Capítulo 20: Confrontation
Garnette's heart pounded in her chest as she faced Ambrose, the air around them crackling with tension. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the rustling of leaves and the distant call of birds falling silent as the two vampires squared off. Ambrose's eyes gleamed with malevolent intent, his smirk widening as he took a step closer.
Raphael remained at her side, his posture tense, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice. His gaze flicked between Garnette and Ambrose, calculating, planning the best way to protect her. Garnette could feel the weight of his concern, the unspoken warning in his eyes—this was no ordinary foe. Ambrose was powerful, and he was here for one reason: to claim the power of the roses.
But Garnette wasn't the same person she had been before the trials in the Temple des épines. She had faced her fears, had confronted the darkness within her, and had emerged stronger for it. The power of the roses thrummed within her, a steady pulse of energy that filled her with resolve.
"Ambrose," she said, her voice steady despite the fear that churned in her gut, "you won't take this power from me. It's mine, and I won't let you have it."
Ambrose chuckled, the sound low and mocking. "You think you can stop me?" he sneered, his gaze flicking to Raphael with disdain. "You're just a girl, playing with powers you don't understand. But don't worry—I'll make sure you don't have to carry that burden for long."
Garnette's grip on her dagger tightened, the sharp edge glinting in the dim light filtering through the trees. She could feel the energy of the roses swirling within her, the white rose tucked in her cloak pulsing with a soft, steady rhythm. It was a reminder of the balance she had achieved, the strength she had found within herself.
Ambrose moved with blinding speed, closing the distance between them in an instant. But Garnette was ready. She dodged his initial strike, the dagger in her hand flashing as she countered with a quick, precise slash. The blade connected with Ambrose's arm, drawing a thin line of blood, but he barely flinched, his smirk widening as he lunged at her again.
Raphael was there in an instant, intercepting Ambrose's next attack with a forceful blow that sent the other vampire staggering back. The two clashed again, a blur of motion and power, each strike sending shockwaves through the forest. Garnette watched, her breath catching in her throat as the two powerful vampires fought with a ferocity that shook the ground beneath their feet.
But Ambrose wasn't done with Garnette. He disengaged from Raphael with a powerful shove, his eyes locking onto her with a deadly intent. Garnette's instincts screamed at her to move, to fight, but before she could react, Ambrose was upon her, his hand closing around her wrist with a crushing grip.
"It's mine," Ambrose hissed, his breath hot against her ear.
Garnette's heart pounded in her chest, but she refused to give in to the fear that threatened to overwhelm her. She could feel the power of the roses pulsing within her, and she knew she had to draw on it, to use it to protect herself. With a surge of determination, she called upon the energy of the white rose, the power of balance and light, and let it flow through her.
The response was immediate. The air around Garnette shimmered with a soft, golden light, the energy of the roses surging through her veins. Ambrose's grip faltered for a moment, his eyes widening in surprise as the power radiated from her, but he quickly tightened his hold, a snarl curling his lips.
But Garnette was no longer afraid. She had faced the darkness within herself, had found the strength to overcome it, and she knew that she could do the same now. With a burst of energy, she wrenched her arm free from Ambrose's grasp and drove her dagger toward his chest.
Ambrose snarled, his hand darting up to catch her wrist, stopping the blade inches from his heart. His strength was overwhelming, his grip like iron, but Garnette didn't relent. She pushed back, drawing on the power within her, the power of the roses, and felt it surge through her, lending her strength.
Raphael was beside her in an instant, his own strength adding to hers as he forced Ambrose back. The three of them struggled in a deadly dance of power and will, the forest around them echoing with the sounds of their battle. Garnette could feel the energy within her reaching a crescendo, the power of the roses responding to her need, to her determination to protect herself and Raphael.
With a final, desperate push, Garnette broke free from Ambrose's grip and plunged her dagger into his side. The blade sank deep, and Ambrose let out a roar of pain, his eyes blazing with fury. But Garnette didn't stop there—she channeled the power of the roses through the dagger, the energy surging into Ambrose's body, overwhelming him with a force he couldn't resist.
Ambrose staggered back, his hand clutching the wound, his expression one of disbelief and rage. "This isn't over," he snarled, his voice filled with venom. "I will take what's mine, and you will regret ever standing against me."
With that, Ambrose turned and fled into the forest, his form disappearing into the shadows as quickly as he had appeared. Garnette watched him go, her heart still racing, the adrenaline still pumping through her veins. But she didn't feel relief—only a grim determination.
Raphael was at her side in an instant, his expression a mix of concern and pride. "Are you all right?" he asked, his voice gentle.
Garnette nodded, her breath coming in ragged gasps as she tried to calm herself. "I'm fine," she said, though her voice was shaky. "But he's not gone for good, is he?"
Raphael's expression darkened, and he shook his head. "No. Ambrose is powerful, and he won't give up easily. We've made an enemy today, Garnette, and he will come for us again."
Garnette swallowed hard, the weight of Raphael's words settling over her. She had known that the power of the roses would attract attention, but she hadn't expected it to happen so soon, or with such a dangerous foe. Ambrose's presence, his determination to take the power she had fought so hard to control, was a stark reminder of the dangers that lay ahead.
But Garnette was no longer the girl she had been. She had faced her fears, had confronted the darkness within herself, and had found the strength to overcome it. She had the power of the roses within her, a power that was both her strength and her responsibility. And she would not let anyone take that from her.
"I won't let him take this power," Garnette said, her voice filled with resolve. "I've fought too hard for it. He won't take it from me."
Raphael nodded, his eyes filled with pride and determination. "And I will be with you every step of the way," he promised. "We will face Ambrose together, and we will overcome whatever challenges he brings."
Garnette looked at him, her heart swelling with gratitude. "Thank you, Raphael. I couldn't do this without you."
Raphael smiled, a warm, reassuring expression that eased some of the tension in her heart. "You are stronger than you know, Garnette. Together, we will face whatever comes next."
With those words, they turned and continued down the path, the forest around them slowly returning to its peaceful state. But Garnette knew that the peace wouldn't last. Ambrose was still out there, a dangerous foe who would stop at nothing to claim the power she had fought so hard to control.
But she was ready for him. The trials in the temple had prepared her for this, had given her the strength to face the challenges ahead. And with Raphael by her side, she knew that she could overcome whatever dangers lay in wait.
The path ahead was uncertain, filled with both promise and peril, but Garnette Briars was ready to walk it. The power of the roses was hers, and she would not let anyone take it from her. She had faced the darkness within herself, had found the balance between light and dark, and she would use that strength to protect what was hers.
Ambrose might be powerful, but Garnette knew that she was stronger. She had the power of the roses, the power of balance, and she would not let anyone take that from her.
The journey ahead would be long and dangerous, but Garnette was ready to face it, with Raphael by her side and the power of the roses in her heart.
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