The figure, cloaked in shadows, stepped into the faint light emanating from Kai's blade. It was a gaunt, human figure, their face pale and gaunt, their eyes hollow and dark. Anya's betrayal echoed in Isla's mind.
"Who are you?" Kai demanded, his voice firm, his blade raised.
The figure chuckled, a dry, rasping sound. "I am a servant of Thane," they replied, their voice a chilling whisper. "A guardian of this place."
"What do you want?" Isla asked, her voice trembling slightly.
"To stop you," the figure hissed, their eyes glowing with malevolent intent. "Thane has foreseen your return. He will not allow you to interfere with his plans."
They lunged forward, their movements swift and agile, their hands reaching for Isla. Kai stepped in front of her, his blade flashing in the darkness.
The figure hissed, their eyes narrowing. "You cannot defeat me," they snarled, their voice filled with confidence. "Thane's power flows through me."
A dark energy pulsed from the figure, a wave of cold that washed over Isla and Kai. The air grew heavy, the shadows deepened, and the whispers intensified, swirling around them like a vortex of fear.
Kai's blade shimmered, its light pushing back against the encroaching darkness. Isla felt a surge of energy from the amulet, a protective shield against the figure's malevolent power.
"We will not be stopped," Isla declared, her voice filled with newfound resolve. "We will defeat Thane, and we will restore balance to this world."