Chapter 38

chapter Thirty-Seven

Three agonizing minutes passed, the silence hanging heavy in the chamber. Tessa's hope began to waver as doubt crept into her mind. "Nothing seems to be happening," she sighed, her voice laced with disappointment and frustration. "I don't think this is going to work."

Tristan, fueled by a stubborn determination, stepped forward to take his turn. He squared his shoulders, staring intently at the mirror's surface. "Let me give it a try," he suggested, his voice tinged with both determination and skepticism. Tessa graciously stepped aside, her eyes fixed on Tristan's every move.

With newfound confidence, Tristan stood before the mirror, his reflection blending with the mystical properties of the glass. His voice resonated with authority as he commanded, "Mirror, I implore you to reveal the whereabouts of our dear friend, Lucas."

Time seemed to stretch into eternity as they awaited a response. The chamber grew hushed, the air pregnant with anticipation. The mirror shimmered softly, as if contemplating its response.

Growing restless, Tristan's frustration bubbled to the surface. His voice trembled with anger and disappointment. "Nothing seems to be happening! How could the leader leave us in this state? At the very least, he could have guided us or commanded the mirror!" His clenched fists betrayed his frustration.

Tessa, her determination unwavering, interjected with a calm voice. "Tristan, perhaps the leader's instructions hold merit," she suggested, her words carrying a soothing tone. "Distractions may hinder the mirror's revelations. Let me try one more time."

Tristan, resigned yet hopeful, reluctantly stepped aside, allowing Tessa to approach the enigmatic mirror once more. She closed her eyes briefly, centering herself amidst the disappointment. With renewed focus, she stepped forward, her gaze fixed on the mirror's elusive surface.

"Mirror," Tessa began, her voice a blend of desperation and longing, "I beseech you once more. Please, show us the location of Lucas, our dear friend."

A profound stillness settled in the chamber, anticipation hanging in the air like a veil. Seconds turned into minutes, stretching their patience to its limits. Yet, despite Tessa's unwavering determination, the mirror remained obstinately inert, revealing no secrets.

Defeated, Tessa turned away from the mirror, tears welling up in her eyes. "Tristan, let's return to the Council of Elders and seek their guidance," she suggested, her voice tinged with a mix of disappointment and acceptance. Tristan nodded silently, mirroring Tessa's feelings of dejection.

As they retraced their steps towards the chamber's exit, Tessa's gaze involuntarily drifted back to the mirror one last time. Overwhelmed by a surge of vulnerability and desperation, she whispered, "Please, Lucas, where are you? We need you." Her voice trailed off, dissipating into the stillness of the chamber.

In a stunning twist of fate, the mirror glitched, a flicker of movement catching Tessa's attention. Her heart skipped a beat as she turned to face the mirror once more, her eyes widening with a mix of hope and uncertainty. Tristan, sensing the shift in energy, quickly joined her side.

"Tessa, did you hear that?" Tristan asked, his voice brimming with curiosity and anticipation.

"Yes, I did," Tessa replied, her voice trembling with a blend of excitement and trepidation. "Let's not waste a moment. We must investigate further."

As they approached the mirror, a newfound energy pulsated through the chamber. The surface of the mirror undulated like a pond disturbed by a gentle breeze, and a mystical mist began to weave intricate patterns within its depths. Tessa and Tristan stood in awe, their eyes transfixed on the mesmerizing display before them. The mist transformed into ethereal shapes and symbols, forming a narrative of its own.

As the mist swirled and danced, landscapes unfolded within the mirror's expanse. They caught glimpses of lush forests, towering mountains, and ancient ruins shrouded in mystery. The scenes shifted rapidly, as if guiding them on a journey through time and space.

Amongst the ever-changing landscapes, faces emerged, flickering like distant stars. Tessa's heart skipped a beat as she recognized Lucas, their dear friend, amid the shifting visions. His smile, though fleeting, filled her with a surge of hope and determination.

Tristan's excitement was palpable. "Look, Tessa! It's Lucas!

Tessa's hands trembled with a mix of hope and anxiety as she watched the mirror's surface reveal the distressing image of Lucas, imprisoned in a dungeon that seemed to embody despair itself. His body bore the marks of brutal mistreatment, wounds staining his clothes and blood marring his skin. The sight filled her with a surge of emotions-a potent blend of anger, determination, and a deep-rooted concern for her dear friend.

Tristan's jaw clenched as he observed the pitiable state of their comrade. His fists tightened, his nails digging into his palms. "The vile creatures who did this to Lucas will pay for their cruelty," he vowed through gritted teeth. His eyes burned with an unwavering resolve, fueled by a desire to bring justice and reunite their group.

As they continued to gaze into the mirror, its surface rippled once more, revealing the hidden location where Lucas was being held captive. The image seemed to shimmer with a faint glow, as if urging them to pay heed to its revelation. Tessa's breath caught in her throat, a spark of hope flickering within her. "Tristan, look!" she exclaimed, pointing at the mirror. "The mirror has answered us. It's showing us where Lucas is!"

Tristan's eyes widened in astonishment and relief. "You're right, Tessa," he affirmed, his voice brimming with newfound determination. "We have the means to find him now. We won't let Lucas suffer any longer."

Knowing they couldn't afford to forget the crucial information, Tessa swiftly grabbed a piece of parchment and transcribed the location with meticulous care. Every stroke of her quill mirrored her unwavering commitment to their mission. She held the note tightly, her fingers tracing the inked letters as if they held the power to guide them through the treacherous path ahead.

Leaving the inner chamber, Tessa and Tristan made their way to the revered Chamber of the Council of Elders. The room, adorned with ancient tapestries and lined with shelves bearing ancient tomes, emanated an aura of profound wisdom and power. The Council members, their faces etched with age and experience, turned their attention toward the champions as they entered.