The Secrets of the Elements

Unknown Savior

"I'm sure something more terrible lies ahead," said Advika, glancing at the door. Daksh took a few steps back and kicked open the door.

Her hands shot up in front of her face as if forming an invisible barrier against the looming darkness. Her heart pounded in her chest, its thunderous beats echoing in her ears, drowning out all other sounds.

But as moments passed in silence, Advika gradually lowered her trembling hands, her senses on high alert. The absence of any immediate threat allowed her racing heart to gradually settle, although residual drumming persisted in her ears.

Daksh stared into the darkness. "Switch on the flashlight," he said, removing the webs covering the entrance.

Advika blinked rapidly, her vision gradually adjusting to the dimly lit surroundings. Taking a series of deep breaths, she summoned her courage and steadied her trembling hands. With a firm resolve, she reached for her phone and, despite her lingering trepidation, switched on the flashlight. As the pale glow pierced the darkness, Daksh swiftly snatched the phone from her grasp.

"Just handle yourself and the book," he said and advanced into the opening. Ru, how I wish you were here instead of this girl.

Daksh crouched down, his tall frame stooping to accommodate the low ceiling, enabling him to traverse the confined space without injury. Advika, being of average height, followed closely behind, grateful that her stature allowed her to navigate the limited headroom without difficulty. However, her physical comfort belied the turmoil brewing within her.

As they ventured deeper into the darkness, Advika felt her anxiety escalate, coiling around her like an insidious presence. The oppressive atmosphere weighed heavily on her, amplifying her unease with each passing moment. The close proximity to Daksh, while comforting in some ways, failed to alleviate the mounting apprehension that gnawed at her insides.

~~~~~

"Will this be effective?" Zarna inquired, her grip tightening around Rutuja's hand, her eyes scanning the faces of their companions. They sat in a circle, interlocking hands, forming a bond of unity.

"It should," Maya responded with a confident tone, her eyes gently closing as she prepared herself for what lay ahead. Sensing the weight of anticipation in the air, the others mirrored Maya's actions, shutting their eyes and delving inward.

Rutuja's voice broke the silence, her words carrying a sense of reassurance. "You remember the mantra, right?" she asked, her gaze shifting towards Maya, who seemed to be holding her breath in preparation. Maya nodded in affirmation, her conviction palpable in the room.

Taking a moment to collect her thoughts, Rutuja drew in a deep breath, allowing her lungs to expand fully before releasing the air in a calm, steady exhale. With her eyes closed, she immersed herself in the energy of the circle, feeling the connection and support of her friends.

Ray could feel the grip of Tej's hand tighten. He sensed the tension.

Flashbacks of the last attempt to summon the book ran through his mind. He tried to steady his breathing. Relax, he heard Ray whisper.

Maya began the chants.

~~~~~

"Wait," Advika whispered urgently, her grip tightening on Daksh's arm as she sensed a presence nearby. "I can hear something," she continued, her voice barely above a whisper.

Daksh raised a finger to his lips, signaling for silence, and closed his eyes, focusing his attention on the surrounding sounds. As he concentrated, his brows furrowed in concentration, trying to make sense of the faint murmurs that reached his ears.