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Chapter 20 - The Chosen Ones’ Doom

The night was dark and full of terrors. The Whispering Grove, once a haven of light and life, now lay under the shadow of a dark force that threatened to destroy it.

The dark triumvirate, led by Zalgaroth, the fallen dragon, had found a clue that would lead them to the prophecy they sought—the prophecy that would awaken their master, the Malgarn, and unleash his wrath upon the world.

They had no time to waste, for they knew they were not the only ones who sought the prophecy. Aria and Theo, the chosen ones of light, were also on their trail, hoping to stop them and save the grove. The fate of the forest, and the world, hung in the balance, as the two forces raced towards their inevitable confrontation.

The dark cave echoed with the sound of their footsteps as they made their way to the exit. They had found the clue they were looking for—a hidden carving on the wall that revealed the location of the prophecy.

They were Zalgaroth, Necronus, and Malaxar—the dark triumvirate—the servants of the Malgarn. They had different names among the grove's inhabitants, names that inspired fear and hatred.

They were the Shadowbinder, the Sorcerer of Veiled Curses, and the Silent Shade. All who crossed their paths feared these three sinister figures, who commanded immense power.

Zalgaroth, the master of fire and destruction, wielded flames that could reduce entire villages to ashes in an instant. Necronus, the master of dark magic, could summon creatures from the depths of the underworld to do his bidding.

Malaxar, the master of stealth and shadows, could move undetected through any environment and strike fear into the hearts of his enemies. Together, they formed an unstoppable force that threatened to plunge the grove into eternal darkness.

They emerged from the cave into the night, blending in with the shadows that enveloped the forest. They moved swiftly and silently, following the clue that would lead them to the prophecy. They knew they had to act fast before Aria and Theo could find it and use it against them.

They were determined to steal the prophecy and awaken their master, the Malgarn. Their emotions drove them: pride and ambition; greed and malice; envy and spite. They were the enemies of the Grove and of all those lives.

The forest, sensing their presence, seemed to shiver in fear, branches trembling in a silent scream. Aria and Theo, the chosen ones of light, slept peacefully in their camp, unaware of the danger that lurked in the dark. They were about to face their greatest challenge yet, a challenge that would test their courage and faith.

Meanwhile, in a cozy tent near the edge of the forest, Aria and Theo were sleeping soundly, unaware of the danger that was approaching.

They had spent the day exploring the grove, following the whispers of the wind and the tree, searching for clues to the hidden prophecy.

They had also encountered some friendly spirits who had shared with them some of the Grove's secrets and wonders. They had felt a connection to the Grove, a bond that grew stronger with every step they took.

They had also grown closer to each other, feeling a spark of attraction and affection that they could not deny. They had shared their hopes and fears, their dreams and doubts, and their joys and sorrows.

They had comforted each other, encouraged each other, and laughed with each other. They had felt a harmony between them, a balance that complemented their elements and personalities.

They had fallen asleep in each other's arms, feeling safe and happy. A nightmare interrupted their peaceful slumber soon.

A loud roar echoed through the night, shaking the ground and the trees. Aria and Theo woke up with a start, feeling a surge of fear and adrenaline. They ran out of the tent, looking for the source of the noise.

They saw a huge dragon flying over the forest, breathing fire and smoke. Its scales were black as coal, its eyes red as blood, and its claws sharp as blades. It was Zalgaroth, the Lord of Fire, the Shadowbinder.

Two other figures, riding on dark steeds, followed him. One was a hooded figure, wielding a staff that crackled with dark energy. It was Necronus, the Lord of Death, the Sorcerer of Veiled Curses.

The other was an armored figure holding a sword that glinted with a sinister light. It was Malaxar, the Lord of Darkness, the Silent Shade.

They were the dark triumvirate, the servants of the Malgarn. They had found the location of the prophecy, and they were determined to steal it before Aria and Theo could find it.

They spotted Aria and Theo standing outside their tent, looking terrified and confused. They grinned wickedly and swooped down to attack them.

Aria and Theo barely had time to react. They dodged the dragon's fire breath, the sorcerer's curses, and the shapeshifter's blade. They fought back with their own powers, summoning gusts of wind and pillars of earth.

They tried to reach Yavanna, who was sleeping in another tent nearby. They hoped she could help them fend off their attackers.

But they were outnumbered and outmatched. The dark triumvirate was too powerful and too ruthless. They overwhelmed Aria and Theo with their relentless assault.

Aria felt a sharp pain in her chest as Necronus stabbed her with his staff. She fell to the ground, gasping for air. Theo felt a cold grip on his neck as Malaxar strangled him with his ironclad hand. He dropped to his knees, struggling to breathe.

They looked at each other with horror and despair. They reached out their hands to each other, trying to touch one last time.

They whispered each other's names as they closed their eyes.

"Aria…"

"Theo…"

They felt their lives slipping away as they lost consciousness.

Zalgaroth roared in triumph as he watched them fall. He landed on the ground and walked towards them. He grabbed their bodies and lifted them up.

He looked at Necronus and Malaxar with a smug smile.

"We did it," he said proudly. "We have defeated the chosen ones."

He looked at their limp forms with contempt.

"They were no match for us," he said mockingly. "They were weak and foolish."

He tossed them aside like rag dolls.

"They are nothing," he said coldly.

He turned to his companions and gestured to the forest.

"Come on," he said eagerly. "Let's go get our prize."

He led them deeper into the forest, following the clue that would lead them to the prophecy. They left behind Aria and Theo's bodies, lying on the ground in a pool of blood.

They foolishly assumed that their hearts had stopped beating. They carelessly overlooked that Yavanna had regained consciousness and witnessed everything. They arrogantly ignored that she was rushing towards them with tears in her eyes.

They haughtily dismissed the idea that she was pleading for help from the Grove's spirits. They fatally underestimated that there was still hope for Aria and Theo.

As Aria and Theo lay unconscious on the ground, their spirits left their bodies and entered a realm of light. They found themselves in a beautiful garden, filled with flowers and trees. They felt a sense of peace and warmth, as if they were home.

In the realm of the dead, Aria and Theo wandered, their spirits untethered from their earthly forms. The garden around them glowed with an otherworldly light, casting long, dappled shadows on the ground. The air hummed with a gentle melody, as if the very earth were singing.

As they strolled through the garden, they felt a profound sense of belonging, as though this place had been waiting for them. The leaves whispered secrets, and the flowers seemed to nod in recognition. It was a sanctuary, a haven of peace that cradled their weary souls.

And then, from the heart of the garden, a figure emerged. It was a luminous spirit, its form shifting and ethereal. It spoke, but not in words that could be heard, but rather in a language of the heart and spirit.

"Oh, Chosen ones, keepers of the ancient lore, 

In shadows deep, you faced the darkest core.

Though struck down in the battle's cruel mire, 

Your spirits rise, fueled by sacred fire.

Beneath the boughs, where secrets lie, 

The Whispering Grove will never die. 

Awakened by the heart's unwavering call, 

The Grove's true power shall save you all.

Embrace your fate; let courage be your guide.

For destiny weaves a path both far and wide.

In realms unseen, the final truths unfurl, 

Where shadows fade and heroes find their pearls.

Here in this garden, where spirits reside, 

Your ancestors watch with love and with pride. 

They stand by your side; their wisdom flows free, 

Guiding your steps to the destiny you're meant to be.

Remember their faces, their stories, their song,

 For in every heartbeat, their legacy lives strong. 

Take strength in their presence, let it light your way, 

Through challenges faced, in night's shadowy play."

As the spirit's voice faded, Aria and Theo felt a subtle change in the air. Two shadowy figures appeared in the garden's soft glow, their shapes enigmatic and vague.

They exuded an ancient, serene power. Aria and Theo looked at each other, feeling a deep familiarity with the sillouettes before them. It was as if time had warped, giving them a glimpse of a past linked to their own.

The figures stayed hidden in mystery, their faces masked by light and shadow. But a silent bond vibrated in the air, a gentle assurance that they were not alone.

The watchful Yavanna guarded their motionless mortal bodies on the ground. She stood tall and resolute, her gaze fixed on the pale and still figures. With unwavering determination, Yavanna vowed to protect them from any harm that may befall them in their vulnerable state.

Meanwhile, Aria and Theo's spirits were on the edge of discovery, the threads of destiny drawing them closer. The next step was waiting, shrouded in the unknown.

The anticipation of what lay ahead filled them with a mix of excitement and trepidation.

But what secrets would their journey unravel? And how would they change their lives forever?

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