The journey through the forest felt different now, charged with anticipation and purpose. Each step Aiden took resonated with the echoes of his past, guiding him toward an uncertain future. Lila, Elias, and Selene walked beside him, their presence a steadying force as the shadows of the trees loomed taller around them.

“We should split up,” Selene suggested as they approached the edge of the forest, where the terrain began to shift into the rolling hills beyond. “The longer we stay in one place, the easier it will be for the Harbingers to find us. Lila and Elias, you two should check the nearby towns for information. Aiden and I will head to the old ruins across the valley; they’re rumored to be connected to the demigods.”

“Are you sure that’s wise?” Lila asked, her brow furrowed. “What if the Harbingers are already there?”

Selene met her gaze, her expression unwavering. “We don’t have the luxury of time. We need to act quickly and decisively.”

Aiden felt the weight of her words. “We’ll be careful. We’ll communicate through the link if anything seems off.”

“Good,” Elias chimed in, looking at Aiden. “Just remember, we’ve got your back, no matter what.”

As they exchanged nods, Aiden felt a surge of gratitude for his friends. This journey wasn’t just about uncovering the past; it was about forging a new future together.

With a final wave, Lila and Elias set off toward the nearest town, while Aiden and Selene turned toward the old ruins. The path ahead was steep, winding through thick underbrush and jagged rocks. Aiden focused on his breathing, letting the rhythm of his footsteps calm his racing thoughts.

“Do you think we’ll find answers at the ruins?” Aiden asked, breaking the silence between them.

Selene walked beside him, her silver hair catching the light of the fading sun. “It’s possible. The ruins were once a sacred place for demigods—a nexus of power and knowledge. If there’s any trace of your father’s legacy, it may be there.”

Aiden nodded, determination fueling his steps. The shadows of doubt still clung to him, but he refused to let them control him. He was ready to confront the truth, whatever it might reveal.

As they neared the ruins, the air shifted, growing heavy with an electric charge. Aiden glanced at Selene, who seemed to sense it too. “Stay alert,” she cautioned, her eyes scanning the surroundings. “The Harbingers may not be far behind.”

When they reached the clearing, Aiden’s breath caught in his throat. The ruins loomed before them, ancient stone pillars jutting from the ground like the fingers of a long-buried giant. Vines wrapped around the remnants, reclaiming the land, but the energy thrumming beneath the surface was undeniable.

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“Let’s split up and search,” Selene suggested, her tone urgent. “Look for anything that might hint at your father’s past or this woman from your vision.”

Aiden nodded, and they both began to explore the ruins. He ran his fingers over the cool stone, tracing the intricate carvings that depicted scenes of battles and ancient gods. Each image seemed to pulse with life, whispering stories of power and sacrifice.

As he wandered deeper into the ruins, he noticed a smaller structure that appeared more intact than the others. The doorway was partially obscured by foliage, but the symbols around it were different—more intricate, more powerful. He felt an instinctive pull, as if something within called out to him.

“Aiden!” Selene’s voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see her standing at the entrance of the smaller structure, her expression one of awe mixed with concern. “Come look at this.”

He hurried to her side, heart pounding in anticipation. Inside the small structure, the walls were adorned with swirling designs, the air thick with a palpable energy. At the center, a pedestal stood, a single object resting upon it—a silver amulet, glimmering even in the dim light.

“What is it?” Aiden asked, stepping closer.

“This is an heirloom of the demigods,” Selene explained, carefully picking up the amulet. “It’s said to amplify the powers of its wearer, but it can also serve as a beacon, calling upon the storm when needed.”

Aiden’s breath caught. “It belonged to my father?”

“It could very well be,” Selene replied, her fingers delicately tracing the symbols etched into the amulet. “But it comes with a warning. This kind of power demands respect. If you choose to wear it, you must be prepared to face its consequences.”

Aiden took a step back, uncertainty creeping in. “What kind of consequences?”

“The kind that can attract attention—both good and bad. The Harbingers will feel its call, and if they find out you possess it...”

“They’ll come for me,” Aiden finished, dread settling in his stomach.

Selene nodded. “But it could also protect you. You have to decide if you’re ready to embrace this legacy.”

Aiden hesitated, the weight of the choice pressing heavily on his shoulders. He thought of his father, of the battles he had fought and the sacrifices he had made. Was he ready to follow in those footsteps, to carry the weight of his heritage?

He reached out, his fingers brushing the cool metal of the amulet. The moment he touched it, a surge of energy coursed through him, igniting the storm within. Images flooded his mind—flashes of lightning, roaring winds, and the faces of those he loved.

Aiden took a deep breath, feeling the resolve solidify within him. “I’m ready,” he said, determination coursing through him. “I’ll wear it.”

As Selene placed the amulet around Aiden’s neck, he felt a rush of power swell within him, the energy wrapping around him like a protective embrace. The air crackled, and the ruins seemed to come alive, pulsing with ancient energy.

“Now, we must move quickly,” Selene urged, her voice sharp with urgency. “We need to get out of here before the Harbingers arrive.”

As they turned to leave the structure, the shadows at the edge of the clearing shifted ominously. Aiden’s heart raced as he felt the air grow heavy with the promise of a storm—a storm that had nothing to do with the weather and everything to do with the darkness lurking in the shadows.

The Harbingers were coming.