Chapter 19

Dreya

Pathiel"s voice echoed softly in the silence. "It looks like a shadow orb. What do you think it does?"

The orb emanated a palpable aura, drawing us closer with an irresistible allure. It screamed of forgotten power and hidden truths, entwining our fates with its enigmatic presence. That wasn't what made him give it that name. It was the shadows were writhing in the center like an ominous cloud.

In fact, I couldn"t tear my gaze away from the artifact. Its surface shimmered with an ethereal light. The shapes within the orb seemed to shift and coalesce, revealing glimpses of distant memories and untold mysteries.

Phi moved closer to the thing and examined it with her keen, scientist's eye. "This relic holds the key to unraveling the curse that plagues this city. I can feel its connection to the well and Agnes. It's also responsible for our previous battle."

Lia nodded and bent to scrutinize the orb more. "It is a reservoir of ancient magic, bound by Agnes's power. The question is, why is it here and not in her ancestral home?"

Extending my hand, I felt up the power like I was a teenage boy behind the bleachers with my girlfriend. After confirming their suspicions, I extended my scope. "This is the place she turned. I never thought of considering the place of her Tainted birth."

Kota snorted, and the grip on the dagger in her hand tightened. "We did our best with the information we had at the time. We know better for next time. Right now, we need a firmer understanding so we can finally end this."

"You're right," I agreed and refocused on learning more so we could sever Agnes's connection to this artifact. I contemplated calling Nylah for a second then dismissed the idea. She wouldn't arrive for a couple of hours and that was if she wasn't on shift. We could connect with her to retrieve the thing after we dealt with the curse.

This time, when I reached out to touch the orb, a shock of energy stung me. It was like getting stung by a dozen wasps at once. The relic had understood Kota's comment. Or perhaps it was reading our intent. That was some powerful mojo. It had to be to wield shadows as its arsenal.

"What just happened?" Phi asked as she tilted her head to the side and looked at me.

The ancient artifact loomed before us, bathed in a mystical glow that hummed with power. There were now intricate carvings visible on the surface. They could have been inside with the shadows, it was hard to tell and I didn't want to get too close.

I lifted a shoulder. "I think it knows what we plan to do," I said, intentionally being vague. "It might help us if we could decipher some of these new symbols."

"Nothing says ‘mystical quest' like needing to interpret magical runes," Kota quipped.

Phi chuckled as she leaned in thoughtfully. "I wish we had Oathkeeper. It might give us the code to understanding what these markings say."

"I understand most runes, but these are of a Dark nature and beyond my knowledge base. I often forget the gift the goddess gave to the six of you. I will ask Cami to bring the book to me," Adele replied into our minds.

Excitement flickered in Kota's eyes. "We forget as well. It might have led us here sooner, but the answers it has given us tend to be vague and distract from our cases."

"I stopped thinking of it for those very reasons. That was stupid. We have no idea how this relic will help or not unless we continue using it," Lia added.

"Do not beat yourselves up. It does you no good. Can one of you walk around, looking over the artifact in detail so I can get a clear picture?" Adele's reassurance erased the regret brewing in my mind.

"I will," Phi offered. As she began walking around it, the rest of us took a step back.

A few seconds later, Adele said, "Okay, I have it. It might take me some time to get back to you. By the way, it's nice to have you back. Everyone was worried sick, and I couldn't assure them because I lost you when you entered the temporal disturbance."

"It"s good to be back," Dea agreed. "We will keep trying to figure this out on our end." Dea went silent, and we all stared at the orb.

A few seconds later, Pathiel broke the silence. "I'm afraid I will be of little help with this. I don't understand the dynamics of this power." It was clear he felt horrible for not being able to give us more when none of it was his fault or responsibility.

Lia clapped him on the shoulder and gave him an understanding smile. "You have nothing to feel bad about. None of this is on you. We appreciate you trying."

I kept my attention focused on the artifact perched on an ancient pedestal. It radiated an aura that seemed to bend reality when I focused too hard. Shadows cast by its glow danced across the chamber, creating an otherworldly play of light and dark.

With a dramatic sigh, I said, "This is like an ancient glowstick of destiny. It even comes with its own mood lighting. Do you think it comes with a disco ball for the full effect?" My sisters chuckled at that.

Phi recovered first. "That's one way to look at it. I also think the aura is captivating and foreboding. There's a definite charge in the air."

Despite his earlier comment, Pathiel never stopped trying to understand. "It carries the essence of bygone eras. I know we already realized this, but I think that's important. You would need to overcome the power that feeds the object."

Kota leaned against a wall across from me and dipped her head at Pathiel. "That is a good reminder. I've been focusing solely on the shadows and Agnes's power I forgot there were others before her. So, how do we beat layers of influence like that?"

"We should think of these layers like a dense forest of intertwined energies. We approach it methodically, peeling away each layer. We would unravel the threads of the complex tapestry one at a time with each of us focusing on neutralizing a specific aspect of its magic. Once we understand them, we can counter each layer," Dea suggested in a voice that carried the weight of both caution and determination while emphasizing the importance of our collective effort.

Dani nodded, her eyes narrowing in concentration. "Alright, so we"re in for some magical gardening. I"ll focus on cutting through the thickest vines of this mystical jungle. Just point me at the overgrown parts, and I"ll bring out the pruning shears." She flashed us a determined grin, ready to take on the challenge of unraveling the relic"s intricate layers of ancient magic.

I smirked at her and looked at Kota. "Gardening shears are a brilliant idea, but I think we should wait to dismantle them until Adele can tell us more. For now, we try to get a feel for the thing."

As we approached the artifact, a sense of anticipation filled the air. The symbols on its surface seemed to come alive. They glowed with an inner light that pulsed in time with the shadows.

I heaved another sigh and thrust my hands on my hips. "What does it mean that it turned into a glowy rock of destiny?"

Lia snorted and said, "Seems that way. We aren't going to like the plans it has for us."

Phi touched a finger to the side and whispered, "The symbols resonate with our touch. Like a communion of energies. Maybe it won't lash out irrationally."

"The resonance you feel is the artifact recognizing your presence," Pathiel explained. "It is trying to understand you like you are it."

Flames flickered over Kota's hands. "That doesn't sound frightening at all. If this thing starts glowing brighter, we should run."

"We should touch it together and see what happens," Dani suggested.

As our collective touch completed the connection, a surge of energy coursed through us. The chamber went silent, the shadows that were inching beneath the door retreated. For a moment, it was as if the artifact had granted us a glimpse into the fabric of its power. The surface of the orb felt cool and smooth under my touch while radiating an ancient energy that hummed beneath my fingertips. I exchanged a glance with Lia and Dea, their expressions matching mine.

The air around us crackled with a sudden surge of energy making me yank my hand away and brace myself. Before I fully spun around Agnes"s spirit materialized in the center of the room above the orb. Her translucent form was filled with a furious intensity. Her ghostly figure was adorned in tattered clothing that seemed to shift and ripple as if caught in an unseen windstorm. Her eyes blazed with an otherworldly light and were fixated on the orb that was now in Kota's hand.

Agnes"s presence was overwhelming. She was a palpable force, reaching out greedily toward the orb"s power. The room darkened as shadows were sucked into the room to coalesce around her. The way they swirled like a tempest reminded me of a tornado.

"Give me that!" Agnes"s voice echoed through the chamber in a chilling blend of anger and desperation. Her ghostly hands stretched out, fingers curling as if grasping for the orb"s elusive power. Each movement sent ripples through the air, distorting the space around her.

Dea stepped forward, her voice calm but resolute. "You can"t have it, Agnes. This curse ends here and now. You need to cross over and enjoy your afterlife."

Phi positioned herself between Agnes and the orb. "We won"t let you harm anyone else."

Holding the orb behind her back, Kota summoned flames that danced like protective sentinels around us. "Back off, ghost lady. The orb"s power isn"t yours to claim."

Dani took a defensive stance beside Lia. "Sorry, Agnes, but we"re not in the business of ghostly power grabs. Time for you to move on."

Lia"s gaze was unwavering as she addressed Agnes. "Your reign ends now, Agnes. We"re not backing down."

Joining my sisters in their attempts to intimidate Agnes, I said, "Your time is over, Agnes. We"re here to break the curse and send you where you belong."

Agnes"s spectral form seemed to seethe with rage. I swear I saw a hint of fear in her eyes as she realized we weren't going to back down but it was gone too fast for me to be certain. When she lunged forward a second later, I knew I had to be mistaken.

The battle to protect the orb and banish Agnes"s spirit erupted in a whirlwind of magical energy. Too bad we hadn't gotten a better feel for the relic. Severing the spirit's connection would be difficult.

Agnes"s ghostly form surged forward with an otherworldly shriek, her fingers elongating into shadowy claws. As she moved, the air around her grew frigid, sending a chill through the room. Her first attack was swift and relentless. Dark tendrils of energy lashed out from her outstretched hands, aiming to ensnare us and reclaim the orb. The tendrils crackled with malevolent energy that burned my eyes.

Dea reacted swiftly, conjuring a magical barrier that intercepted the dark tendrils. It caused them to wither and dissipate upon contact. Phi mirrored the defensive move, her power refracting the dark energies away from us.

Kota retaliated with bursts of flame that dispersed the shadows, increasing the protective ring of fire around us. Meanwhile, Dani, Lia, and I coordinated our spells. We were aiming to disrupt Agnes"s spectral form and drive her away from the orb. The room became a battleground of light and shadow, each of us channeling our unique powers to repel Agnes"s relentless assault.

"Kota, protect the orb!" Lia shouted, her voice echoing off the walls as the rest of us continued to fight against Agnes"s vengeful spirit. "We don't want her to get it."

Attuned to the spirit world, Dea took the lead in our assault. "Agnes, you must release your hold! You do not belong here!" she commanded, her voice carrying an ancient authority that seemed to echo through the room.

Agnes"s ghostly form snarled, her eyes burning with a spectral fire. She unleashed a horde of lesser spirits, sending them swirling toward Kota. The spirits lashed out, their ethereal claws leaving dark marks on Kota"s skin.

Kota grimaced and recoiled as blood trickled from the wounds. She gritted her teeth, determination etched on her face as she shielded the orb from Agnes"s onslaught. I wanted to go to her and heal her. We needed her at her best because she was the one holding the orb. Unfortunately, I was pinned down by Agnes's minions. And thankfully, despite her injuries, Kota stood her ground and held onto the orb.

Pathiel joined her, his own powers of light blending with Kota"s fire to form a protective barrier around the two of them. "You must destroy it, Kota," Pathiel urged.

Adele"s voice echoed in my mind as she added to the angel's advice. "Pathiel is right. It's time. Kota, focus your flames on the sigils etched into the orb. The ancient magic binding it is layered and intricate, but you can disrupt its power by targeting these symbols. Use your fire to destabilize the enchantments."

Twisting my torso, I glanced at the orb behind Kota's back. Its surface was adorned with mysterious sigils that seemed to pulse with latent energy. The task ahead felt daunting, especially without a complete understanding of the orb"s true nature.

Adele continued, "I haven"t finished interpreting the sigils within the orb using Oathkeeper, but I know how to start. Target the central sigil first—it"s the linchpin of the enchantment. Once destabilized, the rest will be easier to unravel."

Kota took in Adele"s guidance and with a deep breath, she summoned her flames. I had to zap a nearby ghost so I missed her channeling them. I looked over to see her holding out the hand with the relic. Her fire hit the sphere with precision. The orb reacted by emitting a faint glow. I prayed that meant the sigil was faltering under the onslaught of Kota's fiery assault.

As she focused on her task, the room around us trembled. It wasn't only from what Kota was doing. It was the collective effect of us fighting back and putting a dent in Agnes's efforts.

Dea summoned the full extent of her spirit powers and squared her shoulders. "Give up, Agnes. You'll never win!" She commanded, her voice echoing with spiritual authority.

I couldn't focus on Agnes's response. I was too busy fighting off the shadows and spirits Agnes had unleashed on us. The chamber was filled with the clash of energies and the echoes of ancient curses. Dani was wounded but continued to fight with unwavering determination.

Chancing a look, I noted Kota still trying to sever the connection Agnes had to the orb. She hadn't done it yet. I could see a dark grey tendril of power between the two. Agnes"s spirit was weakened by Dea"s power. At least, I thought that's what the wavering meant. Her form was flickering like a dying flame.

My attention was pulled back to the heart of the battle when a shadow seized my arm, cutting at least a dozen deep furrows into my skin. I blasted it with my strongest light spell. The air crackled with volatile energy as it died a violent death. Victory was sweet, but I couldn't stop now.

My arm was bleeding as I spun around and continued to fight against Agnes"s relentless spectral forces. Shadows twisted and danced around us, responding to the malice of her vengeful spirit. Kota poured her strength into diffusing the cursed orb, her fire tirelessly working to dismantle the artifact that held the curse.

As chaos unfolded around us, I felt the weight of our predicament pressing on me. Dea"s spirit magic surged, pushing back against the dark energies threatening to overwhelm us. Phi"s reflective form shimmered, elegantly deflecting ethereal assaults. Kota"s flames blazed with renewed intensity and had the added benefit of casting light into corners where Agnes"s forces lurked. Lia"s commands cut through the chaos like a beacon of hope, guiding our efforts with precision.

Pathiel joined Kota"s side and added his brand of magic to her fire. His radiant powers blended seamlessly with hers. Together, they focused their energies on the orb, creating a dazzling display of light and fire. The artifact trembled under the might of their assault. My breath caught when I saw cracks forming along its surface.

Dani leaped next to me and sent a flare of light at a shadow that was creeping up on me while I was distracted. Following my line of sight she said, "I wish we had Nylah here," she muttered under her breath, her words barely audible over the din of the struggle. Nylah was the relic keeper and possessed knowledge and skills that could have aided us in this critical moment. Unfortunately, time was a luxury we couldn"t afford.

Pathiel joined hands with Kota. With a surge of combined energy, they infused the orb with power that scalded. The artifact groaned, its resistance faltering against the relentless assault.

With one last decisive strike, Kota and Pathiel upped their game. I could feel the heat of their powers as they focused on shattering the orb. Kota"s flames blazed brighter, intertwining with Pathiel"s radiant aura. Together, their magic surged, and the artifact exploded into countless shards.

A blinding burst of light erupted from the shattered remnants of the orb, illuminating the chamber in cleansing fire. Shadows recoiled and dissipated, unable to withstand the purifying force that radiated outward.

As the power of the orb dispersed, Agnes shrieked and shot dark energy from her fingertips before vanishing into thin air. Grabbing Dani, I pulled her down. The others had ducked at the same time. We were stunned for several seconds until Adele"s voice resonated in our minds. "You must go to the well. The orb wasn't Agnes's only source of power. You have to stop her from recharging what she just lost. If she does, your job will be much harder."

Without hesitation, we exchanged determined glances, a silent agreement passing between us. Agnes had to be confronted before she could regain strength and wreak further havoc. "We're on it," I replied to Adele.

With Pathiel at our side, we raced through the city streets, urgency driving us forward. The world blurred around us as we pressed onward. At the park, mundies milled around the well, oblivious to the supernatural forces at play. Time was of the essence, and we had no choice but to act swiftly.

"Follow my lead when you cast," Dea said. We all nodded, and avoiding the innocents, we unleashed our magic upon the well. Together, we wove spells designed to unravel Agnes's hold.

Phi deflected Agnes's ethereal assaults with grace while Kota"s flames cast light into shadows. Pathiel bolstered our defenses against Agnes"s malevolence. Dea channeled her magic, compelling Agnes to cross over into the spirit realm and Lia and I poured our energy into Dea's efforts.

A surge of energy enveloped the well, illuminating the park. Agnes wavered, realizing the futility of her resistance. Dea"s magic overwhelmed Agnes, banishing her. The explosion knocked the mundies unconscious, shielding them from chaos. The oppressive weight of Agnes"s curse lifted, leaving behind a sense of clarity and renewal. We stood together, breathless and victorious, our eyes filled with relief and gratitude.

Adele's voice reflected the pride she had in us when she said, "You did it. The curse is broken. Agnes"s grip on this realm has been severed."

Breathless and triumphant, we stood together, our spirits unbroken by the trials we had faced. In the quiet aftermath, peace settled over the park, a stark contrast to the chaos moments before. We would have to deal with the mundies, but we could call in the council to help with that. Gratitude filled me for my sisters and newest ally. Together, we had emerged stronger, our bonds forged in adversity.