The chamber shook violently, ancient power thrumming through the air like a heartbeat. Symbols burned with golden fire along the walls, casting eerie shadows across the stone.
Kael gripped his sword tighter as Sylas Kaine stepped forward, his presence commanding, his power undeniable. He no longer looked like a man clawing for remnants of the past he looked like something more. Something reborn.
"You don't understand, Kael," Sylas said, his voice resonating through the chamber. "This throne isn't just a relic. It's a gateway. A link to what came before."
Kael's jaw tightened. "Before what?"
Sylas smirked, and with a flick of his wrist, the symbols on the throne flared brighter. The very air rippled with energy.
"Before the Well. Before the gods you destroyed." His eyes gleamed. "This power isn't from the past we knew it's from the first ones."
Lyra's breath caught. "That's not possible."
Sylas laughed. "Isn't it? You and Kael thought you were wiping the slate clean, but did you ever stop to ask… what came before the gods?"
The ground cracked beneath the throne, veins of molten gold spreading like roots through the chamber. The power here wasn't just alive it was awakening.
Kael's instincts screamed. They couldn't let this continue.
He lunged. Blade flashing. Power roaring.
Sylas caught the strike with one hand.
Kael's eyes widened. Sylas hadn't even flinched.
Then, with a surge of force, Sylas hurled him backward, sending him skidding across the stone floor.
Lyra moved instantly, shadows coiling around her as she struck with lethal precision. Her dagger aimed for his throat but Sylas was faster. He sidestepped, catching her wrist and twisting.
She gasped as the energy in the chamber flared, and Sylas threw her back with unnatural ease.
Kael gritted his teeth. Sylas was stronger too strong. Whatever he had awakened, whatever power he had tapped into, it wasn't just the remnants of the old gods. It was something far older. Far worse.
Sylas stepped back toward the throne, his arms spreading as golden energy snaked up his body. His voice echoed with something inhuman.
"You tried to erase the gods." His smirk deepened. "Now, let's see what happens when something even greater takes their place."
The ruins exploded with power, and the throne came to life.