I leaned forward, my eyes locked on the elders. "Please, tell me more," I urged. "What secrets did Azrael uncover? What was the nature of his ambition?"
Elder Elwynn's eyes seemed to cloud over, as if memories were rising to the surface. "Azrael was obsessed with the concept of 'Eternal Reign,'" she said. "He believed that with the power of the forbidden magic, he could rule forever, unchallenged and unrivaled."
Elder Thorne nodded, his voice taking on a grave tone. "He delved deep into the dark arts, making pacts with malevolent entities and sacrificing innocent lives to further his goals."
I felt a shiver run down my spine as I listened to the elders' words. Azrael's ambition had been staggering, and his willingness to do whatever it took to achieve his goals was terrifying.
Lunaria's voice was barely above a whisper. "What about the mechanized coffin? What's its purpose?"
Elder Elwynn's eyes seemed to bore into my soul. "The coffin is a prison, Riven. A prison for Azrael's spirit, and a key to unlocking the secrets of the forbidden magic."
I felt a surge of determination. I knew that I had to be careful, to avoid the same fate as Azrael. But I also knew that I couldn't ignore the secrets that the coffin held.
I leaned forward, my eyes locked on the elders. "How can we open the coffin without releasing the trapped spirit?" I asked, my voice filled with a sense of urgency.
Elder Thorne's expression turned grave. "That is a difficult question, Riven. The coffin is designed to keep Azrael's spirit trapped, but it is also a key to unlocking the secrets of the forbidden magic."
Elder Elwynn nodded, her eyes clouding over with thought. "To open the coffin without releasing the trapped spirit, you will need to find the Keystone of the Ancients."
Lunaria's ears perked up with interest. "What is the Keystone?" she asked.
Elder Thorne's voice was low and measured. "The Keystone is an ancient artifact, one that holds the power to balance the energies of the coffin. With the Keystone, you can open the coffin and unlock its secrets without releasing Azrael's spirit."
I felt a surge of determination. I knew that I had to find the Keystone, no matter what dangers lay ahead.
Zarek's voice was firm. "We'll find the Keystone, Riven. We'll unlock the secrets of the coffin and defeat Arachne."
The elders nodded, their faces filled with a sense of hope.
I turned to the elders, my mind filled with questions about the dragon and our bond. "Elders, can you tell me more about my spirit animal?" I asked, my voice filled with curiosity.
Elder Elwynn smiled, her eyes twinkling with warmth. "Ah, Riven, you have been chosen by a noble and powerful spirit animal. The dragon is a symbol of strength, courage, and wisdom."
Elder Thorne nodded, his voice filled with gravity. "But, Riven, you are not the only one who will find a spirit animal. Your friends, Thane, Lunaria, and Zarek, will also find their own spirit animals in time."
Lunaria's ears perked up with excitement. "Really? What kind of spirit animals will we find?" she asked, her voice filled with wonder.
Elder Elwynn chuckled. "That, my dear, is for the spirits to decide. But rest assured, each of you will find a spirit animal that is suited to your unique abilities and personalities."
Thane's eyes narrowed with interest. "And what about the bond between us and our spirit animals? How does that work?" he asked.
Elder Thorne's expression turned serious. "The bond between a warrior and their spirit animal is a sacred one. It is a bond of trust, loyalty, and mutual respect. As you grow and learn together, your bond will strengthen, and you will become an unstoppable force."
Zarek's face was set in determination. "We'll make sure to honor that bond, and to use our spirit animals' power for the greater good."
The elders nodded, their faces filled with a sense of pride and hope.