Chapter 26 – The Final Battle for the Inheritance Draws Nearer
Adrian awoke to the pale light of morning seeping through the seams of the tent. A cool breeze brushed against his face, and the peaceful hush of dawn was interrupted only by the quiet rustling of leaves. Cordelia was gone.
His chest tightened for a moment as he stepped outside — and there she was, sitting at the edge of a nearby hill, her silhouette outlined by the rising sun.
"You didn't sleep, did you?" Adrian asked, approaching slowly.
Cordelia didn't turn around. Her eyes remained on the horizon, where golden and orange hues painted the sky like a fading dream.
"We're so close now..." she whispered. "I kept thinking about my parents. Wondering if they're still alive… if they're suffering."
Adrian sat beside her. His voice was steady.
"You don't have to worry. We're going to defeat that monster. We will find your parents." He handed her a pack of bread and dried meat. "But we won't save anyone on an empty stomach."
She accepted it with a small, weary smile. "Thanks, Adrian…"
"When you're done eating, I'll finish packing. We leave as soon as you're ready."
Cordelia nibbled in silence, her eyes never leaving the shadowed outline of the distant castle. A silent promise stirred in her heart.
Dad… Mom… just hang on a little longer. We're coming.
A few minutes later, Adrian returned.
"Everything's ready. Let's go."
She stood, and together they walked toward their mounts — magnificent bird-like creatures with iridescent feathers that shimmered beneath the morning sun. Cordelia climbed atop hers with ease. Adrian followed, but before they could take off, he clenched his fist and launched a strike into the air.
"Sonic Punch!"
The force of the blow released a shockwave that startled the birds into flight, wings flapping wildly as they ascended into the sky.
Cordelia gritted her teeth. "Do you have to do that every time?"
Adrian grinned. "Just setting the mood."
From above, the land sprawled beneath them — green plains, winding rivers, and finally, the looming shape of the obsidian castle ahead.
"Hey, Cordelia," Adrian called over the wind, "did you ever think we'd get this far?"
She thought for a moment, then smiled.
"Not if I were alone. But we made it this far together. Even if we nearly died a dozen times."
"You mean I nearly died a dozen times," he teased.
Cordelia smirked. "Don't flatter yourself. I almost died too!"
Their laughter echoed through the open skies — a brief moment of peace before the storm.
"Thanks for sticking with me," Adrian said, his voice soft.
"Thank you for not giving up," she replied.
Suddenly, their birds cried out and slowed, gliding cautiously.
"Why did they stop?" Adrian scanned the skies — then froze.
Ahead stood the castle — a colossal fortress cloaked in swirling black energy. The darkness devoured the light around it, leaving only a void of silence and dread. It was a place where life held no meaning, where even time seemed to hesitate.
"This is it," Adrian whispered. "The final monster is here."
Cordelia's voice trembled. "It has to be. That aura… it's like staring into the heart of death."
The birds refused to fly further. Their wings faltered, and they descended gently to the ground.
"They won't go past this point," Adrian said, dismounting.
He began unfastening the saddlebags, rummaging through supplies.
"What are you doing?" Cordelia asked.
He pulled out a pouch of food and knelt before the birds, laying the offerings on the ground.
"They brought us this far. The least I can do is thank them."
Cordelia stared at him, stunned. Then, slowly, she knelt beside him and added her own share of food.
"Most heirs would abandon them now," she muttered. "Why don't you?"
"My parents used to say, 'The world already has too many destroyers. We're not asking you to fix it… just don't help break it.'"
Adrian rose and turned to face the castle, eyes burning with resolve.
"So, what's the harm in helping where I can?"
Cordelia watched him walk toward the darkness. Her heart swelled with something she couldn't quite name.
"You really are an idiot…" she whispered, a smile forming on her lips. "But I'm glad I met you here."
She ran to catch up.
"Hey! Wait up! I'm coming too!"
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