Chapter 15: Dark Rising
969words
"You look very much like your mother," Victoria finally said, her voice carrying a hint of nostalgia, "but your eyes are more like your father's. Determined, unyielding."
"You knew my father?" I asked.
"Adrian Harris? Of course," Victoria answered, "Dark Druids and hunters rarely intersect, but we know of each other's existence. Your mother chose a dangerous path, being with him."
"Why are you here?" I asked directly, "The real reason."
Victoria smiled slightly, "I'm here because Erebus is awakening, and you, my dear niece, are the only one who can stop him."
"We already know this," Derek said coldly, "the question is how you plan to 'help'."
Victoria turned her gaze to Derek, sharp and dangerous, "Mind your tone, werewolf. I tolerate your presence only because you're currently useful to Valerie."
"He's not just 'useful'," I immediately countered, "he's my friend, my mentor. If you want to talk to me, you need to respect my friends."
Victoria looked somewhat surprised, then nodded, "I apologize. Old habits die hard." She turned to Derek, "I do need your help, Mr. Hale. Your family has deep connections with Beacon Hills, possibly knowing information about Erebus's seal."
"I'll share everything I know, but only if it benefits Valerie."
"Of course," Victoria agreed, then turned back to me, "now, about your training. You've learned how to use your abilities, but you haven't learned how to truly master them."
"I've been training," I said, "Derek and Ethan have both been helping me."
"Werewolf training methods are limited," Victoria said dismissively, "the true power of the Shadow Heart comes from balance—the balance of human wisdom and supernatural power. This requires special training, known only to hunter families."
Chris stepped forward, "Victoria, if you have information that can help Valerie, we appreciate it. But we need to know your true intentions."
"My intentions are simple, Argent. Protect my niece, stop Erebus, maintain balance."
"At what cost?" Scott asked tensely.
"Traditionally, the Shadow Heart's life," Victoria said calmly, causing a wave of gasps in the room, "but there is another way—the Shadow Heart can choose to give up her abilities, rather than her life."
"Is there a third option?" I asked, my voice firm, "One that doesn't require my death or loss of abilities?"
Victoria considered for a moment, "Theoretically, it's possible. If there are enough supernatural power sources that can be channeled, it might be possible to create a seal strong enough without such extreme sacrifice. But this would require extensive preparation and precise execution."
"What kind of supernatural power sources?" Derek asked.
"Alpha werewolves, druids, witches, any being with significant power," Victoria explained, "but the problem is, these powers must be voluntarily provided, and must be completed on the night of the Blood Moon."
"We can do it," I said firmly, "we can find enough power sources."
Victoria looked both surprised and admiring, "You do have your mother's determination. But the risk is still high. If it fails, Erebus will be released, and you might die."
"If I don't try, more people will die," I answered, "this isn't a choice, it's a responsibility."
Victoria nodded, taking out an ancient leather scroll from her bag, "This is the Blackwood family's legacy, recording everything known about Erebus and the Shadow Heart. It may contain the information we need."
"We need to act quickly," Victoria continued, "according to my sources, Harris and Kira have already begun preparing their own ritual. They plan to release Erebus on the night of the Blood Moon, using your blood as the key."
"How can they do this without me?" I asked.
"They can't, which is why they'll come for you."
Just then, the apartment windows suddenly shattered, black smoke pouring into the room. From the smoke, Kira emerged, but she looked different—her eyes completely black, strange runes flickering on her skin.
"What a touching scene," she mocked, her voice mixing with her own and another deeper, more ancient voice, "family reunion, planning how to prevent the inevitable."
"Kira," Ethan said warily, "or should I say, Erebus?"
Kira/Erebus laughed, "Clever werewolf. Yes, I found a way to partially cross the seal, through this witch's body."
Victoria immediately drew her weapon, "Stay away from my niece, monster."
"Ah, the protective aunt," Kira/Erebus mocked, "but you're too late. The plan has already begun, and your niece will be the key."
"You'll never get my blood," I said firmly.
"Oh, my dear Shadow Heart," Kira/Erebus smiled, "I already have it."
She held up a small vial containing deep red liquid—blood. My blood.
"Impossible," I said in shock.
"Your dreams," Derek suddenly understood, "he influenced you through your dreams, possibly taking your blood while you slept."
Kira/Erebus applauded, "Clever wolf! Yes, each night when you dreamed of me, I was slowly collecting what I needed. Now, only the final step remains—the ritual on the night of the Blood Moon."
Victoria fired without hesitation, but the bullets turned to ash before touching Kira/Erebus.
"Your weapons are useless against me, hunter," Kira/Erebus mocked.
Derek and Ethan both transformed, lunging at Kira/Erebus, but an invisible force knocked them back. Scott also tried to attack, with the same result.
I stepped forward, facing Kira/Erebus, "You want me? Come and get me," I challenged, silver energy forming a protective shield around me.
Kira/Erebus's smile widened, "Brave, but foolish. I don't need to capture you now, Shadow Heart. On the night of the Blood Moon, you will come to me. Because if you don't, all your friends will die."
With that, Kira/Erebus raised her hand, a wave of black energy exploding outward, knocking everyone to the ground. When they recovered, Kira/Erebus had vanished, leaving only broken windows and a terrible promise.
