Chapter 12: The Ruins of Nekhbet
After several days of grueling travel, Kaden and Lira finally reached the ruins of Nekhbet. The ancient city stood before them, its stone walls eroded by time and sand. The buildings, once majestic, were no more than stone skeletons, but an aura of power still emanated from the place.
"It's here," whispered Lira, her eyes running through the ruins. "The Eye of Truth must be somewhere within those walls."
Kaden nodded, feeling a new determination in him." So where do we start?"
Lira pulled out the grimoire, flipping through the pages until she found a sketch of the ruins." According to what I read, the artifact is hidden in the central temple. But there are traps... and guards."
Kaden clenched his fists, feeling his gifts react to the proximity of the ruins." We'll be careful."
They entered the ruins, carefully walking between the collapsed walls and the broken columns. The silence was oppressive, as if the city was holding its breath, waiting to see what they were going to do.
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The central temple was easy to spot: it was the only building still standing, its imposing walls and its doors engraved with intricate symbols. Kaden and Lira approached carefully, feeling a strange energy emanating from the place.
"It's here," said Lira, putting a hand on the door. "The Eye of Truth is inside."
Kaden nodded, feeling a new determination in him." Then we come in."
They pushed the doors open, which opened with a grim squeak. The interior of the temple was dark, lit only by the light that filtered through the cracks in the ceiling.
In the center of the room, on a stone altar, rested the Eye of Truth.
It was a strange artifact, a black crystal sphere that seemed to absorb the light around it. Complex runes were engraved on its surface, and an aura of power emanated from the object.
Kaden and Lira approached carefully, feeling a tension in the air.
"That's it," whispered Lira, her eyes shining with excitement. "The Eye of Truth."
Kaden reached out to take the artifact, but before he could touch it, a voice echoed in the room.
"Who dares to disturb my rest?"
They turned around, seeing a dark figure emerging from the shadow. He was a man, or rather what looked like a man. His eyes shone with a purple light, and an aura of power emanated from him.
"The Guardian," whispered Lira, grasping his bow.
Kaden unsheathed his sword, feeling his gifts awakened in him." We didn't come to fight you. We are only looking for the truth."
The Guardian smiled, a sinister smile that froze Kaden's blood." The truth has a price. Are you ready to pay for it?"
Kaden and Lira exchanged glances, then nodded.
"Then prove yourself," said the Guardian, raising a hand.
The walls of the temple seemed to come alive, shadows dancing around them. Kaden and Lira prepared for battle, their minds focused and their weapons ready.
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