Chapter 16: Final Battle

1053words2026-01-19 03:57

The red light of the Blood Moon bathed Beacon Hills, casting an ominous glow over the town. I stood before the Nemeton stump, dressed in black combat gear, holding the Shadow Blade. My heart raced, but my eyes were determined.

"Everything's ready," Derek came to my side, his voice low and firm, "Scott and his pack are in the east, the Argent family in the west. Victoria and her hunters are in the north."

I nodded, "What about Ethan?"

"In the south, preparing the ritual with Deaton."

Derek hesitated, "Are you sure you want to do this? The risk is too great."

I looked into his eyes, "I have no choice, Derek. If I don't go, Erebus will release more power through Kira's body, eventually breaking through the seal completely. I must face him."

Derek reached out, gently touching my cheek, "You don't have to face this alone. We're all here, fighting alongside you."

"Thank you, for everything."

"Valerie," Derek began, his voice softer than usual, "when this is all over, I want to tell you something. About my feelings, about us."

I felt my heart race, "I have things to tell you too."

Our gazes met, but the moment was interrupted by the walkie-talkie.

"They're coming," Scott's voice came tensely, "at least twenty people, led by Harris and Kira."

I took a deep breath, gripping the dagger, "It's time."

Soon, I felt their approach—a dark presence, twisting the energy around it. Harris walked in front, Kira/Erebus beside him, followed by a group of black-robed followers.

"Valerie," Harris called out, "my daughter. You came."

"I didn't come for you," I answered coldly, "I came to stop you."

Harris shook his head, "You don't understand what you're refusing. Erebus can bring us power, bring us a new order."

"New world?" I mocked, "You mean a world full of fear and death?"

"Sometimes destruction is necessary for rebuilding," Harris insisted, "Eleanor would understand."

"Don't desecrate my mother's name," I said angrily, "she taught me to protect the innocent, maintain balance. That's what I'm doing tonight."

Kira/Erebus stepped forward, her eyes completely black, "Brave Shadow Heart, just like the first one. But she eventually succumbed, as will you."

"I don't think so," I answered, then raised the dagger, "Now!"

At my signal, Victoria and her hunters burst from the forest, forming the first line of defense.

"Surrender, Harris," Victoria commanded, "or we will take action."

Harris laughed, raising his hand, a wave of black energy surging toward the hunters. But Victoria was prepared, she and her team quickly deployed a special barrier, absorbing the energy wave.

"You're not the only one who understands ancient magic," Victoria said coldly.

Harris's expression became angry, "Attack! Show no mercy!"

The battle erupted. Hunters fought Harris's followers, gunfire and spells intertwining in the night sky. Just then, the Argent family appeared, forming a second line of defense.

"Valerie," Chris called out, "follow the plan! Lead Erebus to the stump!"

I nodded, then looked directly at Kira/Erebus, "You want me? Come and get me!"

I jumped off the stump, running into the forest depths, Kira/Erebus following closely. When I reached the designated spot—a small clearing surrounded by mountain ash—I turned to face my pursuer.

Kira/Erebus stopped outside the mountain ash circle, "Clever trick, Shadow Heart. But mountain ash can't hold me forever."

"It doesn't need to be forever," I answered, "just long enough."

Scott and his pack appeared, forming a third line of defense. Derek stood at the front, his eyes flashing red.

"It's over, Erebus," Scott declared, "you won't get Valerie, and you won't be released."

Kira/Erebus laughed, "You think your little plan can stop me?"

She raised her hand, a black energy surge hitting the mountain ash circle, beginning to erode it.

"Deaton!" I called out, "Now!"

Deaton and Ethan emerged from the forest, quickly beginning to prepare the ritual, drawing complex runes on the ground, lighting special herbs.

"I need power sources," Deaton said tensely, "quickly!"

Derek immediately stepped forward, extending his hand, "Use mine."

Ethan also came forward, "And mine."

Scott and his pack members joined, each offering a part of their power. Deaton collected their blood in an ancient bowl.

Just then, the mountain ash circle completely collapsed, Kira/Erebus rushing toward me. Derek and Ethan immediately blocked her path, but were struck down by powerful force.

I stood my ground, facing Kira/Erebus, "This ends here, Erebus. You won't win."

"I've already won," Kira/Erebus hissed, grabbing my throat, "your blood will be the key to my freedom."

I felt my breathing become difficult, but I didn't struggle. Instead, I raised the dagger, stabbing it into my palm, then smearing the blood on Kira/Erebus's forehead.

"My blood isn't your key," I gasped, "it's your lock."

Suddenly, a blinding silver light burst from within me, passing through my blood to Kira/Erebus. The dark presence screamed, releasing my throat.

"Now, Deaton!"

Deaton completed the spell, the energy vortex suddenly contracting, then exploding, forming a silver light pillar shooting directly at Kira/Erebus.

"No!" Erebus's voice was full of anger and fear, "I won't go back!"

"You have no choice," I said, standing straight, "return to your prison, Erebus. Forever."

The light pillar grew brighter, completely surrounding Kira/Erebus. With a final scream, black smoke was pulled from Kira's body, sucked into the ground by the light pillar.

When the light faded, Kira lay on the ground, weak but alive, and a new rune appeared on the ground, flashing silver, then slowly disappearing, merging into the soil.

"It's over," Deaton said, "the seal has been strengthened, this time permanently."

I felt dizzy, my abilities nearly depleted. I staggered, but Derek was immediately by my side, supporting me.

"You did it," he said softly, his eyes full of pride.

I smiled, weak but satisfied, "We did it. All of us."

I looked at Ethan, who also approached me, his eyes filled with concern and love. The three of us stood together, the joy of our victory overshadowed by the choice that would soon come.

But at this moment, we just wanted to celebrate this hard-won victory. Beacon Hills was safe again, at least for now.

And I knew that whatever the future held, I was no longer alone. I had family, friends, people who loved me. This was more precious than any supernatural ability.