Trial of the Dragon Spirits

Eira hit the ground hard, her pulse pounding in her ears as the ghostly dragon's claws slashed through the air where she had stood. Kael pulled her up, his sword gleaming as he faced the massive spirit.

"They're not going to let us through!" Seren shouted, dodging a spectral tail that smashed into the ground, leaving deep cracks.

Ryven leaned casually against a boulder, watching the chaos unfold. "Well, I did warn you. Dragon spirits hold grudges."

Eira clenched her fists, the dragon mark on her wrist burning with heat. "Why are they calling me a traitor? I don't even know what happened!"

Kael slashed at the dragon's form, but his blade passed harmlessly through the mist. "Magic won't hurt them we need to make them believe you're worthy!"

Eira gritted her teeth. "How do I do that?"

The ghostly dragon circled above, its voice echoing through the valley.

"The Dragon's Chosen once broke the ancient pact. If you wish to pass, prove your loyalty through trial or die as all others have."

Seren dodged another strike, her daggers glowing faintly with magic. "Looks like you don't have a choice, Eira!"

Eira stepped forward, heart pounding. "I'll face the trial."

The dragon's burning eyes narrowed. "Very well. But if you fail, your soul will be ours."

Without warning, the mist thickened, swallowing her whole. Kael's voice faded, and the world shifted beneath her feet.

When the fog cleared, Eira stood on a stone platform surrounded by darkness. In front of her, three glowing figures appeared each one a dragon's spirit, their eyes cold and unyielding.

The largest dragon stepped forward. "Your first trial strength. Can you stand against the darkness when it rises against you?"

The ground trembled as a shadowed figure emerged from the void a twisted reflection of herself. Its eyes glowed red, and magic crackled in its hands.

Eira's breath caught. I have to fight… myself?

Without hesitation, the shadow Eira lunged, a spear of black flame aimed at her chest. Eira barely dodged, summoning her golden fire in response. The two magics clashed, sending sparks flying through the air.

"You're not me!" she shouted, blasting the shadow backward.

But the shadow only smiled. "Aren't I?"

Pain flared in Eira's wrist as her dragon mark burned hotter. She fought harder, pouring every ounce of magic into her attacks. But the shadow matched her move for move stronger, faster, colder.

I can't beat her like this.

The ghostly dragons watched in silence, judging her every move.

Eira took a deep breath, closing her eyes. This power doesn't control me. I control it.

When she opened her eyes, golden light flared brighter around her hands. She stepped forward, channeling her magic into a blazing spear.

"You're nothing but a shadow," Eira said coldly. "And you can't break me."

With a roar, she drove her spear through the shadow's chest. The figure shattered into light, fading into the void.

Silence fell. The first dragon's eyes gleamed with approval. "You have passed the trial of strength."

Eira barely had time to catch her breath before the second dragon spoke.

"Your second trial truth. Face the secret you fear most."

The mist shifted again, and a new figure emerged.

Eira's blood ran cold. It was a man cloaked in black armor his face hidden, but his presence was undeniable. The Dark Sorcerer.

And when he spoke, his voice cut through her like a blade.

"Why do you think the dragons turned on their chosen?"

A terrible truth was hidden in the past one Eira wasn't ready to face.