Mistrust & Magic

Darryl sat alone in his room, his mind whirling with doubt and fear. He had never felt so overwhelmed, so unprepared for what lay ahead. But then he heard a voice, gentle and clear, that cut through the darkness of his thoughts. "You are stronger than you know," it said. Darryl looked up, and saw Hugo standing in the doorway. "I can help you prepare for what is to come," Hugo said. "If you are willing to put in the work, you can face any challenge that comes your way".

"I confide in you, Hugo." He whispered with a smile across his face. 

••••

Back in the council chambers, the members were gathered around the table, their faces grave and solemn. Suddenly, the doors burst open like before, and Moloch strode into the room. The members gasped, as the air crackled with energy. 

"I have come to offer my services," Moloch said, his voice booming. "I can help you defeat the darkness that threatens your world." The members of the council looked at each other, unsure of what to do. "Why should we trust you?" one of them asked.

"Because I have nothing to gain from lying to you," Moloch replied. "I am not seeking power or glory. I simply wish to see the darkness defeated, and your world saved." His words hung in the air, and the members of the council felt a shiver run down their spines. Could they really trust this mysterious being? 

"What exactly can you do?" another member asked, their voice trembling. Moloch smiled, his eyes glinting with a hint of mischief. 

"I can teach you how to wield the power of the elements," he said. Both Athena and Aria were happy but still nervous thinking its not a better idea to join hands with him. 

"I understand your fear," Moloch said, his voice softening. "But I give you my word, on my honor as a being of light, that I will not use this power to harm you. I seek only to help you defeat the darkness, and save your world from destruction." The members of the council looked at each other again, their faces troubled. 

Finally, one of them spoke. "We need time to consider your offer," they said. Moloch nodded. "Take all the time you need," he replied. "I will be here when you are ready."

As Moloch vanished, leaving only a faint trail of shimmering light behind him, Athena turned to Aria. "What do you think?" she asked. Aria was silent for a moment, her eyes unfocused, as if she was deep in thought. 

"I don't know what to think," she said, finally. "On the one hand, this power could help us save our world. But on the other hand, it's a power we don't understand, and we don't know what the consequences could be." Aria was worried. 

"But I don't know what's talking about, we are the darkness, though I don't know if Darryl is from the light. We are bound to make things dark." Aria whispered in great excitement. 

"I think we need to learn more about this power, and about Moloch," Aria continued. "We need to understand what this means for our world, and for the people in it." Athena nodded. 

"I agree," she said. "But I'm worried that there isn't time. The darkness is growing stronger every day, and we're running out of options." Aria bit her lip, her mind racing. "We have to find a way to buy ourselves some time," she said. "There must be something we can do."

"We need to strengthen our defenses," Aria said, her eyes alight with an idea. "We need to reinforce the wards around our cities, and make them as strong as possible. And we need to gather as much information as we can about the darkness, and the one who controls it." Athena listened to her friend's words, considering the wisdom in them. 

"That could work," she said. "But we will need help. I don't think we can do this alone." Athena felt concerned. 

"If we can find allies among the other systems, we might have a chance," Aria said. "I'm sure there are other rulers who are just as worried as we are. If we can band together, we might be able to hold off the darkness long enough for Everett to return." Aria suggested, that was one of the reason why Aria was useful. She's  endowed with wisdom. 

"You're right," Athena said, a flicker of hope in her eyes. "We need to send out messages to the other cities, and see if we can form an alliance. But who should we send?" She asked worriedly. 

As Athena and Aria were discussing their plan, there was a soft knock at the door. They turned to see a young woman standing in the doorway, her dark hair framing her face and her eyes filled with determination. 

"I'm sorry to interrupt," she said, "but I may be able to help." She continued. 

"Sasha!" Athena exclaimed, rising to her feet and crossing the room to embrace the young woman. "It's so good to see you." "You too, Athena," Sasha replied, a smile on her lips. "And you too, Aria." Aria ignored her greetings and she was never interested with anything involved with her.

Sasha was not only Athena's longtime maid, but also a woman of great skill and intelligence. She had been raised in a family of witches, and had inherited some of their power. 

In particular, she had the ability to foresee the future, and had often used this ability to help Athena and the system. Her determination and courage were legendary, and she was not afraid to take on dangerous tasks. In short, she was the perfect person to send on this important mission.

After exchanging greetings, the three women sat down to discuss the situation. "As I said, I may be able to help," Sasha said. "As you know, I'm a skilled messenger, and I know how to travel quickly and unseen. I can reach the other systems and bring them your message." She explained thoroughly. 

 "That's a brilliant idea!" Aria exclaimed.

"You could reach the other cities in half the time it would take us." "But it's dangerous," Athena said, a concerned look on her face. "The roads are not safe, and the darkness grows stronger every day." She uttered trying to warn Sasha, but Sasha was not moved by her creepy words. 

"I'm not be moved by pestilence nor the arrow that will attack me, I have faced many of this and overcame them." She spoke bravely and audibly. 

Athena was quiet for a moment, considering what Sasha had said. Finally, she spoke. "You are truly brave and sorceress," she said. "And I know you would do everything in your power to succeed. But I cannot ask you to take on this task alone. I will go with you." Aria gasped, and looked at Athena in shock. 

"You can't!" she said. "The danger is too great. What if something happened to you?" Athena smiled, and placed a hand on Aria's shoulder. "I appreciate your concern, my friend," she said.

"But I am not afraid," Athena continued.

"I know that this is something I must do. And with you and Sasha at my side, I believe we can succeed." Aria still looked concerned, but she nodded, understanding the determination in Athena's eyes. 

"I will go too," she said. "I will not let you face this danger alone." Sasha smiled, and a look of relief and gratitude crossed her face. "Thank you both," she said. "I am grateful to have such brave and loyal friends."

 Aria went out secretly and called for a bird, she tied a message to its leg and let it soar away. Her eyeballs met with that of Sasha, but Sasha was unfazed. 

"You think I'm a betrayer?" Aria asked, her voice breaking. "I would never do anything to harm you." 

"No?" Sasha demanded, her tone challenging. "Then what about that message you sent? Who were you trying to contact?" Aria swallowed hard, and steeled herself. 

"It was a warning," she said, her voice quavering. She regretted taking the unretrievable wrong, she was determined to attack if she decide on telling Athena. 

"Right from when I entered I sensed the aura of betrayer from you, but thinking of how loyal you are I ignored it." "And so you decided to warn someone else about our journey to the outskirt systems?" Sasha asked, her eyes narrowing. "You chose to betray us, Athena must hear this." Sasha muttered angrily, standing firm on her words.