Scar

Ultimatum

Sophia paced back and forth in the cold, dark dungeon cell.

Ruby's magic had trapped them, draining their powers and strength.

How do we get out of here? Sophia asked desperately.

Lyra leaned against the wall, her eyes closed.

We need something to disrupt Ruby's magic.

A powerful artifact or...

Nana interrupted.

I have an idea.

My Shadowborn blood – it might counteract Ruby's spell.

Caleb shook his head.

We tried blood already. Mine didn't work.

Nana frowned.

Shadowborn blood is different. Worth a try?

Maya suggested.

What about my knowledge of ancient runes? Maybe there's a hidden passage or...

Ava cut in.

I've searched every inch of these walls , No hidden doors, no escape route .

The group fell silent , each lost in their own thoughts.

Suddenly, Sophia gasped.

What if... what if Marco's balanced powers could break this spell?

The others stared at her.

But Marco's gone, Lyra said.

Defeated by Ruby.

Sophia's eyes gleamed with determination.

Exactly , So one of us need to escape and find him.

Before Ruby kills us all .

Ruby sat alone on her throne in the grand hall, surrounded by flickering torches and eerie shadows.

Her piercing red eyes seemed to glow in the dim light as she pondered her recent failures.

Who is this Ancient One who keeps interfering with my plans? she thought.

First, he saves Marco from my curse, then from my wrath , who gave him such audacity to test my patience .

Who is he to dare challenge my power?

Ruby's demonic voice echoed in the empty hall as she spoke aloud.

I will crush him and Marco Valenti will finally be mine to destroy.

Suddenly, Bern rushed into the grand hall, approaching Ruby's throne with caution.

My queen... we've found the information you requested.

Ruby's gaze snapped towards Bern, her expression intense.

What information?

Bern swallowed hard before speaking.

The person you asked us to look for... we found him.

Ruby leaned forward, her sharp teeth glinting in the torchlight.

What are you waiting for? Bring him to me!

Bern bowed hastily before rushing back out of the grand hall.

Moments later, Leo entered, kneeling at Ruby's feet.

My queen, your order is my command.

Ruby smiling  slyly .

Marco stood atop a massive boulder, his feet shoulder-width apart as he focused on the Ancient One's task:

Summon a storm using both light and dark magic.

The Ancient One watched from below, his eyes gleaming with interest.

Marco closed his eyes, feeling the familiar surge of balanced power within him.

He raised his hands, and dark clouds gathered above.

Thunder rumbled – but instead of lightning, brilliant white bolts illuminated the clouds.

The Ancient One nodded, a hint of a smile on his face.

With this rate of progress, you will be ready to start your trials soon, Marco Valenti.

Marco opened his eyes, determination burning within him.

I won't let you down.

I'll pass all the trials and defeat Ruby.

Suddenly, the air shifted – a new presence appeared on the mountain.

Marco turned to face the intruder.

Leo stood before him, eyes filled with a mix of emotions – hatred , fear , anger , and determination.

Marco... I've come from Ruby,  She has a message for you.

Marco got down from the boulder, approaching Leo cautiously.

What message?

Leo held up a small, glowing orb.

The orb expanded, revealing Ruby's image in her dark palace.

Marco, Marco, you have one hour to surrender to me , If not, one by one, I will kill the people you love.

The Ancient One stood beside Marco, watching the orb's message intently.

Marco looked at the Ancient One, thinking: She must be bluffing.

Ruby's image continued, her voice cold and menacing.

To show you I am serious...

Bern appeared beside Ruby, dragging a struggling Lyra forward.

Ruby's hand snapped out, grasping Lyra's neck.

A sickening crack echoed through the orb's projection as Ruby snapped Lyra's neck.

Her lifeless body crumpled to the ground like discarded trash.

One hour, Marco, Just one hour.

Surrender, or the next one dies.

The orb's projection faded, leaving Marco stunned and horrified.

Lyra – dead? He felt like he'd been punched in the gut.

The Ancient One grasped Marco's shoulder, his eyes burning with intensity.

Leo disappeared as suddenly as he appeared, leaving Marco and the Ancient One in stunned silence.

The Ancient One recovered first, grasping Marco's arm as he turned to rush off.

Wait, Marco Valenti , Think this through.

Marco shook his head, determination burning in his eyes.

There is nothing to think through, I need to save them , they are my family.

I won't watch them all die knowing I could've done something.

The Ancient One's grip tightened.

If you go now and Ruby traps you, she will still kill the others.

Your impulsive nature will be their death sentence.

Marco pulled away, his voice firm.

I can't let them die.

There's no one else to save them.

The Ancient One regarded him silently, then asked a simple question: Who told you no one else could save them?

Marco paused, considering the Ancient One's words.

A mysterious lady appeared in the palace dungeon, her presence shocking Sophia.

The lady gestured for silence, then blew a pinch of shimmering dust towards the magical doors.

The barriers disappeared instantly.

As they stepped out of the dungeon, Sophia approached the lady.

Wait – the guards took one of us! We need to find her.

The lady shook her head firmly.

The lady is gone already , We must leave now before they appear.

She pointed down the corridor, where eerie growls echoed through the air, they are here .

The palace guards have summoned a Hellhound.

We must flee.

Sophia's eyes widened.

I don't see anything!

Suddenly, a blood-curdling scream pierced the air.

RUN!