The Guardian's Blood

The leader's voice resonated with authority as he addressed the thief. "So, Kalix, you want more of the Elixir of the Guardian's Blood. I hope you have something of value to offer, or else you know the consequences for wasting my time."

Kalix, the thief, nervously handed over the necklace he had stolen. The leader took it, inspecting it with a critical eye. After a moment, he nodded, seemingly satisfied. "This will suffice," he said. "Wait here."

He turned and disappeared back through the door he had come from. As soon as he was gone, a sinister noise filled the chamber. It was a corrupted sound, like the anguished screams of tortured souls. Aleric watched in horror as purple blood began to leak from the statue, seeping into a fountain at its base. The sight and sound of it sent chills down his spine.

Moments later, the leader returned, carrying a small vial filled with the same ominous, purple liquid that had flowed from the statue. He handed it to Kalix, who accepted it with trembling hands. "This is your last chance," the leader warned. "Do not fail us again."

Kalix nodded quickly, clutching the vial tightly. Aleric knew he had to act soon if he wanted to retrieve Evelina's necklace and uncover the secrets behind this dark ritual.

Aleric stepped into the scene, his voice firm as he demanded, "Give me back the necklace."

The thief, Kalix, tried to make a run for the gate, but it slammed shut, trapping him inside. The leader of the guards turned to Kalix with a menacing nod. "So, Kalix, it seems you brought an unwanted visitor and tried to leave us with the problem. That's not very nice."

With a swift motion, the leader summoned a spear of steel from the ground. It shot up and impaled Kalix, who died instantly, his body collapsing to the floor.

The leader then turned his cold, purple-glowing eyes on Aleric. "Guards, take care of this kid," he ordered before retreating through the door once more, pausing only to scoop up some of the purple blood that had spilled from the statue into the fountain.

As the guards closed in on Aleric, he readied himself for a fight, knowing that retrieving the necklace and uncovering the truth would be no easy task.