The path narrowed, weaving through towering trees that loomed like sentinels in the dim light. Shadows danced and stretched, their movements almost alive as the forest rustled with unseen life. Faint calls of birds and the occasional snap of a branch echoed through the stillness, but Kodi's focus remained elsewhere. The weight of the map pressed against his back, its presence both reassuring and heavy. Every step brought them closer to their goal—and closer to the unknown. "Tell me something," Aaliyah said suddenly, her voice cutting through the quiet. Kodi glanced at her, surprised by the sharp edge to her tone. "What?" "How much do you actually know about this skull?" she asked, her gaze fixed firmly ahead, her pace unbroken. He frowned, shifting his pack. "Enough. My father spent years piecing together the stories. He was convinced it was real." "That's vague," she replied, shooting him a sidelong glance. "If we're risking our necks for this thing, I'd like to know exactly what we're walking into." "It's said to grant a wish," Kodi said, his voice quieter now, as though the words themselves carried a weight. "One wish, to whoever holds it." "And that's it?" Aaliyah asked, her tone skeptical. "No warnings? No consequences?" Kodi hesitated, feeling the prickle of doubt her words stirred. "There are always stories like that," he admitted, carefully choosing his words. "But people fear what they don't understand. The skull's power isn't just some curse—it's an opportunity." Aaliyah stopped abruptly, turning to face him with an unreadable expression. "You sound like you're trying to convince yourself of that." Kodi sighed, raking a hand through his hair. "Why do you care so much? You didn't seem this curious when we started." She shrugged, the movement casual but her tone anything but. "I like to know what I'm getting into. And you haven't exactly been forthcoming with the details." words stung, though he couldn't deny the truth in them. They walked on, but the air between them felt heavier now, their steps quieter as if the forest itself were eavesdropping. The silence didn't last long. "How did you even find the map?" Aaliyah asked, her voice light but probing, as though she were testing the boundaries of his patience. Kodi slowed his pace, reluctant to answer. "It was in my father's things. Hidden away in the attic." "And you're sure it's real?" "Yes," he said firmly, though her skepticism scratched at him like thorns. She tilted her head, her gaze flicking to him briefly. "What about the location? How far are we from wherever this thing is supposed to be?" Kodi stopped, his frustration bubbling to the surface. "Why do you keep asking about the skull?" he demanded, his voice sharper than he intended. "You've barely cared about anything else on this journey, but now you're suddenly full of questions. Why?" Aaliyah met his glare without flinching, her posture relaxed. "Because I want to know what I'm walking into. Is that a crime?" "It's not just curiosity," Kodi pressed, stepping closer. "You've been poking and prodding since we left town. What's really going on here, Aaliyah? Why are you so interested in the skull?" She rolled her eyes, the motion exaggerated. "You're being paranoid." "Am I?" Kodi snapped. "Because it feels like you know more about this than you're letting on." For a long moment, Aaliyah didn't answer. The forest seemed to still around them, the rustling leaves falling silent as if the world itself waited for her response. Finally, she turned, her expression unreadable. "Fine. You want the truth?" Kodi crossed his arms, waiting. She let out a slow breath, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "You're not the only one who's been chasing this thing, Kodi. I've been searching for it, too. Long before you dragged me into this." Her words hit him like a blow, and Kodi felt his chest tighten. "What are you talking about?" "I've heard the stories," Aaliyah said, her tone quieter now. "I've followed the rumors, just like you. The difference is, I didn't have someone handing me a map. I had to dig for scraps, piece together fragments of old legends. So when you came to me with your perfect, complete map, I couldn't exactly say no." Kodi stared at her, his mind racing to process what she'd just said. "So that's why you agreed to come. You didn't want to help me—you wanted the map." "Don't be dramatic," she said, her voice cool but lacking its usual sharpness. "I agreed because our goals align. You want the skull. So do I. What difference does it make how we get there?" "It makes a difference to me," Kodi snapped. "You lied to me, Aaliyah. This whole time, you've been keeping secrets, pretending you're here to help—""I never pretended anything," she interrupted, her tone rising. "You assumed I was here for you. That's your mistake, not mine." The air between them crackled with tension, the forest amplifying the weight of their words. "Why didn't you just tell me?" Kodi asked, his voice quieter now, edged with anger. "Because it doesn't matter," Aaliyah replied, her tone colder than before. "We're both after the same thing. That's all that matters." Kodi shook his head, a mix of hurt and frustration swirling in his chest. "How do I know I can trust you? How do I know you're not going to take the skull for yourself and leave me behind?" Her gaze hardened, her words cutting. "You don't. And if you can't handle that, maybe you shouldn't have asked me to come." The conversation ended, but the tension between them lingered like an invisible barrier. Kodi followed her in silence, his thoughts spinning. He couldn't shake the feeling that he'd made a mistake, that bringing Aaliyah into this had only complicated an already dangerous journey. Aaliyah moved ahead with her usual confidence, her steps deliberate and unyielding. But her earlier questions echoed in his mind, planting seeds of doubt he couldn't ignore. Had she been planning this all along? Could she be trusted now? The forest seemed to close in tighter, the shadows growing longer as the day stretched on. The path wound deeper, the air heavier with each step. Kodi tightened his grip on the strap of his pack, his mind a whirlwind of doubt and unease. He didn't know where the next step would lead—or if he could trust the person walking ahead of him when they got there.
The fire crackled softly, sending flickering light dancing across the towering trees that loomed around them. Kodi sat cross-legged near the flames, his gaze fixed on the map spread out between them. Across from him, Aaliyah lounged with calculated ease, her blade resting on her knees. The firelight caught the sharp contours of her face—her angular nose, thin lips, and the glint in her dark eyes. Wisps of her hair flowed in the evening breeze, giving her a look that was both composed and untouchable. "So," she said, her voice breaking the quiet, "let's talk about what happens when we find the skull." Kodi's brow furrowed as he looked up. "What do you mean?" "I mean," she said, gesturing lazily toward the map, "who gets it? You think it's yours just because you have a map?" Her words cut through the stillness, and Kodi tensed. The implication stung more than he cared to admit. "It's not about ownership, Aaliyah. It's about fulfilling a purpose—finishing what my father started." Her lips curled into a faint smirk, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Ah, yes. The noble son, carrying on Daddy's legacy. How touching." Kodi's jaw tightened at her mocking tone, but he forced his voice to remain calm. "It's not about him. It's about what the skull can do—what it means for the people who find it." "For the people who find it?" she repeated, the mockery in her tone sharper now. "Let's not kid ourselves, Kodi. This isn't some selfless mission to save the world. You want the skull for yourself, just like I do." Kodi leaned forward, his voice low but firm. "And what would you do with it, Aaliyah? What's your grand plan if we find it?" Her smirk vanished, her eyes narrowing. "What I'd do with it is none of your concern. The point is, I know how to use it. You don't." "Don't pretend you're an expert on the skull," Kodi shot back. "You've been asking questions about it since we started this journey. You don't know any more than I do." Her gaze sharpened, but she didn't rise to the bait. Instead, she leaned back slightly, her fingers brushing the hilt of her blade. "I know enough," she said coolly. "Enough to understand that this isn't about who's the smartest or the strongest. It's about who's willing to do what needs to be done." "And you think that's you?" Kodi asked, his frustration seeping into his tone. Aaliyah shrugged. "I know it's not you." Kodi's temper flared, and he clenched his fists. "You think you know me, Aaliyah? Like you're some expert on who I am?" Her smirk returned, but there was no humor in it this time. Instead, there was something sharp and personal, a spark of the fire that had once burned between them. "I know you better than anyone else ever will, Kodi. Don't forget that." Her words hit their mark, stirring up memories he had long tried to bury. He stared at her, his voice quieter now. "You don't know me anymore." "Don't I?" she asked, her voice softening to something closer to a taunt. Kodi shook his head, his fingers tracing the edges of the map. "That was a long time ago." Aaliyah laughed, but there was no mirth in the sound. "Was it? Because it doesn't feel like it." The fire popped loudly, sending a spray of embers into the cool night air. For a moment, neither of them spoke, the weight of their shared history pressing down on them both. Kodi's mind drifted back to Ashwood Forest, where they had first met. They'd both been chasing the same prize—a jeweled amulet rumored to grant protection. He'd been younger then, less cautious and far more idealistic. Aaliyah had captivated him instantly. She was fearless, sharp-tongued, and relentless, cutting through obstacles with the same precision she wielded her blade. He'd admired her fire, her drive. He still did, though he would never admit it out loud. What had begun as mutual admiration quickly deepened into something more. They were partners in ambition and rivals in passion, driven by the thrill of adventure and the heat of competition. But their relationship, like the lives they led, had been precarious, teetering on the edge of collapse. When betrayal came, it wasn't unexpected. But it had left a wound that hadn't yet healed. "You were the one who walked away," Kodi said suddenly, pulling himself back to the present. Aaliyah didn't flinch. "Because I had to. You weren't ready to take the risks I was willing to take. You never understood what it takes to survive in this world." "You mean I wasn't willing to stab people in the back to get what I wanted?" he shot back. She shrugged, her expression unreadable. "Call it what you want. But the world isn't kind to people who hesitate, Kodi. You should've learned that by now." The fire crackled louder, mirroring the tension between them. Kodi exhaled slowly, trying to steady his thoughts. "So what's your plan, Aaliyah? You think you can just take the skull and walk away?" Her gaze flicked to the map before locking onto him. "I'll do whatever it takes to get what I need." "And what exactly do you need?" he pressed. For the first time, Aaliyah faltered. Her confident façade slipped, revealing a flicker of something raw and unguarded. "You don't get it," she said quietly. "The skull isn't just some treasure, Kodi. It's freedom. It's power. With it, you don't answer to anyone. You don't live by anyone else's rules." "Power doesn't make you free, Aaliyah," he said, his voice soft but firm. "It makes you a prisoner to whatever price it demands." Her jaw tightened, and she shook her head. "That's easy for you to say. You've never had to fight for control of your own life." Her words struck deeper than he wanted to admit, leaving him momentarily speechless. Aaliyah stood, brushing ash from her hands. "This isn't about the past, Kodi. It's about what happens next. And you'd better figure out where you stand, because when we find the skull, it's not going to wait for you to make up your mind." Kodi watched her as she moved away from the fire, disappearing into the shadows to scout the area. The flames flickered low, casting long, wavering shadows that stretched like claws across the ground. He sat in silence, his thoughts tangling as he stared at the dancing embers. Their past was a tangled mess of trust and betrayal, ambition and regret. Now, as they edged closer to their goal, he couldn't help but feel that the collision of past and present was inevitable. Would Aaliyah still see him as the boy she once knew, or as the rival standing in her way? The fire burned low, the darkness closing in around him. Somewhere in the distance, an owl called into the night, its cry echoing through the quiet forest. Kodi exhaled, his resolve tightening. Whatever came next, he would be ready.
The forest's edge came into view at last, the dense canopy giving way to open sky. Kodi stepped out first, blinking against the sudden brightness as sunlight spilled across a rolling expanse of grassland. The cool air brushed his face, lighter here, free of the damp, oppressive weight of the woods. He rolled his shoulders, releasing some of the tension that had built from hours of navigating tangled roots and uneven ground. Behind him, Aaliyah emerged, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon. She didn't seem relieved by the change in scenery. If anything, her stance grew more guarded, her hand resting briefly on the hilt of her blade before moving to adjust the strap of her pack. "Finally," Kodi muttered. "I was starting to think we'd never get out of there." "Don't get too comfortable," Aaliyah replied, her voice clipped. "We're not safe yet." Kodi frowned, glancing at her. "We haven't seen anything since yesterday. I think we're fine." Her gaze flicked to the forest behind them, her brow furrowed. "Maybe. But I don't like how quiet it's been." Kodi followed her gaze, but the forest seemed peaceful—just trees swaying gently in the breeze. "You're being paranoid," he said, though unease gnawed at him. Aaliyah didn't answer, her expression hard. Instead, she turned and began walking toward the distant silhouette of a village, its thatched rooftops and timber-framed buildings rising like a mirage on the horizon. The dirt path into Thornwick was well-worn, winding between fields dotted with grazing sheep and the occasional low stone wall. The air was alive with the scents of earth and hay, a comforting reminder of simpler places. Thornwick itself was modest, but the bustling activity gave it energy. The clang of a blacksmith's hammer rang out from a distant forge, mingling with the chatter of merchants and the occasional bark of a dog. Kodi's stomach growled as they passed a bakery, the warm scent of fresh bread filling the air. It made him painfully aware of just how hungry he was. "We need supplies," Aaliyah said, breaking his reverie. "Food, water, and anything else that'll last us until the next town." Kodi nodded, glancing around. "I'll take care of the food. You can handle the rest." Aaliyah raised an eyebrow. "And you think that's fair?" "Do you trust me to pick out anything else?" Kodi said, a faint grin tugging at the corner of his mouth. She rolled her eyes but didn't argue. "Fine. Don't get distracted." Kodi watched her disappear into the crowd, her figure weaving through villagers like a shadow. He adjusted his pack and headed toward the market stalls, scanning for something edible—and affordable. The village had a warmth to it, a bustling energy that reminded Kodi of home. Children darted between the stalls, laughing as they played. Farmers haggled loudly with merchants, their voices rising over the hum of activity. But as Kodi moved deeper into the market, a prickling sensation crawled up the back of his neck. Something felt... off. He glanced over his shoulder, his gaze sweeping the square. Villagers moved about their business, seemingly unaware of him. "You're imagining things," he muttered under his breath. Still, he quickened his pace, grabbing a loaf of bread and a small wheel of cheese from a stall. He handed over a few coins, his eyes darting toward the alleys and shadows that lined the square. The feeling didn't leave him. Aaliyah reappeared shortly after, her arms laden with a neatly packed satchel of supplies. "I found a tanner willing to part with a waterskin for cheap," she said, holding it up. "And some flint. We'll need it if we're camping again tonight." Kodi nodded, forcing himself to focus. "I've got food. Enough to last a couple of days if we stretch it." "Good," she said, but her sharp gaze flicked to the edges of the square. Her brow furrowed slightly. "Let's get out of here. I don't like staying in one place too long." "What's the rush?" Kodi asked, though he already knew what she'd say. "Just a feeling," Aaliyah replied, her voice low. "Call it instinct." Kodi followed her gaze but saw nothing unusual. Villagers moved about their day, oblivious to the pair of travelers in their midst. Still, the unease that had followed him from the forest tightened its grip. Unbeknownst to them, a figure lingered in the shadow of a nearby building, his eyes fixed on the pair. He hadn't followed them into the village—too risky—but he had waited, his patience unwavering. The boy and the woman were cautious, he noted. Smart enough to keep moving, but not sharp enough to notice the trail they left behind. His lips curled into a faint smile. They were heading in the right direction, though they didn't realize it yet. Adjusting his cloak, the man melted further into the shadows. Thornwick wasn't his destination, and neither were they. The skull was close. He could feel it. And he wasn't the only one. The road out of Thornwick was quiet, the distant sounds of the village fading into the evening air. Grasslands stretched out before them, dotted with low hills and the occasional copse of trees. Aaliyah kept her eyes on the horizon, her expression unreadable. "We'll camp by the river tonight," she said, her tone clipped. "Shouldn't take more than a few hours to get there." Kodi nodded, though his thoughts lingered on the village. The feeling of being watched hadn't left him. "Do you ever feel like someone's... watching us?" She glanced at him, her brow furrowing. "What makes you say that?" He shrugged, unwilling to sound paranoid. "Just a feeling." Aaliyah didn't respond immediately. When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter, more deliberate. "Feelings like that usually mean something. Don't ignore them." Her words lingered in the air as they walked, and though Kodi said nothing, the knot of unease in his chest tightened. Behind them, the sun dipped lower, casting long, jagged shadows across the road. And far in the distance, just beyond sight, the figure moved again, his steps silent, his purpose unyielding.
The river stretched before them, its waters winding lazily through the rolling grasslands. The sun hung low in the sky, casting golden light across the landscape and deepening the shadows of the trees that clustered along the banks. Kodi crouched near the water's edge, filling the waterskin Aaliyah had bartered for back in Thornwick. The cool water trickled in, but his thoughts drifted elsewhere. He glanced over his shoulder, his gaze lingering on her. Aaliyah leaned against a nearby tree, the tip of her blade balanced lightly on her finger as she inspected its edge. The firelight from her eyes had dimmed into something colder, unreadable. "You know," Kodi said, breaking the quiet, "we make a terrible team." Aaliyah didn't look up. "Good thing we're not a team, then." The words stung more than he wanted to admit. He turned back to the river, twisting the cap onto the waterskin. "You could at least pretend to trust me." "I trust you," Aaliyah replied, her voice low and sharp. "To do exactly what you've been doing—stumbling your way toward the skull with no idea what you're getting into." Kodi stood abruptly, fists clenching at his sides. "And I suppose you're the expert?" This time, she met his gaze, her dark eyes narrowing. "At least I know how to survive." The air between them grew taut, thick with the kind of tension that had followed them since the start of their journey. It was a constant presence, like a shadow neither of them could outrun. For days, their uneasy truce had been punctuated by sharp words and cold silences. Kodi hated to admit it, but Aaliyah was right about one thing: he wasn't prepared for what lay ahead. He'd studied the stories, deciphered the maps, and clung to every shred of knowledge his father had left behind. But none of that mattered out here, where survival came down to instinct and split-second decisions. Aaliyah, on the other hand, was a survivor. She moved with purpose, her instincts sharp, her confidence unshakable. If anyone could get him to the skull, it was her. But Kodi knew she needed him, too. She wouldn't admit it, but his map was their key—more complete than anything she could have pieced together on her own. Without it, she'd be wandering blind. They both needed each other, even if neither wanted to say it aloud. As the light faded, they set up camp on a flat patch of ground near the riverbank. The fire crackled softly, throwing flickering shadows across the grass. Aaliyah knelt by the flames, her hands moving with practiced efficiency as she built the fire up. Kodi busied himself unpacking the supplies they'd gathered in Thornwick, spreading out bread, cheese, and dried meat. "We should talk about what happens next," he said after a long silence. Aaliyah glanced at him, one brow arching. "Next, we eat. After that, we sleep." "You know what I mean," Kodi said, his tone firm. "We need a plan. The map shows there's a ravine about a day's walk from here. If the landmarks are right, the next clue to the skull's location should be there." "And what's the plan if someone's waiting for us when we get there?" Aaliyah asked, her voice cutting as she sliced a piece of bread with her dagger. Kodi hesitated. "I don't know. Improvise?" She snorted, a sound that carried equal parts amusement and derision. "Great plan. I'm sure that'll go well." "Do you ever stop criticizing?" he snapped, his frustration bubbling over. "Do you ever stop giving me reasons to?" The sharpness of her retort hung in the air, and they fell into silence once again, the crackle of the fire filling the space between them. Kodi chewed on a piece of bread, his eyes flicking to Aaliyah. She sat straight-backed, her gaze fixed on the flames, her expression unreadable. For all her sharp words, there was something guarded about her—something beneath the surface he couldn't quite reach. "You know," he said slowly, "this would be a lot easier if we trusted each other." She looked at him, her gaze cool and calculating. "Trust doesn't come easy out here, Kodi. And it definitely doesn't come free." "You're the one saying trust doesn't come free," he replied, leaning forward. "But look, we're both after the same thing, and we're stronger together than we are alone." Aaliyah tilted her head, studying him. "Stronger together," she repeated softly. "At one point, I might have believed you when you said that." Her words landed like a stone in his chest. "You're the one who chose your ambition over what we had," he said, his voice firm but edged with pain. Aaliyah's gaze flicked to the map between them. For a long moment, she said nothing. When she finally spoke, her voice was quieter, almost reflective. "I did what I felt was right for us at the time." Kodi's eyes narrowed. "What was right for us, or what was right for you?" The silence that followed was heavy, harrowing. Aaliyah's eyes remained on the map, her fingers brushing its edge absently, but she didn't answer. Breaking the tension, Aaliyah reached into her pack and pulled out a folded scrap of parchment. She tossed it onto the ground in front of Kodi, the firelight illuminating its worn edges. "What's this?" he asked, picking it up. "It's a piece of a map," she said. "One I found years ago. It's incomplete, but it shows part of the path to the skull." Kodi's brow furrowed as he studied the parchment. The markings were faint but unmistakable—they matched the symbols on his own map. "Why are you showing me this now?" he asked, suspicion creeping into his voice. "Because you're right," she said grudgingly. "We need each other to get to the skull. But if we're going to trust each other, I need to know you're willing to share, too." Kodi hesitated, the weight of her words sinking in. He wasn't sure if this was a genuine gesture, a test, or some combination of both. After a long moment, he reached for his map, unfolding it and laying it out beside hers. The two pieces fit together seamlessly, their overlapping details revealing a clearer, more complete picture of the journey ahead. "There," he said, meeting her gaze. "Now we're even." Aaliyah studied the maps, her expression thoughtful. After a moment, she nodded. "You're smarter than you look, Kodi." "Thanks," he said dryly. For the first time in days, a faint smirk crossed her lips. The tension between them eased, though it didn't vanish entirely. As the fire burned low and the stars emerged above, Kodi lay back on the ground, his thoughts caught between the past and the uncertain future. For now, they had a plan. An uneasy alliance. But was that enough to survive what was waiting for them at the ravine—and beyond? The thought lingered in his mind as he closed his eyes, the distant sound of the river carrying them into the night.
The morning dawned cold and brittle, dew clinging to every blade of grass like tiny shards of glass. Kodi tightened the straps of his pack, the chill biting into his skin. The ravine was close now—just a few hours away—but the weight of what awaited them pressed heavy on his chest. Aaliyah was already up, sharpening her blade with methodical strokes. She'd been quieter than usual since Thornwick, her sharp tongue muted by a cold intensity that set Kodi on edge. "You ready for this?" Kodi asked, his voice breaking the stillness. Aaliyah didn't look up. "I'm always ready." By midday, the rolling grasslands gave way to jagged terrain. The earth beneath their boots was cracked and uneven, the faint hum that had followed them growing louder with every step. When the ravine finally came into view, Kodi stopped short, his breath catching in his throat. The massive chasm stretched across the landscape like an open wound, its edges crumbling into the darkness below. A narrow stone bridge spanned the gap, its surface etched with glowing, pulsing symbols that seemed to breathe in time with the hum in the air. "This is it," Kodi murmured, awe and dread mixing in his voice. Aaliyah crouched near the edge, studying the markings on the bridge. "These symbols—what do they mean?" "They're part of the skull's trials," Kodi said, unfolding his map. He traced the ancient script scrawled in the margins. "They're supposed to guide us, but only if we're worthy." "And if we're not?" Aaliyah asked, glancing at him with a raised brow. Kodi hesitated. "Then we fall." As they stepped closer, the hum grew louder, resonating deep in their bones. The symbols on the bridge flared brightly, their light casting eerie shadows across the chasm walls. A booming voice echoed through the air, deep and resonant, as if the ravine itself were speaking. "To cross this path is to face your fear. Only those of steady heart may view this path clear." The ground trembled beneath them as the symbols on the bridge shifted, rearranging themselves in a pulsing sequence that grew faster with each passing second. "It's a puzzle," Kodi said, his heart pounding. "We have to follow the right path." The first stone lit up, its glow brighter than the rest. Aaliyah stepped forward, her movements cautious but deliberate. The stone held firm beneath her weight. The next stone flared several paces ahead, its light faint and flickering. "Straightforward enough," Aaliyah muttered, stepping toward it. The hum shifted sharply. The moment her foot touched the stone, it cracked violently, sending a spray of dust into the air. Aaliyah leaped back just in time, landing on the first stone as the second crumbled into the abyss. "Not straightforward," Kodi said, his voice tight with fear. "The sequence changes," Aaliyah said, her jaw tightening. "We have to move quickly, or the whole bridge resets." She pointed to another stone farther down the bridge. Its light flared steady, almost beckoning. "That one. Go." The air rippled violently, a suffocating energy pressing down on them as the voice echoed across the chasm. "Resolve is tested by fear. Courage is forged in the shadows near." A low, guttural growl rose from the abyss, followed by the sound of scraping claws against stone. The darkness below twisted and churned, coalescing into a shape that defied understanding. It rose slowly, unnaturally, its body an ever-shifting mass of shadows. Glowing eyes, like molten embers, burned within its fluid form, locking onto Kodi and Aaliyah with an intelligence that was both predatory and malevolent. Jagged, claw-like appendages sprouted from its limbs, only to dissolve and reform in horrifying precision. Kodi's breath hitched. His voice trembled. "Aaliyah...""What?" she snapped, her blade already drawn, her stance low and ready. He swallowed hard, the words catching in his throat. "I—I think I know what that is." Aaliyah spared him a glance, her expression tense. "Now's not the time to freeze up, Kodi. What is it?" "It's a Dynastra," he said finally, the name feeling heavy on his tongue. Aaliyah's brow furrowed, her grip on her blade tightening. "And what exactly is a Dynastra?"Kodi's eyes remained locked on the creature as it took a step closer, its limbs elongating grotesquely. The stone beneath its claws cracked with every movement. "They're..." Kodi paused, his mind racing. He tore through his memory of old legends, his father's hushed warnings about the skull's trials. "They're creatures of the abyss. They're bound to the chasm they inhabit, cursed to guard whatever lies at its heart." The creature growled again, its body swelling as if in response to Kodi's words. "And how do we kill it?" Aaliyah asked, her tone sharp but calm. Kodi's stomach churned. "You don't." Aaliyah's head snapped toward him, her eyes narrowing. "What do you mean, 'you don't'?" "They can't be killed," Kodi said, his voice rising. "Not in the way you'd think. Their form is unstable—they'll just keep reforming. "As if to prove his point, the creature lunged forward, its clawed arm stretching unnaturally toward them. Aaliyah darted to the side, her blade flashing as she sliced through its limb. Black, viscous shadow spilled out, but instead of dissipating, the severed limb twisted and coiled, forming into two new appendages. "They multiply when you attack them!" Kodi shouted, his voice breaking. Aaliyah gritted her teeth, ducking under a swipe from the creature's newly formed arms. "Anything else you'd like to share, Professor?" Kodi forced himself to focus, his heart pounding in his chest. "They're bound to the chasm," he said quickly, his words tumbling out in a rush. "They can't leave it. But... but they're drawn to energy—movement, life. If we keep fighting, they'll just wear us down." "And what happens if they wear us down?" "They drain you," Kodi said, his voice barely above a whisper. "Piece by piece, until there's nothing left. That's why they can't leave—they're sustained by the chasm itself." Aaliyah's blade parried another attack, the clang of metal against shadow echoing across the bridge. She twisted, narrowly avoiding a second claw as the creature loomed closer. "Great. So we can't kill it, and if we keep moving, it'll just keep coming. Any other brilliant insights, Kodi?" He shook his head, his mind racing. "I'm trying to figure out the sequence. If we can get to the other side, the trial might end—it might force it back into the abyss." "Well, figure it out faster!" Aaliyah shouted, slashing at the creature's side. Kodi turned back to the bridge, his hands trembling as he scanned the shifting symbols. Behind him, the Dynastra let out a guttural screech, its form expanding as it lashed out with twin claws. Aaliyah ducked low, her movements swift but desperate. "Hurry, Kodi!" she yelled, her voice strained. "I'm trying!" he shouted back, his eyes darting frantically between the glowing stones. The creature lunged again, its claws tearing deep gouges into the bridge. The sound of crumbling stone filled the air as chunks of the structure fell into the chasm below. Aaliyah stumbled, her blade barely blocking another strike. "Kodi!" she screamed. "I almost have it!" he replied, his voice cracking with panic. The creature paused for a moment, its glowing eyes locking onto Kodi. Its body rippled and twisted, as if sensing the fear rolling off him in waves. Aaliyah seized the moment, driving her blade into its chest. The creature howled, its body splitting into three smaller forms. They reared up, their claws gleaming like obsidian, before rushing toward her in unison. Kodi's breath came in ragged gasps as he finally spotted the next glowing stone. "Aaliyah! The path—this way!" "About time!" she shouted, breaking away from the creatures. Kodi forced himself to focus, the symbols blurring as he scrambled to make sense of the sequence. The next stone flared faintly, and he leaped toward it, his movements deliberate but desperate. "Aaliyah!" he shouted, motioning for her to follow. She fought her way to him, her blade slicing through another Dynastra as she leaped onto the stone. The creatures surged after her, their screeches like nails on glass. The final platform was just ahead, its symbols glowing erratically. Kodi jumped first, landing hard as the bridge groaned beneath him. Aaliyah followed, but as she leaped, one of the creatures lashed out, shattering the stone beneath her feet. She grabbed onto the edge of the platform, her legs dangling over the abyss as a Dynastra's claw gripped her ankle. "Kodi! Pull me up!" she screamed, her voice laced with desperation. Kodi dropped to his knees, grabbing her wrist with both hands. "Cut it loose!" he shouted. Aaliyah twisted, her blade slicing through the creature's shadowy arm. It dissolved into nothingness, releasing her just as Kodi pulled her onto the platform. They collapsed onto their backs, gasping for breath as the remaining Dynastras surged toward them. The symbols flared one last time, and the entire bridge crumbled, taking the creatures with it. Their screeches echoed through the chasm, fading into silence. For a long moment, neither of them moved. The glow of the symbols faded into darkness, and the hum in the air finally stilled. "Well," Aaliyah said, her voice dry and breathless, "that was fun." Kodi let out a shaky laugh, his legs trembling beneath him. "Define fun." She smirked faintly, but the tension in her shoulders didn't ease. "Let's just hope the next trial isn't worse." Kodi nodded, his gaze fixed on the path ahead. The ravine was behind them, but the Skull of Horowits wasn't done with them yet.