Enter The Ruin And Search For A Strange Jade Novels & Stories

Chapter 19 "Josephine, please come back!" John said as Josephine pushed him aside and left the office. *** Lucas's car stopped at the entrance of a magnificent building standing firm and proud, with a golden-colored sign stating Crystal Hotel. "Incredible," Lucas said in awe of the building. Truly, it was a sight to behold. "Isn't it?" Mabel said as she appeared before him. "Thank you for making it." "No, thank you for inviting me," he replied as he took in her beauty.

I breath out. “Anything for Darian.” He says. I slowly push myself on my feet, testing my body. I feel no pain or stiffness. No sign that minutes ago, the cuts and bruises I acquired from trying to escape, and from Liam dragging me across the rocky grounds, were there. Darian gestures for me to follow, and I fall into step beside him as we leave. The corridors of Supraveil stretch endlessly. Stone arches curve overhead, carved with ancient symbols that glow faintly like dying stars. The floors beneath our feet are plain black marble, reflecting our movements in distorted ripples.

I threw the stack of cash on his table and that act caused the dealer to look up, his leg crossed on the table in front of him. “Look who we have here,” he said, a smirk forming on his face. I wished to fucking wipe it off his face. “The mighty Zayn Santiago. To what do I owe this pleasant visit?” He asked, trying to pretend he didn't fucking know why I was here and it infuriated the hell out of me. “I want the crystals,” I said plainly, getting straight to the point, not wanting to spend a second more than needed in this goddamn place. “Oh right,” he laughed. Pulling open one of the drawers attached to the table. “We got some new stuff. You'd definitely like this one,” He threw a sealed bag

Without a word, Lana pulled a crimson jewel from her pocket—a gleaming, tear-shaped ruby—and held it out to him. “Where’s the entrance to the underworld?” Her voice was low, calm, and unmistakably dangerous. He hesitated, his gaze flickering between the jewel and her veiled face. Greed won. He snatched the ruby with trembling fingers and nodded toward the eastern wall. “Second annex. Past the hills. You’ll find a door—behind it, a fissure in the rock. Follow the crack, and you’ll reach a narrow tunnel. But... I wouldn’t go there alone, especially not a woman.”

I could feel him tightening his guard again, as though he was preparing for a war. The entrance to the ruins was exactly where Gwen said it would be. It was half-buried under roots and stones, a set of crumbling stairs disappearing into the earth. "Ready?" Clarissa asked. I glanced at Zion, then back at her. "No," I said. "But let's go in anyway." The air shifted the moment we stepped inside. Dust coated the stone walls, and vines pulsed faintly with bioluminescent light. We made it maybe ten steps in before the door behind us sealed shut.

“There are places where memory still lingers. Ancient sanctuaries, carved into the marrow of the world. But every step toward them brings you closer to her gaze.” “Then point the way,” Damian said flatly. His hand found Mia’s shoulder, anchoring her with quiet certainty. “We’ll walk it together.” Eryx lifted a sigil stone, its fractured surface glowing faintly. “I know of one. A ruin beneath the drowned cliffs. If the truth was buried, that’s where we’ll find its grave.” The forest wind stilled, as though even the trees held their breath. And from the horizon, the first pale light of dawn bled through the mist.

This was the signal. The necklace had finally led her to the hidden treasure they had been seeking. Without wasting another second, she grabbed a nearby stick and carefully nudged the glowing ruby away from the floor, cautious not to touch it with her hands. It rolled aside, still pulsing with that strange crimson light, as though urging her to continue. She dropped to her knees and frantically began to clear the debris. Her hand worked swiftly—forgetting the pain—tossing aside broken chunks of stone and rubble.

Adrian exclaimed. Surprisingly, the ominous aura he had felt earlier had completely disappeared upon entering this area. Now, he felt invigorated. Curious, Adrian explored the area. He wandered aimlessly and stumbled upon some strange features. Despite the place’s idyllic appearance, he spotted hints of previous human activity. In the thick jungle, he discovered ruins and remnants of ancient structures covered in moss and vines. Adrian arrived at a location with crumbling walls and broken structures. Observing the scene, he wondered about the history of this place and decided to investigate. As he was observing the ruins, a thunderous roar suddenly echoed in the distance.

It was heading toward a place of ancient containment. I opened my eyes. The physical world returned. “I have it,” I said, my voice low but laden with certainty. “He's not heading for safety. He's hiding.” “Where? ” Jayden asked, his eyes burning. “The Sacred Ruins of the North,” I said, looking at Aiden. The place that had been avoided for generations, the cradle of myth and home to the most powerful ancient runes. “He believes that if he can activate the Sealed Magic of the Ruins, he can compensate for the loss of the Portal.”

“Some say they’ve gone into hiding, seeking refuge from those who would do them harm. Others claim to have seen them near the old ruins to the east, but it’s just talk… no one knows for certain.” My heart races at the mention of the ruins. “Do you know how to get there?” I ask, my voice barely above a whisper. He nods, his eyes darting back to the patrons. “Follow the path past the old mill. It’ll lead you right to the ruins. But be careful; it’s a treacherous area, and not all who go searching return.” I feel a surge of determination. “Thank you,” I say, my voice steady. “We’ll be cautious.”