Chapter 43: Deleyna
A deep, ancient voice echoed through the cavern, vibrating in their bones. The massive creature before them shifted in the rising water, its enormous silver-scaled body twisting unnaturally, as if the very laws of motion didn't apply to it.
Two massive, blood-red eyes bore into them. T
"I am Deleyna, the Silver Huntress."
Her voice slithered through the air, both chilling and hypnotic. "The guardian of this inheritance, the last echo of its master, Fors."
She tilted her head slightly, amusement flickering in her glowing eyes. "You think yourselves worthy to step into these halls? To steal from the dead? No... you are merely prey."
The water surged around her, but she did not attack. Instead, her smile widened. "But I am patient. I enjoy the thrill of the chase. So I will grant you one chance."
"Answer my question correctly, and I will give you five minutes to run."
Elijah's body tensed. Dune clenched his fists. Neither trusted her, but what other choice did they have? Deleyna's eyes burned brighter as she whispered her riddle.
"The more you have of me, the less you are. If you lose me, you will never know. What am I?"
The cavern fell into silence.
Dune's mind raced. The words tangled together, slipping from his grasp like water through his fingers. Something that takes from you. Something you can lose without realizing... I have no clue what this is.