortal conflict, the gods may have chosen to restore it to you."

She unclasps the necklace with a deliberate motion and holds it out flat in her palm, the gemstone gleaming as if alive.

"I can't take that," I say, stepping back instinctively.

"You can and you will," she says firmly, her tone leaving no room for argument. "This power was never mine. It was always meant for you. I order you, as your Empress, to take it back."

Her words hang in the air, heavy with finality. I hesitate for a moment longer, then nod. Slowly, I reach out to take the necklace. But before my fingers touch it, the gemstone rises from her hand, hovering for an instant before it shoots toward me.

The crystal strikes my chest, and in a blinding flash of light, it shatters, shards disappearing as they dissolve into my skin. A surge of energy floods my body, so intense it steals my breath. Lightning crackles from my fingertips, sparks dancing along the ground. My vision blurs as the power pulses through me, and for a moment, I feel like I might explode.

Then it stops. The lightning fades, leaving faint scorch marks on the floor beneath me. My breath comes in shallow gasps as I look up at Brenelor. She's smiling, her expression triumphant and knowing.

"I knew it," she says softly, almost to herself. Then, more firmly: "Now, the real work begins. It's time for me to teach you everything you'll need to know."

I straighten, the lingering hum of power still buzzing in my veins. "I'd be honored."

She nods, her expression sharpening with purpose. "Good. Because if this power has returned to you, then we have little time to waste. There are forces stirring in this world, Alyse, forces that will test you beyond anything you can imagine. But you won't face them unprepared."

Her words ignite something within me—a flicker of hope, of determination. I clench my hands, feeling the static that still dances faintly across my skin. For the first time in my life, I feel like I might finally be enough. Like I might finally be ready.