Several hours have passed already but I still couldn’t get over the fact that the Moon Goddess had shown herself to me, and I was shocked to see that I already saw her face before. It was her face that I saw when I met Magnus for the first time, and I am quite flustered!
Later on, we divided ourselves on our respective tasks. Xavier diligently gathered all the necessary ingredients for the sacrificial ceremony. The Moon Goddess suggested that they should sacrifice my body in order to beat Magnus. Initially, I was confused but they convinced me I would be fine after. Alexandra would take care of it.
Meanwhile, Alexandra retreated to her room to prepare herself mentally. Deep meditation was crucial to maintain focus during the upcoming sacrificial ceremony, which was scheduled for later that night.
The plan involved stabbing me near my heart with a knife crafted from pure silver, precisely 50 percent in composition. Alexandra's role would be to harness her power, simultaneously healing me and ensuring the preservation of my physical form.
Though it may sound straightforward, the execution was far from easy. If the ceremony were to be conducted by an ordinary witch, even one with a thousand years of experience, a lack of sufficient skill could result in failure.
The ceremony would take place within a highly secure room in the packhouse, guarded by elite warriors. Any interruption by an unknown force posed a significant risk, potentially leaving me trapped in the domain of Magnus as a wandering soul.
Xavier meticulously prepared a stone tablet, meticulously carving ancient words upon it. Various oils and liquids, each significant to the ritual's process, were carefully placed.
Honestly, I was nervous especially when I wasn’t allowed to inform Luke about it. I am not sure why they said it was not allowed, but for the mission of beating Magnus, and sending him to Hell, I was willing to do anything. Anyway, I died already and it was the Moon Goddess who gave me the chance to be reborn again.
How could I say no to her request? Surely not!
"I must inform you of the risks once more. We can still reconsider and explore alternative means to confront that bastard," Alexandra warned me.
I shook my head firmly. "No, everything is prepared and ready. I have to do this. And Alexandra, please remember, whatever happens, do not blame yourself."
She let out a sigh, exasperated by my words. "Stop speaking as if this is your final wish. It's not the end, you have the power to make it through this."
"Alright," I replied.
I received a reminder from Alexandra, cautioning me never to die while in the territory of Magnus. If I was to perish there, it would mean my demise in the mortal realm as well.
She explained that I possessed a flower, a significant indicator of time within Hell. If the flower were to wither and die, it signified the start of morning in the mortal world. I had until six in the morning. the following day.
"Understood," I acknowledged.
"Good luck," Alexandra wished me before guiding me to lie down on the stone table.
I wore a white gown with a flower crown adorning my head. It felt eerie and unsettling.
I never had the chance to inform Luke about this plan. It may sound ominous, but I had prepared a letter for him in case I did not survive the ordeal. Alexandra began her enchantment, her words resonating with darkness.
"Oh, hear my call, thou darkness! Allow this sacrificial body to transcend the bridges. Open thy gates, grant passage to this flesh. Bind us with thy dark string, shaping our fates!”
I felt a sharp sensation as she plunged the knife next to my heart. My heartbeat seemed to slow down, and a sense of drowsiness washed over me. I no longer felt any pain.
The next thing I knew, I found myself in unfamiliar territory. So, this is his place, I thought.
It appeared as a desolate wasteland, with smoking mountains of rocks and a blood-red sky littered with the corpses of flying dragons. In my hand, I noticed a flower, serving as my only guide to measure the passage of time within this realm. Realizing the urgency, I wasted no time and began to move forward.
I had imagined it to be challenging to navigate this place, but I had vastly underestimated the true extent of its difficulty. The place was teeming with skeleton monsters, decaying demons, snake-headed creatures, and monstrous beings that seemed straight out of nightmares.
From my vantage point, I observed his castle, situated at a considerable distance and heavily guarded by numerous soldiers. I took cover, aware that being caught would only lead to conflict.
In an attempt to make myself invisible, I enveloped my body with water, but to my dismay, it evaporated too easily in this scorching land. Hell truly lived up to its reputation as a realm of fire and heat.
Suddenly, realization dawned upon me—I possessed the orb of air. With this newfound power, I could move like a swift breeze, effortlessly passing by the guards. It seemed that the orb's abilities extended even into this realm.
I continued my journey until I finally reached the imposing castle. Despite its dilapidated appearance from the outside, the interior was a stark contrast—exuding opulence and elegance.
Chandeliers hung from the ceiling, casting a warm glow. Vibrant red carpets adorned the floors, and exquisite paintings adorned the walls. It was a visual feast that surpassed my wildest imagination.
However, a sense of danger tinged the air. I felt a presence approaching from behind, prompting me to quickly conjure a shield. I turned to face the imminent threat, and there he stood—the embodiment of every nightmare!
His dominance was intense, an aura that surrounded his being. He was on an entirely different level. His hands emanated flames, his expression devoid of any emotion.
Clad in a black gown, he exuded an air of superiority. This was none other than Magnus himself in his original home! His voice cut through the air, and it was as cold as the depths of winter.
"You're here for the orb, aren't you?" he questioned me and his tone was dripping with skepticism.
“Why do you have it? It doesn’t belong to you,” I told him.
"Are you sure about that, young lady? If you want to have it, then take it from me,” he challenged me, and before I could react, hundreds of fireballs materialized, each aimed in my direction.
I braced myself, going into a defensive stance. The odds seemed insurmountable, yet I had no choice but to fight. I had to obtain the orb, no matter the cost. I shifted into my werewolf form, charging towards him with my claws extended. I aimed to inflict damage, but his strength proved overwhelming. He effortlessly blocked my attacks with a single finger.
"You are nothing but pathetic!" she scorned, and his words echoed throughout the chamber.
Summoning a legion of skeletons, he sought to overpower me. I fought back, pushing through the exhaustion that threatened to consume me. His power was immense, and there’s no way I would win against him!
"Surrender, and perhaps I will spare your life," he taunted.
Suddenly, I felt a stabbing pain in my back. Demons joined the fray, further escalating the battle. With a ferocious growl, I unleashed my divine power, reducing the skeletons and demons to ashes. However, the use of my divine power was draining, taking its toll on me.
"Never! I will never cease fighting, for I know what is right. There are werewolves, humans, and countless other creatures who rely on me for help. You will stop at nothing to destroy the world and seize control!”
“Because the world is originally mine, Diana!” he growled in anger.