Starlit Bonds

XXI

Chapter 21: Make A Deal With God

The grand hall echoed with the chaotic symphony of battle, but my world narrowed to the fragile form of Winter before me. "Karina!" Minji's urgent cry pierced through my hesitation. Duty called, but I couldn't leave Winter's side until I deciphered the next move.

"Karina," Winter's feeble voice reached my ears, pulling my attention back to her. I leaned in, my name escaping her lips like a fragile whisper. "Giselle, she hates..." Winter trailed off, her delicate hand delving into the folds of her skirt. With a determined effort, she produced a small amulet, a relic of significance that gleamed softly in the dim light.

The amulet held a peculiar charm, a delicate trinket that seemed to hum with an ancient power. I took it in my hands, feeling the cool touch against my skin. Its intricate design hinted at centuries of history, and as I examined it, Winter's words clarified the gravity of its purpose.

"Control her with this," Winter revealed, her voice strained but resolute. The weight of responsibility settled on me as she gently placed the amulet around my neck. It rested against my collarbone, a tangible link to a power that could tip the scales in our favor.

"How?" I questioned, a mix of determination and uncertainty in my voice. Winter's response was a silent gesture, the gravity of her message sinking in. "End it today," she whispered before succumbing to the exhaustion that plagued her. The last image etched in my memory was Winter being dragged away as I clutched the amulet, a symbol of hope in the face of impending darkness.

I cradled Winter in my arms, her words echoing in my mind. Amidst the chaos, I rushed to join the others, the amulet dangling around my collarbone. The weight of it against my skin felt like a promise, a slender hope in the face of darkness.

As I approached the battleground, the air crackled with tension. Minji's eyes met mine, urgency reflected in her gaze. "Karina, we need to use that amulet," she said, her voice a mix of urgency and determination.

I clutched the amulet, its intricate design catching the faint light. "How do we control her with this?" I asked, my eyes darting between Minji and the relic.

Minji explained in hurried whispers, the vampires around us fighting a relentless tide of demons. The amulet, an ancient artifact with the power to bind and control vampires, Giselle had haboured many powerful embedded jewels, and the one classed between my fingers could break them all, it had to be activated with a specific incantation. My hands trembled as I held onto this newfound responsibility.

Winter's sacrifice fueled my determination. I closed my eyes, whispered the incantation under my breath, and felt a surge of energy coursing through the amulet. The world around me seemed to hold its breath, and for a moment, everything froze.

Giselle, amidst her chaotic powers, faltered. A brief vulnerability crossed her face as the amulet's influence took hold. The screech in her voice wavered, and the grip of her power weakened.

Seizing the opportunity, Minji and the others fought with renewed vigor. The demons recoiled, and the battlefield shifted in our favor. I approached Giselle, the amulet's power emanating between us.

"This ends now, Giselle," I declared, my voice steady. The amulet glowed brighter, its energy intertwining with the resolve burning within me. The world held its breath once more as we stood on the precipice of victory.

Silence engulfed the room after Giselle's demise, an eerie aftermath to the chaotic clash that had unfolded. Then, a deafening crack shattered the stillness. I turned to witness Haerin, her foot planted firmly on Giselle's neck, the scent of blood saturating the air, and the erratic pounding of my heart a testament to the intensity of the moment.

"We won," Minji breathed, a note of triumph in her voice. Haerin, wiping her hands, added, "Not quite."

"Oh, shut up," a voice echoed, and there she was – Winter, still alive against all odds. I rushed to her side, feeling the weight of relief and disbelief mingle as she limped closer. "Let her bask in the glory; she did go back in time after all," Winter muttered, a hint of humor in her weakened state.

Haerin exchanged glances with Minji. "Yeah, I did," Minji confirmed. The revelation sent a shudder down my spine, contemplating the complexities of altering time.

"We need to find the principals," I declared, a sense of urgency coloring my words. "They've got a lot of explaining to do," I added, the echoes of the recent battle still resonating in the room.

I held the amulet, its weight against my collarbone, contemplating its significance. "Is this hurting you?" I inquired, my concern directed at Winter. She shook her head, a frail but reassuring gesture.

"It doesn't weaken vampires. It's imbued with magic, empowering whoever wears it," Winter explained. My brow furrowed in both curiosity and concern, but before I could voice my thoughts, Haerin interjected.

"We should move," Haerin declared, a call to action that prompted us all to heed her words. The gravity of our recent victory lingered, but the need for the next steps propelled us forward.

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"those weren't her powers," Minji realized, rubbing her cold arms, "that was..." Hyein began, "crazy," Yunjin finished. Minji surveyed the ruins of the school, a profound realization settling in. "I think we're due for a Christmas break," Minji muttered, her gaze lifting to Crestwood Heights. "Or just... a new beginning."