The Last Relic

The wind howled as Eryndor and Kaelith ascended the final ridge, the snow crunching beneath their boots. Beyond the jagged rocks lay the heart of the veil the hidden chamber that held the fourth and final relic.

Eryndor's cursed arm pulsed violently, the blue fire flickering up to his shoulder. He could feel it now. The relic was close too close.

Kaelith pulled her cloak tighter as they approached the crest. "If the last relic's here, why do I feel like we're walking into a trap?"

"Because we are," Eryndor muttered.

Kaelith glanced sideways at him. "You're really bad at reassuring people, you know that?"

Eryndor smirked faintly but didn't take his eyes off the path ahead. As they crossed the ridge, the land dropped into a vast crater the Eye of the Veil. At the center stood an ancient stone altar, half-buried in frost. Resting atop it was the relic.

But they weren't alone.

Standing at the base of the altar, his sword buried in the ice, was Rhoan. His silver armor was blackened, and faint tendrils of shadow coiled around his form. His eyes, once sharp and calculating, now glowed a dull red.

Kaelith tensed. "I thought we left him behind in Ashenfall."

Eryndor's cursed arm burned hotter. "I told you the shadows were following us."

Rhoan's gaze lifted slowly as they approached, locking onto Eryndor.

"You've come far, Flamebearer," Rhoan said, his voice distant like it echoed from somewhere far away. "But this is where your journey ends."

Kaelith took a step forward, gripping her dagger. "You don't have to do this, Rhoan. Whatever's controlling you fight it."

Rhoan's expression didn't change. "I am not controlled. I see clearly now. The relics were never meant to be saved."

Eryndor's grip tightened around his sword. "Step aside, Rhoan."

Rhoan shook his head slowly. "You're too late. The dragon's chains are already breaking."

As if to prove his point, the ground beneath the altar trembled. Cracks splintered through the ice, and the relic pulsed faintly with dark energy.

Kaelith cursed. "Eryndor, the seal"

"I know," Eryndor cut her off.

He stepped forward, his blade igniting with blue fire. "One last time, Rhoan. Move."

Rhoan pulled his sword from the ground, the shadows swirling around him thickening. "No."

The two warriors stared at each other for a long, tense moment.

Then, they charged.

Their blades clashed in a burst of flame and shadow, sparks scattering across the frozen ground. Eryndor's cursed arm flared violently, his movements faster than before, but Rhoan matched him strike for strike.

Kaelith darted around the battlefield, circling toward the relic.

Rhoan caught the movement and broke away from Eryndor, slashing toward Kaelith.

Eryndor intercepted the strike, driving Rhoan back with a burst of flame. "Stay on him!" Eryndor growled.

Kaelith nodded, diving toward the altar. The relic pulsed dangerously, but she pressed forward, reaching for it.

Before her hand could touch the relic, Rhoan's voice echoed across the crater.

"If you take it, the veil will shatter."

Kaelith hesitated. "Eryndor…"

Eryndor blocked another swing from Rhoan, his cursed flames scorching the ground. "Ignore him!"

Rhoan's eyes flickered toward Kaelith. "You know I'm right."

Kaelith's hand trembled inches from the relic. The shadows beneath the altar twisted, as if waiting for her to break the final seal.

Eryndor slammed his blade into Rhoan's, forcing him to his knees. "Kaelith! Now!"

Kaelith grit her teeth and grabbed the relic.

The moment her fingers closed around it, the crater exploded with light.

A shockwave burst outward, throwing Eryndor and Rhoan apart. Kaelith staggered back, clutching the relic tightly as the altar beneath her shattered.

The ground trembled violently, and far beneath them, something began to wake.

Eryndor forced himself to his feet, his cursed arm burning painfully. He could feel it the dragon beneath the veil.

Rhoan rose slowly, his red eyes fading to a dull ember. The shadows that had clung to him evaporated like mist. For a brief moment, he looked… normal.

But his expression was grim.

"You've doomed us all," Rhoan said quietly.

Kaelith frowned. "We stopped you. The relic's safe."

Rhoan shook his head. "You don't understand. The relic wasn't keeping the dragon bound. It was keeping it asleep."

Eryndor's heart sank. He glanced down at the relic in Kaelith's hand. Its glow had already begun to fade.

Far beneath the mountain, a deep, rumbling growl echoed up from the earth.

Kaelith swore. "Tell me that wasn't what I think it was."

Eryndor's cursed arm pulsed violently. He didn't need to answer.

The dragon was waking.