The following days passed in a blur of preparation and uncertainty. Gabriel couldn't shake the feeling that everything was spiraling toward something monumental. Seraphina's words echoed in his mind: The Gods' power is not gone. It's hidden, buried deep in the ruins of their fallen cities. Only with their strength can you defeat Lucifer and the Fallen.
It sounded impossible, and yet, Gabriel knew it was his only hope. The Fallen Angels were too strong, their malice too ancient to be stopped by mere mortal will. He needed the Gods—or at least the remnants of their power.
But how would he even begin to search for Elantris, a city thought to be nothing more than legend? The mountains were treacherous, the terrain unforgiving. And the Fallen Angels would be hunting him, their eyes trained on him ever since he had awakened his true power.
Gabriel stood on the rooftop once again, staring out at the sprawling city below. It was a place he knew too well, a place that had seen generations of struggle, of bloodshed, and of forgotten promises. But it was also his home, for better or for worse. As he gazed out at the distant horizon, he felt a surge of resolve.
I can't afford to fail.
The journey ahead would be long and fraught with danger. He would need supplies, allies, and information. The problem was, he couldn't trust anyone fully—not yet, anyway. Seraphina had warned him about the need for allies, but trust was a luxury Gabriel couldn't afford. The Fallen were already in the city. They could be anyone, anywhere. He'd learned that the hard way.
His first stop was the underground market. The last place he'd expect to find anything useful, but also the first place where people from all walks of life gathered—some hiding from the law, others just trying to survive. It was there, in the shadows of the crumbling skyscrapers, that Gabriel hoped to find someone who might have information about the hidden city of Elantris.
The market was a labyrinth of narrow alleys, flickering neon signs, and shady transactions. The air smelled of spices, sweat, and something more pungent, like the remnants of ancient machinery that had long since stopped working. Gabriel moved quickly, his hood pulled low to cover his face, keeping a careful eye on his surroundings.
He wasn't alone in the market. The usual crowd of thieves, smugglers, and street rats milled about, their eyes darting nervously as if afraid of attracting attention. Gabriel passed them by without a word, his senses heightened, watching for anyone who might pose a threat.
It didn't take long to find what he was looking for. Deep in the heart of the market, in a dark, almost forgotten corner, stood a man surrounded by old maps and artifacts. His clothing was tattered, his face weathered with age, but his eyes burned with a sharpness that told Gabriel he was no ordinary man. This was someone who knew things—things Gabriel needed to learn.
The man looked up as Gabriel approached, his lips curling into a smile. "I've been expecting you," he said, his voice rough but steady. "The boy with the power. I know who you are."
Gabriel's hand instinctively went to the blade at his side. "Who are you?"
"The name's Varek," the man replied, tapping the worn map in front of him. "And I have what you're looking for."
Gabriel raised an eyebrow. "Elantris?"
Varek nodded slowly. "I know where it is. But getting there won't be easy. You'll need more than just the Gods' power to survive this journey. You'll need help—and not just anyone can guide you to Elantris."
Gabriel's suspicion grew. "What do you want in exchange?"
"A price," Varek said, his grin widening. "You want to find Elantris, and I can get you there. But I don't do charity work. I've got my own reasons for wanting to see the Gods' power restored."
Gabriel's hand remained on his blade, but he wasn't foolish enough to make a move without knowing more. "What reasons?"
Varek's expression darkened. "I was once a part of the elite. A high-ranking soldier in the service of the Gods. Before they disappeared, before the Fallen took everything. I've seen their power. Felt it. And when they left… everything collapsed. I want what's mine back. And you, boy, are my ticket to that."
Gabriel studied him carefully. "What's your price?"
Varek leaned forward, his voice dropping to a whisper. "I want a promise. That when you find the Gods' power, when you take it—if you succeed—you'll give me a part of it. I'll help you, but you'll owe me. And if you fail, it won't matter. The Fallen will have their way, and we'll all be lost."
Gabriel was silent for a moment, the weight of the offer sinking in. He couldn't afford to trust anyone fully, but he had no choice. The world was crumbling, and time was running out. The Fallen would come for him, for Earth—and without this man's help, he might never even find Elantris.
"You've got a deal," Gabriel said, his voice steady.
Varek's grin widened, showing teeth. "Good. We leave tonight."