After the weight of the prophecy settled over the library, Arnold led Magnus, Tracy, and Eleanor to the basement. The air grew colder as they descended the stairs, the hum of the crystal's energy growing louder with each step. Magnus's heart pounded in his chest, his mind still reeling from the cryptic words of the prophecy. He didn't fully understand it, but he knew one thing for certain—he couldn't trust the Adams family.
The basement was dimly lit, the crystal sitting on its pedestal at the center of the room, its golden light casting long shadows on the walls. The air was thick with energy, and Magnus could feel the crystal's power resonating deep within him, as if it were calling to him.
Arnold and Tracy took their positions on either side of the crystal, their expressions solemn. Eleanor stood behind Magnus, her presence both comforting and unsettling. Magnus glanced at her, searching for some sign of reassurance, but her face was unreadable.
"Now, Magnus," Arnold said, his voice commanding. "It's time. Focus on the crystal. Let its energy flow through you. This is your destiny."
Magnus stepped forward, his hands trembling. He closed his eyes, focusing on the crystal's energy. He could feel it surging through him, warm and electric, but he held back, careful not to let it consume him. He knew what they wanted—for him to fully tap into the crystal's power so they could take it from him. But he couldn't let that happen.
As the energy built, Arnold and Tracy began to chant, their voices low and rhythmic. The crystal's glow intensified, and Magnus felt a strange pull, as if the energy was being drawn out of him.
"Now, Magnus!" Tracy commanded. "Release it!"
Magnus hesitated, his mind racing. He knew what would happen if he fully tapped into the crystal's power—they would take it from him, leaving him a hollow shell. But he also knew he couldn't hold back forever.
With a deep breath, he let go, allowing the energy to surge through him. The crystal's glow became blinding, and the room was filled with a deafening hum. But just as the energy reached its peak, Magnus pulled back, forcing it to subside.
Arnold's eyes narrowed. "What are you doing? Release it!"
Magnus opened his eyes, his expression defiant. "No."
The room fell silent, the tension palpable. Arnold and Tracy exchanged a glance, their expressions darkening. "You think you have a choice?" Tracy said, her voice cold. "You're nothing without us. You'll do as you're told."
Magnus took a step back, his hands glowing with golden light. "I'm not your pawn anymore. I know what you're planning—to steal my power and kill me. But I won't let you."
Arnold's lips curled into a cruel smile. "You think you can stop us? You're just a boy, Magnus. You don't have the strength."
"Maybe not," Magnus said, his voice steady. "But I'm not going down without a fight."
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The room erupted into chaos. Arnold raised his hand, and a wave of energy surged toward Magnus, forcing him to dive to the side. The blast hit the wall behind him, leaving a gaping hole. Magnus scrambled to his feet, his heart racing.
Tracy stepped forward, her hands glowing with a sinister light. "You should have obeyed, Magnus. Now you'll pay the price."
She unleashed a barrage of energy bolts, forcing Magnus to duck and weave. He countered with a shield of golden light, but the force of her attacks sent him stumbling backward.
Eleanor stood to the side; her expression conflicted. "Magnus, stop this! You can't win!"
Magnus glanced at her, his heart aching. "I trusted you, Eleanor. I thought you cared about me."
Eleanor's eyes filled with tears, but she said nothing. Arnold stepped forward, his voice booming. "Enough of this! You're outmatched, Magnus. Surrender now, and we'll make it quick."
Magnus clenched his fists, his hands glowing brighter. "I'll never surrender to you."
Arnold's expression darkened, and he unleashed a powerful blast of energy. Magnus raised his shield, but the force of the attack sent him flying across the room. He hit the wall hard, the impact knocking the wind out of him.