The darkness surged forward, a relentless tide of void energy seeking to engulf Kael. He didn't hesitate. His sword ignited with the Heart's power, light clashing against the shadows in a blinding explosion.
The impact sent shockwaves through the ruined chamber, dust and debris swirling in the air. Kael gritted his teeth as his feet slid back against the stone, the sheer force of the attack numbing his arms. But he held his ground.
The cloaked figure tilted its head, amusement flickering in its molten gold eyes. "Interesting… you're still standing." It stepped forward, slow and deliberate, its aura of malice thickening. "Tell me, Kael. How long do you think you can keep resisting?"
Kael ignored the taunt. He couldn't afford to let doubt creep in. Not now.
Liora was behind him, struggling to rise, her breaths shallow. He could hear her labored gasps, feel the weak pulse of her magic trying to recover. She needed time—time he had to buy.
He shifted his stance, drawing deep from the Heart's energy. The warmth surged through him, fierce and untamed, filling the cracks of exhaustion. He raised his sword. "Long enough to end you."
The figure's chuckle was ice in his veins. "Brave words."
And then it moved.
Faster than Kael could react, it blurred forward, appearing within arm's reach in an instant. A blackened hand shot out, fingers wrapping around his throat. The touch burned—like frostbite seeping into his skin. Kael gasped, his vision tilting as he was lifted off his feet.
"The Heart chose you." The figure's voice was a whisper of disdain. "But do you even know why?"
Kael struggled, his hands clawing at the iron grip. His lungs screamed for air. The Heart's power flickered, fighting against the suffocating void, but the shadows tightened, suffocating him.
"You were meant to serve." The figure's golden eyes gleamed with something ancient and knowing. "The Heart was never yours to wield."
Pain flared—sharp and consuming. Kael felt something twisting inside him, an unnatural force clawing at his very soul. His vision darkened, the world slipping away.
No.
Somewhere, deep within the abyss of his fading consciousness, a fire stirred.
Not like this.
His fingers twitched. The Heart pulsed—defiant. And then, with every ounce of willpower, Kael wrenched his knee upward, slamming it into the figure's ribs.
The grip loosened just enough. Kael twisted, driving his elbow into its face, breaking free from its grasp. He staggered back, coughing, his vision swimming—but he was alive.
The figure touched its cheek, where Kael's strike had landed. Its expression darkened, no longer amused. "You truly don't understand your place."
The shadows surged again—this time, laced with pure fury.
Kael barely raised his sword in time. The force of the attack sent him crashing through the broken doorway, tumbling onto the stone floor of the outer hall. Pain lanced through his ribs, but he forced himself up, teeth clenched.
Liora struggled to her feet, her eyes wide with horror. "Kael, we have to run!"
He looked past her—to the towering exit leading into the ruins beyond. They were outmatched.
A strategic retreat.
Kael swore under his breath. He hated running. But right now, survival mattered more.
"Move!" he barked, grabbing Liora's wrist and pulling her forward.
The figure's laughter echoed behind them. "Flee, then. Run as far as you like."
Kael didn't look back. He could feel its gaze burning into his back, a promise of pursuit.
But he didn't care.
Not yet.
Because as long as they were alive, they still had a chance.
---
They didn't stop running until they reached the temple's outer ruins, collapsing against the crumbling stone. The air was thick with dust and the scent of burning magic.
Liora clutched her ribs, her face pale. "That thing… it wasn't human."
Kael exhaled sharply, wiping blood from his lips. "No." He met her gaze. "And it's not done with us."
She swallowed, looking away. "Alaric… do you think he…?"
Kael's jaw tightened. He didn't know. The thought of his old comrade falling to that monster made his stomach twist.
But until he had proof, he wouldn't believe it.
He had to keep moving.
For now, they had escaped. But deep down, Kael knew the truth.
This was only the beginning.