With the plan firmly in hand and Midnight by my side, I hurried through the corridors of the mansion. The air felt heavyâalmost suffocatingâas if the darkness brewing in the forest had already begun to cast its shadow over us. My heart pounded in my chest while my steps carried me toward Tatsuya's study.
When I reached the door, I paused for a moment, taking a deep breath before knocking. A brief silence followed before the door opened, revealing Raven, who gave me a serious look. Without a word, he stepped aside, allowing me to enter.
Tatsuya stood at a large table, a map of the estate spread out before him. He pointed to various locations as Isabella and two other guards listened intently. When he noticed me, he paused.
"Haru? Do you have news?" His voice was calm, but I could see the tension in his eyes.
I stepped forward and placed the scroll on the table. "I found a spellâa barrier made of light magic. It could shield the estate for a while against dark creatures and magic".
His gaze shifted to the scroll before returning to me. "A light barrier?"
I nodded. "It renews itself at sunrise and strengthens the life force of those within its circle. It's not enough to defeat the Lich, but it could buy us time to find a solution".
Tatsuya was silent for a moment before he nodded. "Good. We don't have time to waste. What do you need for the ritual?"
I unrolled the scroll and pointed to the required materials. "Crystals or mana stones, salt for the circle and we need to perform it at sunrise".
Tatsuya immediately turned to Isabella and Raven. "Gather the materials and inform the guards. No one enters or leaves the estate until the ritual is complete".
Raven nodded and disappeared, while Isabella gave me an encouraging look before following him out. Tatsuya remained, watching me thoughtfully.
"Are you sure you can do this?" he asked at last.
I felt the weight of doubt pressing down on me but forced myself to nod. "I have to. We don't have another choice".
A hint of pride flickered in his eyes, though he said nothing. Instead, he placed a reassuring hand on my shoulder. "Then let's begin."
Preparations were complete. The courtyard was surrounded by guards and the crystals and salt lines had been carefully placed. The first rays of sunlight broke over the horizon, bathing the scene in a golden glow. The nature spirits floated around me, as if sensing my determination.
I stood in the center of the circle, raising my hands. Midnight sat close by, his eyes sharp and alert. Tatsuya and Raven observed from a safe distance.
"Ready?" Midnight asked.
I nodded. "Let's do this".
Closing my eyes, I began to recite the spell's words. The air around me began to shimmer and a soft, golden light started to spread outward.
"Sanctum of Light, protect this home. Let no darkness enter, let no evil pass through. May pure light and holy strength surround this place and repel all that is dark".
With each word, I felt my magic pulsing through my veins. A beam of light shot from my hands, connecting with the crystals at the edge of the circle. They began to glow, filling the courtyard with a calming radiance.
But then, just as the ritual reached its peak, I felt the energy flicker. The air turned cold and a dark presence loomed at the edge of the barrier.
Midnight hissed. "Something's coming!"
I opened my eyes and saw itâa shadowy figure lurking at the edge of the forest. Its red eyes glowed through the mist and I knew immediately that it was one of the Lich's servants.
"Hold the circle!" Tatsuya shouted, drawing his sword. The guards formed a defensive line around the courtyard as the dark creature crept closer.
I focused harder, repeating the spell's words. The light pulsed, pushing back against the darkness, but I could feel the creature pressing against the barrier.
"You can do this, Haru!" Midnight urged.
Sweat trickled down my forehead, but I refused to falter. The light grew brighter, finally forcing the darkness to retreat. The creature let out a piercing screech before disappearing back into the forest.
A wave of relief washed over me and my legs gave out. Tatsuya was at my side in an instant, catching me before I collapsed.
"Well done", he said softly, his voice warm and reassuring.
My cheeks flushed, but before I could respond, Midnight stepped between us. "This is only the beginning. That was just a scout. The Lich won't stop".
Tatsuya nodded, helping me to my feet. "Then we'll be ready"
I met his gaze and a newfound determination rose within me. This was only the first step, but I was prepared to fight.
I wish you a Merry Christmas and happy holidays!