The Secrets of the Elements novel Chapter 35

"I tried calling Advika," said Ray as she sat next to Tej on the dining table. Zarna pursed her lips and checked her phone. She saw a message from Advika.

Zarna, if you're reading this, me and Maya are probably stuck in the temple. Talk to our parents through that voice changer app I installed on your phone. Handle Ray and Tej. And don't come here to rescue us. It'll be a risk.

"Advika and Maya might be busy with their work," said Zarna and kept her phone back in her pocket. "How are you back so early?" she asked, changing the topic.

"I finished the work early," said Tej and pour some coffee into his mug. "Yeah, even I wrapped up the show," said Ray, chewing the sandwich.

"Well then, if you are here, then I'll leave," said Zarna and picked up her sling bag. "Wait," said Tej. "First have something, then I'll drop you home."

"Oh, I already had supper with Aunt so, and I'll have to visit Jiya on the way back home. I'll see Aunt and leave, see you tomorrow."

"You sure you'll go on your own?" asked Ray. "Yes, don't worry," said Zarna and headed towards Swarna's bedroom.

Tej and Ray exchanged glances. "Something's not right," said Ray. Tej shrugged and took a bite of the sandwich.

~~~~

"Wow!" said Maya and crossed her arms. "Great plan, Advika."

"At least I tried," said Advika and inserted her hairpin in one of those old books she found in the room. "O, My God!"

The book opened, revealing a picture of a queen. Queen Bhilangana, it said.

"I cannot believe this," said Maya and clenched her fists. "You are impossible, Advika. We are stuck here, and you want to read some old book?"

"Maya," said Advika, her eyes glued to the book. "I'm merely trying to find a way out."

Maya walked towards the door and pulled it, applying all the strength she had. Advika scanned through the pages looking for any information that might help.

She stopped at a page, got to her feet and rushed towards the window.

Mother Earth give me strength. I call and ask this of thee. Help me feel your strength again, and seek the power that resides within.

She spoke and took a deep breath in keeping her hands on the window. She could feel the energy in her hands. Maya spun around as the window opened. Advika rushed back, stuffed all the books and the treasure box in her bag. "Leave everything, just hurry," said Maya as she made a small run towards the window and peeped outside.

~~~~

Zarna let out a sigh and sank into the chair in her bedroom. "Advika! Thank God you called. I've been worried sick," she said, sitting upright.

"We're going home now, don't worry, we're fine," said Advika. "See you tomorrow at Maya's."

"Okay, take care," said Zarna.

~~~~

Maya hit the break as they arrived at Advika's home. "How did you open the window?"

"With the help of the spell in that book," replied Advika and struggled to lift the bag as it was filled with stuff she took from the secret room.

"Are you sure you'll be able to take it home without falling?" asked Maya."Of course," she said and opened the door. "See you tomorrow."

~~~~~

Daksh, Rutuja, and Rishi sat on the floor; their eyes were swollen and their faces dull.

Indra sat on the red sofa opposite them. He turned to look on his side, expecting Dai Ma to take her seat. His heart sank. He fought back tears and cleared his throat.

"Those were Azazel's people," he spoke, finally breaking the silence. "Yes, I have fought his men before, but they have an upper hand now."

"Now? As in?" asked Rutuja wiping her tears.

"Azazel's son-"

"He has a son!?" Daksh almost screamed. His mind went back to all the times he had visited Azazel's den. He was shocked to never met his so-called Master's son.

"Yes," answered Indra. "We are not sure whether he has adopted him or it's his own, but they call him Prince."

"What about him?" asked Rishi.

"He has a special power," replied Indra. "The power of harnessing the moon's energy."

"Oh, and it is the New Moon phase," added Rutuja. Daksh and Rishi looked at her, confused.

"In the new moon phase, if harnessed properly, one can increase his/her dark powers," she elaborated.

"So? Does that make him invincible?" questioned Rishi.

"Not invincible," replied Rutuja. "But as Master Indra said, he has an upper hand."

"So it means we do not stand a chance?" asked Daksh. Rishi looked at Indra. "Why can't we utilize the power then?"

"The Prince has some affinity," said Indra.

"Does that make him invincible?" questioned Rishi. "Not exactly," said Indra. "But he is powerful."

"More than Azazel?" asked Daksh. "Maybe," answered Indra. Daksh was taken aback. He had not seen any witch or wizard more powerful than Azazel.

"Dai Ma knew this," said Indra. "She knew if we waited there to fight, we all would have been dead by now."

"Why didn't she join us? Why the sacrifice?" asked Rishi.

"Dai Ma was the only one who knew this moon magic," revealed Indra. "We needed someone to block him until the crystal transported us here. He could even stop the crystal from teleporting us and reverse things."

"What do we do now?" asked Rishi.

"We need to get his details. His weaknesses," said Indra and got to his feet.

"Rutuja, there are a couple of books on new moon powers upstairs in the library. Go through them."

Rutuja nodded her head. "And boys, try not to wander and stay indoors."

~~~~~

To be continued. . .