They spent the next few days gathering resources and information, trying to stay one step ahead of the Order. Annabelle's plan was to infiltrate the Order's headquarters and steal the artifact before they could use it.
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But as they approached the headquarters, a towering fortress built into the side of a mountain, Annabelle felt a sense of unease. Something didn't feel right.
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"Guys, I think we should be careful," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "This feels like a trap."
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Maya nodded. "I agree. Let's proceed with caution."
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They snuck into the fortress, avoiding guards and security cameras. But as they reached the heart of the complex, they were met with a surprise.
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Elijah stood before them, the artifact glowing with an otherworldly energy in his hand. "Welcome, Annabelle," he said, his eyes gleaming with triumph. "I've been expecting you."
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But that wasn't the only surprise. Behind Elijah stood Annabelle's parents, their eyes vacant, their movements robotic.
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"Mom? Dad?" Annabelle whispered, her heart racing.
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Elijah smiled. "They're mine now. And soon, the entire world will be." Now give me the lock chain.
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Annabelle's mind reeled as she stared at her parents, her heart heavy with grief. She had hoped to rescue them, but now it seemed like they were lost forever.
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Maya and Zephyr exchanged a worried glance. They knew they had to act fast.
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Liam stepped forward, his eyes locked on Elijah. "We're not going to let you use them," neither is she handling the chain over to you he growled.
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Elijah chuckled. "Oh, but I already am," he said. "You see, Annabelle's parents are now vessels for the Order's dark energy. And with this artifact, I can control them completely." I only need the lock chain to take over the world.
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Annabelle's parents began to move towards her, their eyes empty, their movements mechanical. Annabelle knew she had to act fast.
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She remembered the words of an ancient text she had read, a spell that could break the Order's control. She began to chant the words, feeling a surge of energy build inside her.
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The air around her began to shimmer, and a blast of light shot out, hitting her parents. They stumbled, their eyes flickering with a glimmer of recognition.
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"Mom? Dad?" Annabelle whispered, hope rising in her chest.
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But Elijah's laughter cut through the air, and the darkness closed in once more.
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