Chapter 4: A New Dawn
The song now playing is Love Her Madley by The Doors.
The next day, Jeremy was buried in the cold, hard ground outside of Watermark. Few attended the funeral. Weeks passed as Merrilin grew stronger. A royal wedding was to be held in December. Everything seemed to be perfect. The wars were ending, and peace seemed to be inevitable.
The wedding was spectacular. Roses of whites and reds lined the streets and adorned the palace. Lights were hung in the garden for the reception party. People, whom had been in war for over a century, now shook hands and embraced. Time seemed to stand still for one moment.
Months passed as Merrilin grew big. The pregnancy was longer than usual, taking almost a year to be born. But, the child seemed healthy when tests were done. The whole world turned to watch Watermark. The moment they all had been waiting for was here. A new era was about to start, with the birth of the new Princess of Abriania.
Several months after Merrilin and Damon's wedding, a child was born. Midwinter had been hard that year, and many of the townspeople had died. Some of the old townsfolk proclaimed that it was the work of the undead Jeremy, taking his revenge that he had begun years ago. Rumors began to form. But, the royal family knew better. Merrilin had seen it, as had Jayson and Damon. His body was laid to rest the day after his death, and his grave remained unchanged. He was truly gone.
As the infant, christened with the name Caitlin Dawn, was presented to the town, the people came to bear her gifts. Jewels from neighboring kingdoms arrived by the cartloads. Princesses of far away lands gave beautiful gowns, adorned with diamonds and sapphires, to the infant child. Princes kneeled before her, their fathers hoping that one day their sons would marry her.
All of the presents were unwrapped. That is, all except one box in the center of the great throne room. The dark object was not like any of the other presents previously opened. All of the other presents were wrapped in brightly colored papers. This one in the center of the marble floor was wrapped in black paper. An aura of evilness surrounded the box.
Finally, Damon opened it. As the papers were tossed away, Merrilin screamed. Before them stood a statue, covered with blood. Merrilin fell to the ground, unconscious. A witch burned in the middle of the statue, with a sword through her stomach. The guards rushed in. And, at that very moment, Damon knew that the rumors were true.
The person carved into the statue was indeed Merrilin. The sword was a reminder of what had happened while she was imprisoned by Jeremy. The guards removed the horrid thing from the castle as Damon wondered how it was that Jeremy had survived, let alone get out of his grave without it being disturbed. Helping Merrilin up and cradling their baby, the royals retired to their bedchamber.
Many years went by as Caitlin grew. A royal celebration was to be held in honor of her eighteenth birthday. As the servants put the final touches on the castle, the cooks prepared a magnificent feast. Everything would be ready for tomorrow. Nothing could destroy the day. Jeremy Evans was no more in their thoughts. The statue had been long forgotten.
"Caitlin, dear, dinner is ready. Your father and I also have a surprise for you." Merrilin said to the door closed in front of her.
"Yes, mother." Caitlin said, opening the door.
"This is for you to wear tomorrow at the ball. Try it on and show your father." Merrilin said, handing her a box.
"Thanks!" Caitlin replied, closing the door behind her.
Ten minutes later, Caitlin stepped into the formal dining room. Those seated, arose and bowed at her presence. She was truly stunning. The dress was lavender in color. Her blond hair flowed down her back, with a silver tiara atop of her head. She took her seat as the food was brought out.
"The servants pooled their money together to get you something." Damon told Caitlin as he received his plate of food.
A guard brought in a long box. Bowing, he placed it onto the table. Caitlin carefully unwrapped the package. As she removed the lid, the contents of the box began to shimmer. It was a sword, smaller than the usual ones.
"Now you will not have to use the old ones during lessons, Princess." The guard laughed.
"Thank you all. I will enjoy this sword." Caitlin replied.
Suddenly, shouts could be heard down the corridor. Then, screams. The royals glanced at the closed door as the guards readied themselves to fight whatever was behind the door. As the shouts came near, Caitlin looked frantically around the room. She had not known the wars, which had plagued the kingdom. Everything had been hushed.
The doors to the dining room were flung open. Guards dressed in armor encircled the room. The royal guards were outnumbered. A man, dressed all in maroon, entered the room. A sly grin appeared on his face. Damon stood up.
"Stay where you are. I am Tristan Westington, Commander of the forces of the Dark Army. You will rule no more." The stranger said.
"Please, don't hurt my family." Damon pleaded.
"I cannot promise you that. It is in my orders from a higher official that I am to destroy you all." Tristan announced as he stepped forward towards the royal family.
With that, the royal guards placed their swords in front of Tristan. All hell broke loose. Fighting started in the great room, as the royal family stood up. They had to escape! But, the only way to get out unseen would be to go through the secret passageway in the fireplace one at a time. And, time was short.
The guards did not stand a chance against the Dark Army. Caitlin would go first through the doorway. As the door closed behind her, Caitlin stood up. She went to the royal family picture painted just a month ago. The eyes were cut out, so she could see all that happened in the room. A sight that she would eternally remember.
As she peered through the tiny openings, Caitlin saw that it was too late for her parents. The fighting had almost ended, and Tristan's guards surrounded Damon and Merrilin. They would not escape. Other guards were looking for her. A cold chill shot through her body. There was no way to save them.
"You are very tricky, Damon. But, your precious daughter will not escape alive. My guard will find her. You can bet on that." Tristan laughed.
"You will never harm our daughter!" Damon yelled as he lunged at Tristan.
Guards held back Damon and Merrilin. Their fate was known. But, Caitlin would be safe. Their dynasty would live on. She would assume the throne. A thin guard handed Tristan a long, shiny sword. Tristan pushed all of the food off of the table with a clash. This was it.
Merrilin's head was laid upon the table. With a single swipe of the sword, she was dead. Caitlin covered her mouth as screams of terror welled up in her throat. Her father was next. As the blade of the sword hit the table, Caitlin turned away. She had to get out of there! Turning around, she ran down the narrow passageway. Tears streamed down her face.
Caitlin ran for what seemed like forever. When she emerged from the tunnel, Caitlin found herself in a forest. She kept on running. The guards could not find her in the bowels of the forest. As she rounded a curve, Caitlin tripped on an aboveground oak root. Hitting the ground with a thud, she fell into unconsciousness.
Swirls of deep purples and greens surrounded her in mists. Everything around Caitlin was dark. Slowly, a hand, masculine and strong, reached through the darkness towards her. The phantom hand clutched Caitlin's wrist. Trying to get away from it, she tugged backwards. A voice echoed through the void as she fell from the reach of the hand, and the land that she stood on. She was free falling! Caitlin let out a scream.
Abruptly regaining consciousness, she shot up from the ground. As her eyes tried to focus, she could see that people were around her. She tried to stand up. Tristan would not capture her! Then, one of the people talked.
"Do not be afraid. We are here to help you." A tall woman with blond hair said.
"That is right. You tripped and cut your forehead on a stick." Another woman with red hair stated.
"Where am I? Who are you?" Caitlin inquired.
"You are in Azurite Wood. I am Lunette Topaz Cunningham, and this is Ember Lark Hunt. Who are you, and what has happened to make you come to the forest?" The blond said.
"I am Princess Caitlin Dawn Evans. The evil Tristan Westington has taken over my castle and has killed my parents. I have to take back the throne which is rightfully mine." Caitlin answered, tears forming in her eyes.
"We can help you. He has been trying to kill off our kind for years. Lunette and I will see that you become Queen. You are pure, and have no evil inside of you."
"But he is so strong! How shall we defeat the likes of him? Faerie magick is powerless with him." Caitlin asked.
"Magick will not help us here, but strength will. You have great fighting skills." Lunette stated.
Thus, the training started. As Tristan searched homes and caverns, Caitlin taught Ember and Lunette how to sword fight. A year had passed by when they were finally ready. Tristan's fury grew more and more each day, as word came back that there was no trace of Caitlin. The task ahead of them would be hard.
As the girls reached the castle walls, night fell upon the kingdom. Thunder could be heard in the distance, as a thunderstorm approached. Rain started to fall. Not a living soul had seen them, but someone had. Jeremy Evans had been watching them the entire journey, his dead soul yearning for sweet revenge. Even the grave could not keep the now full-blooded vampyre away.
Jeremy felt his fangs grow. He could feel the pulling sensation echoing off of Caitlin. If only she knew that part of the blood coursing through her veins once belonged to him. The sword did not kill the child inside of Merrilin's womb. It had just missed. Damon had been too late, and her magick not strong enough. She, this blond nineteen-year-old, was his daughter.
As Jeremy watched her, he could hear her inward thoughts of pain suffered in days of yore. But, this was his pain of love lost. She felt his presence, too. Caitlin just didn't know who it was, or what it was, tugging at her insides. Jeremy knew that he would change her, convert her to his evil ways. Through her mind, he would own her and manipulate her, as he did Merrilin once years ago.
The girls entered the castle through the secret cave. Caitlin knew the cave, and led them without light. Images flashed in Caitlin's mind, of the death of her parents, and of the dream she had when she was knocked unconscious. The voice echoed in her head again. It told her that her fate was that of death and love. Shivering, Caitlin continued on.
Rats scurried past the girls' feet as they trudged onward. This was it. This was the point of no return. Caitlin went ahead of Lunette and Ember, guiding them to the royal family picture. Caitlin was the first to look through it. She had to see inside of the dining room. She had to see the place where her parents were so brutally murdered.
"There he is." Caitlin said, seeing Tristan.
"When do we go in? Surely not yet." Ember asked.
"No, we wait until he is gone and no one is left in the room." Lunette stated proudly.
Silence fell between them. Every fifteen minutes they took turns to look through the wall. Tristan didn't appear to be leaving at any time soon. Then, around one o'clock in the morning, the room emptied. About time, Caitlin thought. As the huge door closed behind the last remaining guard, the tiny door in the fireplace opened.
Caitlin glanced around. Everything was as she remembered. She was finally home. As the others entered the room, Caitlin felt another probing pain inside of her head. They were coming faster and stronger now. But what, or who, was causing them?
Entering the long hallway, they heard the echo of laughter. Tristan would be found in the throne room, drunk. It would be fairly easy to kill him under the influence of ale. Coming to the great throne room, Caitlin hesitated. Could they really defeat the Dark Army with only three people? Then, drawing her silver sword that she got for her birthday, they entered to room. Tristan, shocked to see anyone stand up against him, stood up.
"By what manner are you? What are your names?" Tristan yelled.
"I am the rightful heir to the throne of Abriania. I am Caitlin Dawn Evans, and these are Lunette Cunningham and Ember Hunt. Your days are through, Tristan." Caitlin proclaimed.
"Ah, at last we meet, Caitlin. I will not fight you. There will be no reason," Tristan said, a chill in his voice, "Guards!"
With that, the three girls were surrounded. Daggers pricked their throats. Caitlin looked around the room, trying to find a way to escape. All of the exits were heavily guarded. All looked hopeless. Then, a burst of energy surged through her veins. She could not give up. She had to keep fighting! It was her chosen destiny.
"You will not defeat us, Tristan! Good will triumph!" Caitlin yelled at the towering man.
"Princess, you have much to learn. Evilness always wins in the end. I can assure you that. A surprise awaits you." Tristan announced.
A man entered the room from behind the great throne. At once, Caitlin knew him. She had heard much that was to be kept a secret, and recognized him directly. He had even been in her dreams once or twice. As the man stood beside Tristan, Caitlin's heart skipped a beat. This was Jeremy Evans.
How could it be him? He had died, and no one could come back from the grave! The dead had never walked again, yet here he was before her. Rage engulfed her as she remembered the pain that this man had caused her family and many others. As the guards stood around the girls in awe of Jeremy, Caitlin got ready for a battle. Holding her sword in a fighting stance, she looked over at Ember and Lunette.
Ember and Lunette felt his evilness, also. Ember used her faerie magick to search his mind. Within moments, she knew his past. She knew that Caitlin was his daughter, and that Jeremy's troubles had secretly brought him to her. Jeremy's powers were weakening. He needed blood from royalty, pure and good, to help him regain his strength. And, Caitlin's blood was both royal and partly vampyric. She was the prime target. Lunette also studied Jeremy. He was indeed weak. This man could be easily defeated. But, she thought, never underestimate the powers of a vampyre, let alone a full blooded on. To make matters worse, he was pure evil.
"Your soul trembles as you see me here before you. Trust your senses. You are more like me than you know." Jeremy said, staring at Caitlin.
"What nonsense do you speak? You are dead! Your grave is unchanged! You can not be standing there at the throne of my father" Caitlin yelled.
"Oh, my child, how true you are. But, your father never sat in his rightful throne. It was taken away from him!" Jeremy snapped angrily.
Jeremy stepped towards Caitlin. The guards parted as he passed by. Caitlin shook as he neared her. Soon, he stood in front of her. Reaching out his hand, Jeremy caressed Caitlin's soft face. The hand that was reaching for her in her dreams, Caitlin thought. Tears fell from her violet eyes as Jeremy kissed her lips. Then, he backed away.
"My father did sit on his rightful throne, as did my mother. You do not know what you say." Caitlin choked out as she turned her head away.
"Alas, I do. You do not know your true father. He died before you were born. Look up and see him now." Jeremy demanded.
At once, Caitlin knew. This evil man was her father. Her blood turned cold as she looked upon him. She had to kill her father to win back her throne. Tristan had counted on this, on her pure heart and wrecked senses. He had counted on her breaking down.
As Jeremy turned away, laughter engulfed the room. Caitlin lashed out at him, but was held back by the guards. This was her biological father, but not her true father. Damon had been there for her, and was pure of heart. Truly this imposter named Jeremy could be defeated by her love for Damon!
"You amuse me with your stupidity, Caitlin. You are defeated and shall be taken to the dungeons. Guards, take them away." Tristan said.
With that, all hell broke loose. As the guards tried to seize Caitlin, she fought. Ember and Lunette did the same. The sound of clashing swords filled the throne room. Tristan stood up.
"Stop this nonsense and get them out of here!" Tristan ordered.
"We do not give up that easily! Truth is on our side!" Caitlin yelled back.
"Good will triumph!" Lunette proclaimed.
Hours went by like days. Ember died as a guard crept up behind her during the fight. Lunette and Caitlin continued on. Finally, Caitlin made it up to the stairs of the throne. The time had come to destroy Tristan, and Jeremy.
"You are next to die, Tristan. Draw your sword!" Caitlin yelled.
"You foolish girl. You can not destroy me. But, if you insist upon death, here I am. I will cut out the last breath you have from your lungs!" Tristan said as he drew his black sword.
The fighting only lasted for a few minutes. Soon, Tristan's sword flew down the stairs and out of reach. With a swift thrust of her sword, he was dead. Now, all attention fell upon Jeremy. He drew his sword.
"You dare kill your own father?" Jeremy asked.
"You are not my true father. You are not capable of love!" Caitlin screamed.
"I once loved. But Merrilin did not love me in return. I had to make her love me, as I will with you!" Jeremy said, swords clashing together.
"You bastard, you will die for your sins!" Caitlin yelled.
"Too bad you never lived for yours! I will gut you like I did your mother! Only this time, you do not have the power to heal. My vampyric blood will see to that!" Jeremy exclaimed.
As Caitlin stepped back, she tripped over the dead Tristan. Falling to the ground, she lost hold of her sword. Jeremy towered over her, his sword at her throat. Caitlin watched him as he neared her throat, his fangs showing. Then, Caitlin lost consciousness from exhaustion and fear.
Moments later she regained consciousness. But, where was Jeremy? Looking over, she saw Lunette by her side. Shouts echoed in the room. Why hadn't Jeremy killed her? Puzzled, she looked around the chamber.
Caitlin's answer came when she looked down at the marble floor at the foot of the stairs. A guard was fighting Jeremy. But, the guard was one of Tristan's guards! What was happening? Caitlin looked over at Lunette.
"Yes, he is a guard. He would not fight us, and stood back to the side. I think that he was watching you. As Jeremy prepared to bite you and kill you, he tackled him and saved your life." Lunette answered even before the question was asked.
Screams of pain encircled the room and echoed off of the walls. Jeremy was dead. This time, for good. His head was completely severed from his body. There was no way that he could come back. The guard returned as Caitlin stood up. Stopping at the bottom of the stairs, he bowed to her. As he raised up, the guard did not look up as Caitlin. He was ashamed of what he was, and of what he stood for. The muscular guard turned to leave.
"Wait!" Caitlin yelled as the guard opened the door, "I don't know your name!"
"My name is Demitri. Demitri Michael Ross." The guard said, returning to the bottom of the staircase.
"You have proven yourself worthy, Demitri. And thus, you will be rewarded. Stay at the palace, dine with me, and tomorrow you will be given gold." Caitlin announced.
"My Queen, I do not wish to take your gold. But, I will stay and dine with you." Demitri said.
"I will show you to your room, where you can rest and clean up. After you have rested a spell, you may join me in the dining room." Caitlin said, descending the staircase.
After showing Demitri to his room, Caitlin and Lunette walked the length of the castle. The rooms were messy, but most of the things were as they were before. A new staff would have to be found. Only a handful remained. The majority of them had run away or were killed. Finally, they came upon Caitlin's old room. To her surprise, everything was exactly the same.
"You should get ready for Demitri. I will prepare the food." Lunette offered.
"No, I will help you. But first, let us both get ready for dinner. You may were one of my gowns." Caitlin replied.
And that was that. Caitlin wore a silver gown, beaded with moonstones. A silver crescent tiara topped her iridescent hair. She truly looked ravishing. Any man would die just to dine with her, or to be in the same city as her for that matter.
Lunette was given a dress as blue as the seas of Arabia. A sapphire necklace was placed around her delicate neck. This was a night to celebrate! The girls went down to the kitchen. It was time to prepare the meal.
Demitri, up in his appointed room, sat on a blue cushioned chair. He couldn't go through with this night, he thought to himself. His feelings on the subject were too strong. She would never love the likes of him. He was a commoner, and in the army that she hated so much. It was hopeless to even try.
But, he realized, he must tell her what was in his heart. Demitri got up and put on his evening attire. Tonight, at dinner, he would tell Caitlin that he loved her. It was the only thing left to do. He would rather die than to go back to the Dark Army. Demitri opened the door and started towards the dining room.
Lunette set the table in the magnificent dining room. Reading Caitlin's thoughts, she knew that this night would be different. In her heart, Caitlin was drawn to this guard named Demitri. Now, the Fates had drawn them together. They would fall into a love so deep, that not even the wars could separate them.
Demitri entered the room as Lunette put the finishing touches on the table. Candles lit the room, leaving dancing shadows on the walls. Two plates sat on the table, for Lunette would eat in the recreation room. It would be better that way. Everything was set as Demitri took his seat.
"Her Highness will be out shortly." Lunette giggled as she disappeared into the kitchen.
Moments later, the double doors opened. Demitri looked up from his empty plate. His heart skipped a beat when he saw her. She was too beautiful for words! Caitlin blushed a little as she sat down.
"I'll be right back with the food." Lunette called as the doors closed again.
Alone, Demitri thought. I should tell her now. Demitri looked up at Caitlin. As their eyes met, Caitlin turned shyly away. Opening his mouth, Demitri began to speak. But, as the first syllables came out, Lunette appeared in the doorway again. Ruined, Demitri thought.
"Enjoy!" Lunette said, picking up her plate to leave.
"Wait," Caitlin called, panic in her voice, "Aren't you going to stay?"
"Well, I have a lot to do. Have fun you two!" Lunette laughed as she closed the door.
Silence fell upon the room once more. While munching on pheasant, the candle fire burned low. Caitlin watched Demitri as he watched her. At last, Demitri could no longer stand it. He reached over the table and grabbed Caitlin's hand.
"There is something that I must say to you, your Highness." Demitri started.
"Demitri, you do not have to do this." Caitlin began.
"Your Highness...Caitlin, I must. No longer can I bear it. I am madly in love with you!" Demitri exclaimed.
"Demitri, I..." Caitlin continued.
"No, hush. It must be said. Do not deny my heart this chance to speak. Ever since I saw you not less than a year ago, I yearned for you. I was there when your castle was invaded. I even saw you escape through that secret door!" Demitri said, motioning towards the fireplace, "I did not breathe a word of it to anyone. I vowed that no harm would be done to you. When Jeremy was going to kill you, I tackled and killed him. I did this all for you, Caitlin. I love you."
"And my love for you is deeper than the bottomless pits of the jungle caves! I just didn't know how to tell you. I've fallen in love with you." Caitlin said, placing her other hand atop of his.
"Then let our hearts join and become one!" Demitri said, getting up out of his chair.
Caitlin felt a tear form in her violet colored eyes. But, these were tears of joy! Grasping Caitlin's hands, he got onto one knee. Energy seemed to pulsate throughout the room as their eyes met in a passionate gaze. Demitri pulled out a silver ring from his pocket.
"This ring was my mother's wedding band. I have kept it with me ever since I saw you, in hopes that you would return and I could place it onto your finger. I now place it on your finger as a symbol of my love and faithfulness to you." Demitri said as he placed the ring on Caitlin's finger.
"We shall be married at sunrise tomorrow. I shall send for a priest at once!" Caitlin announced.
"That was so sweet!" Lunette said in tears as she entered the room, "I have been standing out there ever since you two have been talking. You see, I forgot to get seasonings for my meat, and I didn't want to interrupt you two."
Word was sent far and wide. The villagers rejoiced to have their Princess, now Queen, back. And the fact that there would be a royal union between both sides of the warring nations brought hopes that the fighting would soon be over. Everyone helped through the night to prepare for the ceremony. Everything was set and ready to begin at six o'clock.
As the sun rose over the red and purple horizon, the music started to play. Demitri waited at the end of the burgundy carpet nervously. The iron gates of the garden opened, revealing Caitlin. Her eyes seemed to shine through the white veil. She began to walk towards him.
Her dress of diamonds and moonstones flowed out behind her as she neared him. Caitlin held a bouquet of white roses and baby's breath in her hands. She stood in front of the altar beside Demitri. The priest nodded at them both. He opened up his Bible and began.
"Demitri Michael Ross, do you take Caitlin Dawn Evans to be your wife, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do."
"Caitlin Dawn Evans, do you take Demitri Michael Ross to be your husband, in sickness and in health, till death do you part?"
"I do."
"I now pronounce you King and Queen, husband and wife. You may kiss the bride."
"The pleasure is all mine." Demitri said
With that, the newlyweds kissed, sealing the pact of undying love. The gifts were unwrapped at the reception. There was much rejoicing and dancing. Finally, the guests all left. Demitri and Caitlin retreated up to their bedroom. The honeymoon had just begun.
By the next morning, Caitlin was so sore that she could barely move. She did not know it yet, but a daughter had been conceived. By the end of spring, a child would be born, the next Queen. Caitlin sat up in bed, wondering where Demitri had gone. He was nowhere in sight.
Caitlin moved down the hallway to the dining room. As she entered, a glow of candles encased the room. A feast sat before her on the table. Demitri was seated across the table. A smile shined upon his face.
"My dear wife, I have prepared a feast for you." He said.
"Thank you, my husband. I am sure that it is very good." Caitlin replied.
Time went by as the wars came to a close. A hope of peace engulfed kingdoms far and wide. Caitlin grew bigger with child as winter came to a close. Demitri prepared a room for the child. All they had to do now was to wait.
But, as time went by, a man named Jonathan McNight pushed his way into the position of Commander of the Dark Army. His powers were great, and wars broke out tenfold! Peace talks did not work, and drastic measures had to be made. Hopelessness fell over the land of Abriania like a dark cloud. Caitlin turned to Demitri for advice, but he was just as clueless as she was. The baby was to be born in one month.
Caitlin knew what she had to do. The wars had to stop now, and there was only one way left to try. Digging through her mother's books Caitlin found the Book of Shadows. Moments later, she had the spell. Marking the page, she ran to Demitri.
"Demitri! The wars must end! There is only one way. The earth must start anew! Here is the spell to do so. It is the only hope that we have left!" Caitlin cried.
"If it must be done, so be it." Demitri said, holding Caitlin in his arms.
Caitlin gathered up all of the stuff. Demitri helped her carry everything out onto the lawn. Setting up the altar as it appeared in the book, Caitlin began. Picking up the dagger, she began to call the corners. A gust of wind sprang up. Next, Caitlin lit five red candles. The flames jumped into the air as the wind speed increased. Demitri lit five black candles inside of the red ones. A pentagram was formed. The spell had begun.
"Athena, Hera, Minerva, Persephone, and Daphne, Goddesses of the wold, I summon you to help us. These red candles I have lit, for you. Come and join us now!" Caitlin yelled as the winds increased.
"Apollo, Poseidon, Mars, Cupid, and Jupiter, Gods of the earth, I summon you to help us. These black candles I have lit, for you. Come and join us now!" Demitri yelled, his strong hand entwining into Caitlin's hand.
"I give you unity, forever. Take this and grow with it eternally!" Caitlin called out.
Caitlin picked up the rock, hardened over time, from the lava fields. She raised it up, and set it back down. Demitri knocked all of the candles inward to the center of the pentagram. Flames shot up from the center. Caitlin picked the rock back up, and threw it into the flames.
"Fire bright, burning in the bowels of the earth, I command you to rise up and make this land pure! So mote it be!" Caitlin yelled as the winds reached hurricane speeds.
With that, Demitri and Caitlin picked up the daggers. Holding them up, they praised the High Priest and Priestess. Then, with one simultaneous swift thrust, they died in each other's arms. The pact was sealed. All over the lands, volcanoes exploded into clouds of dust and ash, then into balls of fire and lava.
Pyroclastic flows filled the skies and rushed through the countryside, destroying homes and cities. Seas, rivers, and oceans turned to pure acid. Clouds laced with lightning surged through the air, frying air control systems. Planes crashed and others couldn't take off because of the acid rains. Animals died as they breathed in the fluorine gases in the lower atmosphere.
The carbon dioxide caused global warming, killing off all plant and the remains of animal life. The ozone became very thin with the chlorine that leaked into the air. The end of the world, and the end of the wars, had finally come. This was the day of blackness, the day of Armageddon.
