Chapter 41: The Heist (part 3)

Chapter 41: The Heist (part 3)

Silas and his friends stumbled into the circular observatory, their bodies aching from the arduous climb. The glass dome above them revealed a tapestry of stars, but Silas's attention was immediately drawn to two figures at the center of the room.

His mother, Evelyn Winterbourne, stood with her back to him. Her fiery red hair was unmistakable, even after all these years.

Facing her was a being of otherworldly beauty - Morainn, the Queen of the Banshees. Her silver hair flowed like liquid moonlight, and her black eyes with pinpricks of white light seemed to hold the secrets of the cosmos.

Silas felt his breath catch in his throat as he listened to Morainn's melodious voice.

"Evelyn, surely you can see the wisdom in our offer," Morainn said, her tone both alluring and persuasive. "Your brilliance is wasted in a world that fears and misunderstands you. With us, you could unlock the full potential of your innovations."

Evelyn's shoulders tensed, but she remained silent, listening.

Morainn continued, her voice growing more impassioned. "We can provide you with a home where you and your family will be respected, valued for your minds rather than judged for your origins. The Fae do not share the prejudices of the human world."

Silas watched as his mother's head tilted slightly, a sign he recognized as her considering a complex problem.

"What of Eldoria?" Evelyn asked, her voice steady despite the weight of the moment.

Morainn's expression softened. "We seek not to destroy, but to liberate. Eldoria has become a symbol of corruption and colonization, Evelyn."

"Its current path will only lead to ruin for the planet and its inhabitants. We aim to tear down the systems that perpetuate this injustice, to create a world where all beings can thrive in harmony with nature."

Silas felt a mix of emotions swirling within him - hope at the prospect of reuniting with his mother, fear of losing her again, and confusion about the true motivations of the Fae. He glanced at his friends, seeing his own uncertainty mirrored in their faces.

As Morainn spoke of dignity and respect, of a world without the cruelty they had all experienced, Silas couldn't help but feel a pull towards her words. The promise of acceptance, of a place where his unique nature wouldn't be seen as a curse, was tempting beyond measure.

Silas found himself fighting back-to-back with his mother, a surge of emotion threatening to overwhelm him. They moved in perfect sync, as if years of separation had never happened.

Just as it seemed Morainn might overwhelm them, Silas tapped into his drain skill, pulling at the Queen's vast reserves of mana. The effect was immediate and dramatic. Morainn's form began to waver, her power diminishing.

With a coordinated assault, Silas and his friends pressed their advantage. Evelyn's gun blazed, Jace's daggers found their mark, and Rowan's summons harried the weakened Queen.

As Morainn fell, her corporeal form dissolving into mist, one of her dying banshees careened into a control panel. Lights flashed, and a low hum filled the air as the machine whirred to life.

The air crackled with energy as a swirling vortex materialized in the center of the observatory. Its surface swirled and pulsed, casting eerie shadows across the room. The portal's pull was immediate and intense, threatening to drag everyone into its depths.

Silas felt the force tugging at his clothes and hair, his feet sliding across the smooth floor despite his best efforts to resist. He glanced around frantically, seeing his friends struggling against the portal's pull as well.

Jace had anchored himself to a nearby pillar, while Rowan and Nadia clung to each other, their combined weight helping them stay grounded. Lyra had created a small spatial distortion around herself, providing some protection from the portal's draw.

Evelyn, her red hair whipping wildly around her face, shouted over the deafening roar of the portal. "We need to shut it down! The control panel!"

Silas nodded, gritting his teeth as he fought against the pull. He inched his way towards the control panel, every step a monumental effort. Just as his fingers brushed against the panel's surface, a bone-chilling howl erupted from the portal.

Dark, writhing shapes emerged from the swirling vortex. Demons, their forms a nightmarish blend of shadow and flame, poured into the observatory. Their eyes gleamed with malevolent intelligence as they surveyed the room.

Before anyone could react, two of the demons lunged for Evelyn. Their clawed hands wrapped around her arms, yanking her off her feet.

"Mom!" Silas cried out, reaching for her desperately.

Evelyn's eyes met Silas's for a brief, heart-wrenching moment. "Silas, I-" Her words were cut short as the demons dragged her into the portal, her form disappearing into its swirling depths.