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Audio version of Jacklyn Taylor Stories
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Approaching the Core
As Callen, Liriel, Turaak, and their shadow allies approached the heart of the Passage of Darkness, the waters around them grew nearly motionless. This stillness was deceptive—it concealed an immense power lurking in the depths. The silence was so profound that even the faintest sound echoed like thunder.
Callen felt the Ocean’s Heart pulsing in his hand, emanating warmth that both reassured and warned him. His body was taut with tension, ready to snap at the slightest provocation. Liriel swam beside him, her eyes scanning their surroundings with apprehension, her own magic flickering faintly.
“We’re close,” she whispered, her voice barely audible in the thick water.
“It knows we’re here,” Callen replied, his gaze fixed on the dark abyss ahead.
The Entity Appears
Suddenly, the water in front of them began to churn as if stirred by an invisible whirlpool. From this abyss, a massive and incomprehensible figure slowly emerged. Its form constantly shifted—one moment resembling a kraken, the next a shimmering shadow. This being seemed to be an extension of the ocean itself, embodying its darkest and most ancient essence.
A deep fear coursed through Callen, sending a chill down his spine. Yet, despite the terror, he felt a strange calm within him—the strength given by the Ocean’s Heart and the weight of his responsibility.
“Callen,” Liriel whispered, her voice trembling, but she did not falter. “That’s it. That’s what we’ve been searching for.”
Turaak let out a low growl, bracing himself. “It’s not just watching us. It knows what we want.”
The entity spoke, its voice a booming whisper that echoed through the water. “Foolish one who dares to enter my domain… You have brought with you a heart that does not belong to you.”
Callen stepped forward, gripping the Ocean’s Heart tightly. “I’m not here to steal your power. I’m here to protect the ocean.”
The shadow laughed, a cold, wintry sound. “Protect? You do not understand. I am the water; I am the power. You are but a man. Your attempt to comprehend me will lead only to ruin.”
A Dialogue with Darkness
Callen summoned his courage, feeling the Ocean’s Heart glow brighter. “You are part of this world, just as I am. But your power brings only destruction. Why do you threaten all who live in the ocean?”
The entity drew closer, its shadows coiling around the group without touching them but exerting an oppressive pressure that made Liriel and Turaak brace themselves further. “You ask the wrong question, Keeper. Why have you come here, knowing I could destroy you?”
“Because I believe we can find a way to live in harmony,” Callen replied, his voice steady despite the terror gripping every cell of his body. “I don’t want to fight you. I want to understand you.”
The shadow paused, its shifting form momentarily still. “Harmony? Your ancestors said the same before they betrayed me and sought to wield my power. You are no better than they were.”
Callen felt an internal conflict brewing. He realized the entity spoke of a past he did not know. “If that’s true, I’m here to right the wrongs of the past. I don’t seek control. I only want to preserve the ocean for all who live in it.”
The Entity’s Warning
The entity surrounded Callen with its shadow, its voice becoming deeper and more resonant. “Do you truly believe you can handle this power? I am the depths themselves. My promise to drown this world will be fulfilled if you dare disturb me.”
Liriel stepped forward, her magic flaring around her. “He’s not alone. We’re all here to protect our home.”
Turaak supported her, his voice low but resolute. “We do not fear you. You may be ancient, but we are strong together.”
Callen looked at his allies, their faith in him giving him strength. He turned back to the entity, his voice filled with conviction. “I won’t back down. You may destroy me, but I will do everything I can to save this ocean.”
The entity fell silent, its shadows slowing as if contemplating his words. Its voice softened but remained ominous. “You have made your choice, Keeper. Let us see if your heart can withstand my power.”
