Within the next hour, we were ready to go, our Engii loaded up with supplies and we each had a bottle of concealer and a cloak. I was given one of the tribe's Engii, reminding me once again that Belle wasn't with me. They told me his name was Sol, the elvish word for water. He had strong brown eyes and stood tall like the trees around us. But it just wasn't the same, I missed Belle. Her death left a gaping hole in my heart.

As we ventured deep into the grove, gone was the glow and safety of the Elven city, and were now surrounded by the wilds. I stroked Sol's coarse fur, attempting to soothe the anxiety that clawed at my stomach.

The forest was dark and dense, I felt like it was going to swallow me. Jagged branches and hanging vines seemed to reach for me, the whole forest warped, constricting, closing around me.

Just breathe. You are safe. I closed my eyes, focusing on my breathing until my erratic heart slowed. I needed to keep it together. We needed to get to the temple, get the crystal and stop Lilith and the angry fiery god on the other side of the portal. No problem.

I felt a warm hand clasp my arm and looked up. Isaac had moved up beside me, his brows were pinched and lips set in a small smile. "Are you okay Lisbeth?"

"I'll be fine. I just need to focus on the mission."

When the sun disappeared and the forest grew dark we slowed at a clearing next to a rushing river with brightly colored fish swimming upstream. A large tree had fallen across the river, making a makeshift bridge. The clear water showed various plants and colorful rocks buried beneath silver sand. This would be peaceful if I was anywhere else, but the noises of the forest made me constantly on edge. Zeke stepped off his mount and led it off to the side, tying it to one of the trees. "We will need to go on foot from here. The temple is not far, but this is where Arvellalei's land starts. We will need our cloaks."

Isaac helped me off Sol and tied up our mounts. I caught Isabella having trouble getting off Tilda, who was a bit restless and panicky. I didn't blame her. There was a coldness in the air, the kind that seeped into your bones. A breeze rustled the trees beyond the border and I saw Zeke tense. Without explanation, Zeke dropped to the ground and quickly drew a spiraling symbol in the dirt before swiping his hand through it in an upward motion. The air around us warped as the dirt fell slowly and then stilled. Zeke made a 'get down' motion with his hands and then pressed his index finger up to his lips.

The snap of a branch made us all jump and turn towards the growing rustle, beings emerged swinging through the trees. My breath caught in my throat, they were Elves! Except instead of a gray-blue, their skin was a deep green. Silver lines plunged down their bodies in geometric patterns and their flowing black hair was braided high and tight against their scalps. Menacing golden eyes surveyed the surrounding trees. They wore brown and beige trappings which helped blend them into the forest.

Only when they disappeared from sight did Zeke stand back up. He let out a shaky breath and grabbed his cloak off his engii. We did the same.

I couldn't pry my eyes from the spot the strange elves disappeared, "Were those..."

"Arvellalei. Yes, it was a good thing I heard them in time. We do not want to get caught."

My fingers tightened around my cloak as Isaac poured the potion over it. After a few minutes, we were all invisible. Isabella smirked at me as she pulled her hood up, no doubt thinking of the time I snuck into the mansion to get that blasted book.

I sighed. I was so stupid.

"Is there anything we need to know about the tribe before going forward?" Isaac asked as we followed Zeke across the fallen tree, its bark was slippery from the splashing water. My stomach sank, this felt all too similar to when we snuck back into the palace. Except here, I don't know what the enemy is capable of, and surrounded by woods that hold dangerous creatures.

"They are clever and calculating. We've been in a fragile peace with them for only about a year now. Their Keeper is kind though and has been working with ours to form an alliance. But the rest of the tribe doesn't agree. There's been a lot of infighting and the warriors won't hesitate killing us on site. Their arrows are laced with a poison that only grows on this side of the forest and it will slowly and painfully kill you. So I mean this when I say don't get spotted and don't get shot."

My stomach sank at the mention of poison. Why couldn't it have been fairies or something nice? Why did everything in this world have to be dangerous, from the scary felines to the murderous elves, I'm sure even the dragons would kill us just for trespassing on the mountain. And don't even get me started on whatever horror lurked in Ravenwood forest. A shiver raced down my spine at the thought of those creepy voices that called to me from those dark depths.

The wind rustled the trees and disturbed the many birds around us. Bright colorful feathers rushed above us in a flock, flying from tree to tree as if following the wind every time it blew. We all crouched low and followed Zeke, who winded us down an invisible path. The silence was agonizing, but I knew we had to be quiet. Any reassurance came from the occasional squeeze from Isaac whose hand had not left mine since crossing the border.

Isabella followed closely behind Zeke, it was almost comical with how quiet she had been, usually, by now she'd be teasing Isaac and me. The thought reminded me just how important this mission was. Getting this crystal and using it to close the breach, however that will be, it was our only lead. If this failed... my stomach rolled. I couldn't think about that right now.

After an hour of walking, we came upon the familiar sound of rushing water. It seems we found another part of the river we crossed before, except this time it tumbled and fell over a large steep cliff. Further down I could make out the shape of a crumbling building.

The temple! We made it!

"How are we going to get down there?" Isabella whispered.

"Climb?" Isaac suggested.

Isabella's face scrunched up as she looked down at her body, "do I look like I can climb down a steep slippery cliff?"

"I would pass out as soon as I looked over the edge, I'm getting woozy just thinking about it." I mumbled.

"Okay, do you see any other way down Zeke?" Isaac asked.

Zeke was examining a thick tree that hung over the cliff with long sturdy vines. "Isaac, come here."

Isabella and I watched in confusion as Zeke gathered a bunch of vines and started wrapping them around Isaac's legs and waist. Once he was done making a makeshift harness he handed the vines to Isaac.

"We're going to have to repel down. Isaac will go first. Go slow, use the wall to keep steady."

"Are you sure this is the only way?!" my voice hitched as Isaac confidently jumped and started to lower himself.

"It is the fastest way, I would rather not spend much more time in Arvellalei lands." the vines went slack and Zeke looked down with a relieved smile. "He made it."

"You weren't sure?!" I swore the pitch of my voice could break glass. He's crazy!

"One can't always be one hundred percent sure all the time... Isa?" Zeke motioned for her to step forward.

My sister's face flushed at his nickname for her and she slowly walked forward. Her face almost made this worth it as he maneuvered the vines around her legs and hips. His voice was low as he guided her through the steps and then he leaned in and whispered something in her ear. Her mouth fell open and her face turned an even brighter shade of red. She quickly got to the edge and lowered herself, there was a small squeak during the descent but she managed to get down just fine.

My heart dropped into my stomach when Zeke turned to me holding the vines. "No...no I can't."

"If there was another quick way down I would take it. I would also go down with you if I thought this vine could hold us both. But I can't take that risk. You can do this Elizabeth."

My mind pulled me back to the time I went rock climbing with Michael and Jessica. I had gotten stuck on the wall, frozen with fear, they had to send someone up to get me down. Jessica had said the same thing to me. That I could do it... But I couldn't.

This wasn't Vancouver though, I didn't have a choice. We had to get down the cliff. So much depends on me. I have to do this.

It took all my strength to walk forward, it felt like there was lead in my shoes. My heart raced as Zeke carefully wrapped the vines around me. He guided my sweating hands and clamped them around the thick band of vines. My wide, frantic eyes met Zeke's calm ocean blues. His hand gripped my trembling shoulders as he held my gaze.

"You can do this. Keep this line between your legs, you don't have to jump, use the wall to guide you. You can even walk down. Deep breaths and don't look down. Isaac is waiting at the bottom. He'll help you down when he can reach you. Take your time and don't panic."

All I could do was nod. Zeke helped me lower myself until I was dangling over the edge, feet firmly planted on the packed dirt cliffside. My cloak whipped in the occasional breeze that made the branches above me creak as I slowly descended.

I can do this. The vines are sturdy...I can do this.

Moving at a snail's pace my hands glided down the thick vines. There was some wear on them from all the pulling. Oh god, I hope they don't break.

My chest started to tingle at the thought and my stomach rolled. Trembling hands gripped the vines tightly and I squeezed my eyes closed.

No...no...no.

I can do this!

One foot after the other. A pair of hands grabbed my waist making me jump in my skin. My heart skipped a beat and my flailing arms caused the vine to loosen. I fell onto Isaac with an audible oof.

My head snapped towards Isaac and my face flushed. "I am so sorry! I was so focused on not falling I didn't realize I was close to the bottom.

Isaacs's arms tightened around me as he laughed. "It's okay! You did it!" his smile stretched wide as his laugh filled my heart. I felt myself slowly relax and I collapsed against his chest. His hand came up and stroked my hair. "You did it, Lizbeth."

"I did, didn't I? Never again though."

A hand outstretched above me and I looked up to see a smiling Zeke. He was quicker than any of us, he must have done this before. I took his hand and he helped Issac and I up. Brushing off the dirt I turned and my eyes widened. It looked so far away from the top of the cliff.

The temple stood before us, it was bigger than I thought it would be. Large archways lined the veranda, wrapped in vines and flowers. A crumbling, cracked stone staircase led into the main building which rose high into the canopy in tiers. Its walls filled with a labyrinth of cracks that sprouted vines and tree roots. One wall had completely crumbled to make way for the strong white tree that sprouted sideways.

Two towers were left standing in the back though its structure indicated there used to be three and like the buildings back in the elven city, crystal weaved its way throughout the entire temple. But instead of glowing and refracting the moonlight, it was dark—dead.

"Woah..." Isabella breathed.

"These cloaks aren't going to last much longer. We need to hurry and find the star fragment, Elizabeth did the vision show you where in the temple it was?" Ezekiel asked while we followed him up the cracked steps.

"Not really but the room was pretty big so I'm guessing somewhere on the ground floor of the main building."

A dark, wooden door lay askew, dangling off one hinge, strange etchings lined the arch but were ineligible due to the corrosion and ivy. We carefully stepped inside. Zeke held up his hand and a small glowing orb formed, lighting the large entry room. It was difficult to breathe, the air was so thick with moisture and the smell of rotting foliage and mildew filled my nose.

Several doors split off from the main room leading to god knows where. Water dripped off stalactites that covered the ceiling. The atmosphere was strange, it didn't feel dark or foreboding, but it didn't feel light and welcoming either.

"Should we split up?" Isaac asked, peeking his head into one of the rooms. His foot shifted on the stone tile and then there was a click. With lightning-fast reflexes, Ezekiel grabbed Isaac by the shoulders and yanked him back, just in time to see a spear skewer the opposite wall where his head used to be.

We all stared wide-eyed at the intricately carved wood and metal tip. I glanced at the floor, my feet pressed into each other to avoid any other adjacent tiles, for fear of triggering another trap.

"I think it best to stick together—closely together." Zeke squeaked out.

Isaac's was as pale as a sheet, he had nearly died—again! I took his shaking hand and tried to lend him whatever strength I had.

"Did the Arvellalei tribe do this?" I carefully looked around, slowly inching through the main room towards one of the corridors.

"It's plausible. Though I am not sure. I'm not even sure where to start looking now that we know it's booby-trapped."

The stone crumbled and tumbled down steps that led up to another room. Something deep inside me stirred. Could that be the way?

I stepped carefully up the staircase, it cracked under my weight. A small breeze blew through the darkened doorway carrying with it a vague scent of pine, wildflowers, and smoke.

My light flickered as I entered the new room, and my body tensed up at the slightest sounds. The others continued to question which way to go. I wanted to call out about my suspicions but I wanted to make sure I was right.

The feeling inside me grew the farther in I got. I shuffled my feet a few inches more and then stopped dead as I heard a soft click.

Oh no!

I quickly ducked to avoid whatever trap I had sprung hoping it was like the one before, the building trembled, and birds from outside flew away and cawed in annoyance.

"Lizbeth!"

"Liz!"

I heard Isabella and Isaac call to me, followed by the sounds of their quickened steps. Stones shifted and cracked, whatever I triggered was big. Rock grinder against rock and there was an audible floosh as light filled the chamber.

"Holy crap," Isabella whispered from behind me.

Isaac ran up and crouched beside me, pulling me to him, looking for any sign of injury.

"Are you okay?"

I was definitely not okay. But I put on a brave face and nodded. My erratic heart rattled in my chest and my lungs ached from all the dust that had been kicked up into the air. He helped me up and my legs wobbled.

My eyes wandered towards the light and my mouth fell open. The shaking had been a giant chasm opening up between us and the now raised pedestal. Two columns stood on either side of us alight with blue flame. Just like my vision.

On the pedestal was a large crystal about as big as my fist. It glowed a faint violet and shimmered from the light that peeked through the cracks that had formed in the ceiling.

Behind the crystal was a large statue of what could only be the goddess, wrapped elegantly in cloth. Her hands raised above her head holding a star.

"How... how do we get across?" There was no bridge... and no bottom in sight.

Zeke cautiously walked to one of the pillars and grazed his fingers over the old faded text, elvish spilled out his mouth syllables at a time. As if sounding out the words.

"What does it say?" Isaac asked.

"The roughest translation I can make is—Only those bathed in the light of twilight may enter this sacred circle. May you walk with conviction and virtue. In her goddess' sight you will be judged."

My eyes wandered back to the statue and then to the large chasm in front of us. "What do you think that means?" I asked. Inching closer to the edge, sweat forming above my brow. The crystal shimmered with every step I took. My magic swirled inside me, making me nauseous. It was as if it wanted to return to where it came from.

"I'm not entirely sure, do you have any idea? Elizabeth?"

Zeke's words faded from my mind as the pull got stronger. Isabella stepped up beside me, her eyes as wide as saucers.

"You feel it too?" I asked.

She only nodded and reached for my hand. As soon as our hands linked together a pulse of magic left us and we walked forward, there was no stopping us. I felt like I was back in that tower, a prisoner to my body, and the fact that Isa wasn't stopping either I could only assume she felt the same.

"Lizbeth!"

I felt Isaac's hand grab my shoulders, trying to hold me back, but it was no use. The crystal had a hold of us. Its light shined brighter as we took a step off the edge, but instead of falling to our death, we simply continued to walk. Light shot out from our feet with each step. Swirling around us in an intricate dance before diving into the crystal.

When we made it to the other side we both reached for the crystal. It was warm to the touch and light burst out of it. It was so bright it burned my eyes. Time seemed to slow as the light consumed Isabella and me until there was nothing left but white space.

We were freed from the crystal's grasp but were no longer in the room we were before, at least that's what I thought.

Daughters!

A voice drifted through my head and both Isa and I stiffened. A warm violet light formed in front of us, twisting and pulsing until it formed the shape of a woman.

My daughters! You've finally found me!

My mouth dropped as I recognized the voice, it was the same one from my vision with the fiery god. The woman trapped in the gilded cage.

"The goddess..." I whispered.

"Wait... really?!" Isabella stumbled back and looked back and forth between me and the goddess. She was here? This whole time?! Trapped in the crystal... I suppose it makes sense, she used the crystal to give us all magic and stop the war. Did it consume her?

We don't have much time! I can not hold this for long. You must take this crystal and use it to close the portal.

"But how are we supposed to do that?!"

She reached out to us and smiled. You'll know when the time comes. She leaned forward and gave us each a kiss on the forehead, it tingled with the warmth of a thousand. The light around us started to fade and so did the goddess.

Save me, my daughters.

You're the only ones who can. 

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