Chapter 1: A Partner missing

Utah Salt Lake

1990

The rain was pouring outside, while the wind whispered hauntingly in her ears. She found herself hanging from shackles attached to the stone walls of a dirty, grimy cell. The only source of light came from a small light bulb that flickered above her head and a small window. As she looked around, she could see dried blood left by previous prisoners.

Days had passed since she had been taken, and she wondered why the police hadn't found her yet. She tried to push away the depressing thoughts that were filling her mind, determined not to let this place be the end of her.

As she closed her eyes, she concentrated on the mysterious powers she had received on her eighteenth birthday some months ago. She had been unable to control them, which is why she had to stay home for the time being until she had been kidnapped and brought to who knows where, stuck in a cell and for days on end be tortured for answers she did not know.

She focused her mind on the energy inside of her until her hands started glowing orange-yellow. However, the glow faded just as quickly as it appeared. She tried again, pushing harder, feeling her powers wanting to burst out, but again she failed. She wondered how she could learn to control her powers to break herself out of this cell.

Suddenly, she heard voices coming from the hallway outside her cell. She listened closely, wondering if they were going to resume their previous day's torture session, hoping they wouldn't. She just wanted to get away from all this. She didn't ask for any of this.

As she listened, she heard a man's voice, it sounded as if he was shouting at someone, giving orders.

"Look in every cell, she must be here!"

Then she heard a blast following the sound of a door falling from its hinges and then another. She started feeling hope in her heart.

"Please, anybody, help me," She cried out loud.

To her relief, someone had heard her cry as she heard nother man's voice.

"Father, I hear something this side!"

Footsteps then could be heard getting closer to her cell and after a few seconds, the door was blasted open, revealing two men. The one looked her age and the other much older.

"Are you here to save me?" she asked.

"Yes," the old man replied as the other man ran to her side and she noticed his blue eyes behind his fringe, his hair was black. She then watched him as he lifted his hand, palm showing to her shackles and then the shackles broke, making her land on all fours.

He kneeled by her side as she caught her breath, she felt grateful for her newfound saviors.

"Are you okay?" He said, offering a helping hand for her.

"yeah, I think I'll be fine, thank you." She said, grabbing his hand to get up.

"Am Kurtis," He said, as he helped her up. Her feet wobbled a bit until she got her balance back.

"Elizabeth," She answered back, smiling weakly at him.

"The coast is clear for now," The older man said, turning to them. "I'm Konstantin, Master of the Lux Veritatis."

Her brows furrowed with a mix of concern and recognition as the name of their secretive order reached her ears. Instinctively, she took a step back, her hand instinctively reaching out to steady herself against the cold, unforgiving wall behind her. Memories flooded her mind, vividly recalling the relentless ramblings of her captors, who had fervently expounded on the importance and power of the enigmatic Lux Veritatis. The weight of those traumatic moments resurfaced, causing her to shudder involuntarily, while her thoughts raced with fear and determination.

Kurtis, observing her distress, closed the distance, aiming to reassure her. "We mean you no harm," he spoke gently, his voice laced with empathy. "You're part of our group, one of us." He extended a finger, pointing at the intricate tattoo adorning her left arm, while simultaneously lifting his shirt sleeve to reveal the identical mark on his right arm. The subtle act aimed to forge a connection, demonstrating solidarity and acceptance. "We've all been through difficult times, but together, we can find strength and protect one another," he concluded, his eyes conveying a genuine sense of camaraderie.

With a gasp of surprise, she blurted out, "So yours just materialized unexpectedly too?" Her question hung in the air, causing a deep frown to crease Konstantin's brow.

"No, my dear," he responded, his voice laced with an air of authority, "We have been deliberately marking each member with our symbol for years."

A hint of confusion colored her voice as she countered, "But no one marked mine, sir. It simply appeared on my birthday a few months ago, as if by some mystical force."

Konstantin's eyes widened in disbelief, gasping audibly. "It can't be!"

Concerned, Kurtis turned to his father, asking, "What's wrong, Dad?"

Konstantin swiftly reassured him, "Nothing, son. Let's prioritize getting her to safety," he said, glancing once more down the hallway, ensuring they were clear.

Kurtis faced her once more, registering the lingering fear in her gaze, and his attention was drawn to the radiant glow emanating from her hands.

"Hey, hey!" he called out, his voice gentle yet urgent, attempting to soothe her before she inadvertently harmed herself. "Don't worry, we'll get you out of here."

Closing the distance, he reached out, his hand making contact with her arm, and gently pulled her into a heartfelt embrace. She embraced him in return, tears streaming down her cheeks, finding solace as she rested her head against his chest. With a slight height advantage, Kurtis provided a comforting presence for her.

"Where are we heading?" She inquired, gently disengaging from the embrace, as they commenced their departure.

"We're taking you to our dwelling, a few miles away from here. Our purpose is to train you, so you can wield control over your extraordinary powers," Konstantin replied, his gaze meeting hers with a gravity-laden expression. "The world is facing peril, and we require all the assistance available to safeguard it."

Elizabeth took a deep, resolute breath, affirming her assent with a nod. Deep within her being, she understood that returning to her previous life was no longer an option, not after enduring the tumultuous events that had unfolded. She stood prepared to embrace her newfound identity and join the ranks of the Lux Veritatis, ready to confront supernatural threats head-on.

Prague

2003 - A month ago

In the midst of a midnight snowstorm, Elizabeth stood near the Strahov Building in Prague, far from where her partner had abandoned her in Germany. Undeterred by the harsh conditions, she dismounted her motorcycle and bravely waded into the dense snow. Her luscious brown hair was neatly tied up in a ponytail, while her streetwear ensemble, complete with weather-resistant boots, provided the perfect armor against the elements. Determined to find her partner, she pressed on, undaunted by the freezing cold, her footsteps leaving a trail behind as she ventured deeper into the wintry night.

Taking a quick sweep of the Strahov Building, she ensured the absence of any potential threats before discreetly stepping into an unoccupied warehouse through one of the accessible entrances.

Doubts clouded her mind as she navigated the desolate expanse of the warehouse, acknowledging her profound dislike for the situation at hand. Determined to uncover the truth, she pressed on, opting for an alternative entrance that led her into the captivating realm of the Bio-dome. Inside, a surreal sight greeted her: peculiar vegetation resembling alien flora, defying the conventions of her known world. These peculiar plants, with their otherworldly allure, possessed an inexplicable mystique that drew her closer. Curiosity and a sense of trepidation danced within her, as she found herself compelled to unravel the enigmatic secrets harbored by these extraordinary pants, uncertain of the profound implications they held.

Exiting the Bio-dome, she followed a corridor that guided her toward a cluster of offices. Among them, she stumbled upon a door adorned with a name she recognized all too well: "Dr. Faisel Clark." The realization hit her like a bolt of lightning—her own brother had aligned himself with the enemy. Tentatively, she pushed open the door, revealing an unoccupied office space.

Glancing around the room, her eyes fell upon a desk to her left, adorned with a scattering of papers. On the right, a clipboard rested beside a cabinet housing an array of vials containing blood samples. Folders packed with patients' medical histories were neatly stacked nearby. The sight was overwhelming, and Elizabeth couldn't help but ponder how her long-lost brother had become entangled with their adversaries. Memories surged as she sifted through the cabinet's contents, a mix of curiosity and confusion consuming her. It had been years since she had laid eyes on him, their paths diverging when she was a mere five-year-old and he was eight. Their father had taken him away, forever severing their connection, leaving Elizabeth with unanswered questions and an aching void in her heart.

As Elizabeth continued her exploration, her mind wandered to the fate of these patients. Her eyes fell upon a particular folder, bearing the name "Heissturm, Kristen." A jolt of recognition coursed through her as she gingerly opened it, revealing a photograph capturing a young woman, visibly terrified, huddled in a corner. Shock washed over her as she perused the notes within, discovering the horrendous experiments inflicted upon this innocent soul. Swiftly, she collected the damning evidence, stowing the files safely inside her backpack, intending to share them with her partner, should she be fortunate enough to locate him amidst this labyrinth of secrets.

Stepping away from the cabinet, Elizabeth's attention turned to the clipboard. It held a series of photographs, each securely pinned and accompanied by a note. A gasp escaped her lips as she recognized herself in one of the images. To her surprise, there were also photos of Kurtis, Chris, and even Lara. With trepidation, she began reading the notes, starting with her own picture.

"Track down my sister, gave Gunderson the details." The words on the note sent a jolt of confusion through Elizabeth. Why would her brother provide her information to Gunderson? Her mind raced with questions and possibilities. Turning her focus to Kurtis' photo, she found another intriguing message. "Kurtis might be the chosen one, the Master is still not sure."

Elizabeth's thoughts involuntarily traveled back to the past, to the time when Konstantin had risked everything to save her. The memories of their escape, the hardships they endured together, and the bond they had formed flooded her mind.

Utah Salt Lake

1990

After a few days of much-needed rest following her rescue, Elizabeth found herself contemplating the perplexing reaction of Konstantin. When she had mentioned her tattoo appearing spontaneously, he had gasped, as if struck by surprise. Intrigued by his response, she decided to pay him a visit to his office. With determination in her stride, she made her way to his door, raised her hand, and knocked, patiently awaiting a response. It didn't take long for Konstantin's voice to invite her inside, granting her entry into his sanctuary of knowledge and secrets.

"Ah, Elizabeth, is everything alright?" Konstantin asked, looking up from his desk where he was engrossed in his computer. Sensing her urgency, he gestured for her to take a seat in the nearby chair.

"No, sir, I would like some answers, please," Elizabeth said, her tone filled with determination as she settled into the chair.

"What answers, Miss Clark, are you looking for?" Konstantin inquired, removing his glasses. Dark circles surrounded his eyes, hinting at sleepless nights spent wrestling with profound matters.

"A few days ago, when you all rescued me from that cell, you seemed surprised when I mentioned my tattoo," she began. "I want to know why."

Konstantin sighed heavily, his hand rubbing his tired eyes. "Ah, yes, it's a bit complicated, you see. In the early days of our order, Klara, the first among us, bestowed upon my family a prophecy that we must someday fulfill."

"What prophecy?" Elizabeth leaned forward, eager to uncover the truth.

"It spoke of one among us being chosen, destined to possess great strength and the power to vanquish Karel," Konstantin explained wearily. "So when you mentioned your tattoo suddenly appearing, it reminded me of the prophecy. I had believed it would be Kurtis, but now I am uncertain."

Curiosity piqued, Elizabeth pressed further. "Why Kurtis?"

Konstantin's gaze drifted toward an ancient scroll resting on his desk. "Kurtis was an extraordinary child from the moment he was born. With his sister and brother missing, I thought he might be the one—the one to bring an end to all of this."

He sighed, the weight of uncertainty evident in his voice. "But now I'm no longer sure, and with Klara's disappearance twenty-two years ago, I find myself at a loss."

"How old is Klara?" Elizabeth's brow furrowed with confusion.

"She does not age. Klara is immortal, just as Karel is," Konstantin revealed, a tinge of sadness lacing his words.

"So, you're telling me that I could be the chosen one?" Elizabeth's voice held a mix of surprise and uncertainty.

"I'm not certain," Konstantin admitted, his tone filled with honesty. "The only people who knew the true identity of the chosen one were those who kidnapped you. However, they vanished once we rescued you and have since gone into hiding."

Elizabeth's mind swirled with a mix of emotions. She found herself in a new life, undergoing training for powers she never knew she possessed, and now she was confronted with the possibility that she or Kurtis could be the chosen one. The weight of destiny settled upon her shoulders, and she realized that her path was far more intricate and uncertain than she had ever imagined.

Prague

Strahov Building

2003 - A month ago

As Elizabeth's mind wandered to the past, she shifted her attention to the next photograph—a picture of her boyfriend, Chris. Reading the accompanying note, her worry intensified: "He can run, but he can't hide forever." Concern etched her face as she contemplated the implications.

Feeling a sense of urgency, Elizabeth swiftly retrieved her camera and captured an image of the clipboard, meticulously documenting the intricate web of photos and notes. Each piece of information held significance, painting a complex picture she was determined to decipher.

Turning her focus to the following photo, featuring Lara Croft, she absorbed the words scrawled on the adjacent note: "She could be the one Karel has been looking for." Memories of the recent news article surfaced, reporting Lara's alleged involvement in the murder of Werner Von Croy and her subsequent flight from the authorities. Elizabeth's thoughts raced, questioning Karel's role in setting her up.

The connections were becoming clearer, intertwining her past and present in a web of intrigue. Elizabeth's mind buzzed with a mix of curiosity, concern, and a growing resolve to uncover the truth. She knew that untangling the threads of this intricate conspiracy was crucial not only for Lara's sake but also for her own safety and the safety of those she cared about.

Elizabeth shifted her attention to the cluttered desk, spotting a picture frame at its far end. Curiosity compelled her to grab it, revealing an image of her brother embracing a woman with evident joy radiating from their faces.

After carefully returning the picture frame to its place on the desk, she swiftly exited the office and descended to the lower level. Upon her arrival, she discovered a laboratory with an open gate on the opposite side. Descending further down a slope, she ventured into an inner sanctum that bore the unmistakable signs of extensive destruction.

"What the hell happened here?" she whispered to herself, her voice barely audible amidst the desolation that surrounded her.

Traversing the scattered rubble, she stumbled upon Eckhardt's motionless figure, his life extinguished with the Periapt Shards mercilessly piercing his chest and head. With a heavy heart, she knelt beside him, delicately extracting the three intact shards from his lifeless form. Carefully, she secured them in her backpack, knowing their significance and power.

As she rose to her feet, her eyes ascended, taking in the sight of the partially destroyed Sleeper suspended in the air. Relief washed over her, grateful that Kurtis had succeeded in his mission to dismantle it. As she looked around, searching for any trace of his whereabouts, a sudden realization struck her. A glimmer of hope shone in her eyes as she discovered a tunnel that beckoned her forward, leading to an arena of sorts. Curiosity piqued, she cautiously made her way through the passage until she stumbled upon a lifeless, grotesque creature sprawled motionless on the ground.

"One of the Cabal's experiments unleashed on my partner?" Elizabeth wondered aloud, her voice tinged with disbelief and anguish. She scanned the arena, her eyes darting across the walls and floor, which were adorned with splatters of eerie green liquid. The gruesome scene unfolded before her, a testament to the horrors that had taken place.

A few meters away, a lifeless body lay, its decapitated form resembling a grotesque hybrid creature, its hands adorned with menacing spikes. Intriguingly, one of the spikes glistened with crimson, the unmistakable hue of blood. Elizabeth's gaze followed the trail of blood, leading her to a sizable pool of scarlet fluid. In an instant, her strength abandoned her, and she sank to her knees before the haunting pool, a dawning realization gripping her heart.

"No, it can't be," she sobbed, her voice filled with anguish, as her trembling fingers reached for the pool of blood before her. A sharp jolt coursed through her body, causing her to flinch involuntarily. It was as if the past itself was beckoning to her, promising elusive answers that could help make sense of the present chaos. Caught in a trance-like state, her body slumped, her lips barely moving as she whispered the words, "Indica mihi."

In an instant, her spirit was transported to an unfamiliar place. The scene unfolded before her eyes—a frantic flurry of doctors and nurses desperately fighting to save a life. As she drew nearer, a gasp escaped her as she realized that it was her partner lying unconscious on the operating table.

"We're losing him," one doctor exclaimed urgently.

"No, not yet," another doctor retorted, his bloodied hands working tirelessly. He turned to a nurse, his voice commanding, "Stop the bleeding!"

Elizabeth watched in a state of both fear and hope as the medical team battled to keep Kurtis alive. Hours seemed to pass, but she remained steadfast, observing their tireless efforts. Eventually, she heard a doctor declare that Kurtis was out of immediate danger. As he turned, she caught sight of the Healers's symbol etched on his arm—a symbol of healing and protection. In that moment, a flicker of reassurance ignited within her.

Her spirit, having gleaned the knowledge she sought, returned to her physical body. A newfound determination filled her, for now, she knew where her partner was. The pieces of the puzzle were slowly falling into place, and Elizabeth was resolute in her mission to reach Kurtis, to ensure his safety and uncover the truth behind the enigmatic web that had entangled them both.

"I'm coming, Kurtis. Hold on," Elizabeth declared with determination, hastening towards a substantial door within the confines of the arena. Stepping through, she ventured into the enveloping darkness, illuminating the path ahead with the beam of her flashlight. The sight of a bloodstained door handle evoked a weary sigh, yet it didn't deter her. Pressing forward, she opened the door, revealing a corridor that stretched towards the entrance of the Sanitarium.

With an air of caution, she leisurely walked down the dimly lit hallway, her senses acutely attuned to the possibility of lurking adversaries. The atmosphere within the Sanitarium sent shivers down her spine as she traversed past the occupied cells, their occupants desperately pleading for assistance or emitting eerie sounds reminiscent of anguish and torment. Rounding a corner, she swiftly veered back, skillfully evading the attention of two guards stationed near the exit leading to the garage area, where the distant clamor of trucks resounded as they arrived and departed in an organized frenzy.

She carefully listened to the two guards conversing, their words weaving a web of intrigue and danger around her. The exit seemed guarded, and her chances of slipping away unnoticed were slim. The guards' discussion intensified her sense of urgency and heightened her desire to escape their clutches.

"Karel has given the orders," one of the guards said, his voice filled with determination. "We must move that sarcophagus to the other stronghold in Turkey."

Curiosity piqued, the other guard questioned their destination. "Why Turkey? Why not just go back to Germany?"

The first guard sighed, as if tired of explaining. "Germany's stronghold was blown up, and besides, the ritual can only be done in Turkey."

Intrigued, the second guard pressed further. "What ritual are you talking about?"

Lowering his voice, the first guard revealed the dark secret. "It's said that only the Black Angel can awaken the sleeper inside that sarcophagus. But Karel needs a sacrifice for it to work."

The second guard's voice betrayed a mix of shock and horror. "What kind of sacrifice are we talking about?"

"He needs his long-lost sister's blood and the Chosen One's powers," the first guard replied gravely, "to offer to the Black Angel. Only then can he awaken the sleeper?"

A wave of revulsion washed over her. The revelation sent chills down her spine. She had stumbled upon something far more sinister than she had anticipated. Thoughts raced through her mind as she contemplated the implications of what she had overheard. Klara, the Black Angel, the Chosen One—each piece of the puzzle held its own dark significance.

As the guards diverted their attention toward the approaching trucks, she seized the opportunity. It was now or never. With stealth and determination, she made her way toward the exit, her heart pounding in her chest. Every step brought her closer to freedom and further away from the clutches of those who sought to fulfill their twisted desires.

Reaching her bike, she wasted no time. Fingers trembling with adrenaline, she swiftly ignited the engine, its roar breaking the silence of the night. The guards remained oblivious to her escape, their attention consumed by their own musings.

In her urgent quest to reach the healer's domain, she raced on her motorbike, determined to reach her destination swiftly. After covering a challenging distance of 25 kilometers, she finally arrived at a monastery and promptly knocked on its door. Moments later, a monk appeared, ready to assist.

"What brings you here this evening, madam?" the monk inquired.

"I'm in search of my partner, who was brought here earlier tonight with an abdominal wound," she explained, her voice tinged with worry.

"Ah, yes. And what is his name?" the monk asked attentively.

"Kurtis Huissturm Trent," she replied, hoping for some positive news.

"Indeed, but I regret to inform you that he was moved to a secure location half an hour ago, and we are unaware of his current whereabouts," the monk regretfully revealed.

"How can you not know where he is?" she responded, attempting to suppress her mounting frustration.

"Our responsibility lies solely in tending to the wounded. What happens to them after they leave our care is beyond our control. I apologize, madam," the monk said apologetically before closing the door.

Standing just outside the serene monastery, she inhaled deeply, her mind swirling with thoughts of her next course of action. The weight of the situation pressed upon her; she had hit a dead end in her quest to find Kurtis. With a resolute determination, she mounted her motorbike once again, vowing to explore new avenues.

Guided by an urgent desire to uncover the truth, she embarked on a journey towards the closest hotel. The roar of the engine provided a temporary distraction from her inner turmoil. Before long, she chanced upon a welcoming hotel and swiftly secured a room for the night. The receptionist's warm smile provided a glimmer of comfort amidst the uncertainty that enveloped her.

Ascending the stairs, she felt a growing restlessness within her, her mind consumed by thoughts of Kurtis. Every step seemed to mirror the weight of her longing. As she reached her room, she turned the key in the lock, creating a barrier between herself and the external world.

Seeking solace in the familiarity of the hotel room, she yearned for a momentary respite. Stepping into the soothing cascade of the shower, she allowed the warm water to cleanse not just her body, but also her racing thoughts. The droplets cascading down her skin became a metaphorical purification, washing away her apprehensions and doubts.

But even amidst the tranquil sanctuary of the shower, her mind couldn't escape the haunting question: Was Kurtis truly safe? His image lingered in her thoughts, their shared moments echoing through her memories. The uncertainty gnawed at her, fueling her determination to unveil the truth, to ensure his well-being.

As she stepped out of the shower, droplets clinging to her skin, a renewed sense of purpose enveloped her. With her resolve strengthened, she dried herself off and slipped into fresh clothes. She knew that the path ahead was uncertain, but she was ready to face the challenges head-on, to unearth the secrets that lay shrouded in darkness, and to find Kurtis, no matter the cost.