Chapter 130-4

**Avery**

Before I can respond, Donn vanishes, his form shifting into a raven in mid-air. The bird lets out a loud caw, flapping its wings wildly as it darts between the guards. The men stumble, their attention drawn to the unexpected intruder.

“Now!” James shouts, seizing the moment. He lunges forward, his sword flashing as he engages the nearest guard. I follow suit, my dagger slicing through the air as I target another.

The fight is chaotic, the space cramped and cluttered. I dodged a swing, my foot connecting with my opponent’s chest as I sent him crashing into a bookshelf. I spin, my blade deflecting another attack, my movements fueled by adrenaline and determination. James fights with precision, his strikes calculated and deadly. He disarms one guard, using the man’s own sword against him before turning to assist me. Together, we are back-to-back, our bond unbreakable as we face our enemies.

Donn reappears in human form, his hands raised as he weaves a spell. A burst of magic erupts from his palms, knocking two guards off their feet. “Impressive, isn’t it?” he quips, his smirk never faltering.

The remaining guards hesitate, their eyes widening at the display of power. I seize the opportunity, my dagger finding its mark as I disable the last of our opponents. The archives fall silent, the only sound our heavy breathing and the rustle of parchment. “That was too close,” James says, his voice tight as he sheathes his sword. He turns to me, his gaze searching mine. “Are you all right?”

I nod, my heart still pounding. “I am. But we can’t stay here. We need to get out of here before reinforcements arrive.”

Donn rolls up the map, tucking it securely into his belt. “Agreed. Let’s go. We have a relic to find.”

We move quickly, our steps silent as we retrace our path through the palace. My mind is racing, my thoughts a jumble of relief and anticipation. We’ve secured the map, but the real challenge lies ahead. Deciphering its code and finding the artifact before Victoria does will require all our skills and cunning. As they reach the safety of our chambers, I collapse onto a chair, my body trembling with exhaustion. James sits beside me, his hand finding mine. “We’ll figure it out,” he says, his voice steady. “Together.”

I smile faintly, drawing strength from his presence. “Together,” I echo.

Donn leans against the wall, his arms crossed as he regards us with a knowing smile. “You two are quite the pair. It’s no wonder Victoria’s so determined to tear you apart.”

My smile fades, my gaze turning serious. “She won’t succeed. We won’t let her. I will kill her!”

Donn’s expression softens, his voice turning gentle. “I know you won’t. But be careful. Victoria’s not the only one with secrets. There are forces at play you can’t even imagine.”

His words send a chill down my spine, but I push the unease aside. We have a mission, a purpose, and we won’t be deterred. “We’ll be ready,” I say, my voice firm. “For whatever comes.”

As the day turns to night, we spread the map out on our table, its intricate symbols and markings glowing faintly in the candlelight. Donn stands nearby, his arms crossed as he watches them work. “It’s a riddle,” James says, his brow furrowed in concentration. “The location’s hidden in plain sight, but the key to unlocking it lies in the stars.”

My eyes widen as I study the map, my mind clicking into place. “The constellations. The artifact’s location corresponds to a specific alignment of the stars.”

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Donn nods, his expression approving. “Exactly. And according to my calculations, that alignment occurs tonight.”

Next Page James’s gaze meets mine, his eyes shining with determination. “Then we don’t have a moment to lose. We need to get to the location before Victoria does.”

I stand, my heart pounding with anticipation. “Let’s go. The artifact is within our reach.” The night air is crisp as we make our way to the location indicated on the map, a secluded grove on the outskirts of the palace grounds. The stars shine brightly overhead, their light guiding us as we navigate the darkened path. My heart pounds in my chest, my senses on high alert as we approach the grove.

“This is it,” James murmurs, his voice barely audible. He points to a clearing where a massive stone altar stands, its surface etched with ancient runes. “The artifact’s here.”

My eyes widen as I take in the sight, my mind racing with anticipation. But before we can reach the altar, a figure steps out from the shadows, her presence commanding and menacing. “I knew I’d find you here,” Victoria says, her voice dripping with malice.

— The new