The Price of Power

Eira's heart pounded as she stared at the vision of Kael his body weakened, blood seeping into the ground. The shadowed figures circled him like vultures, their red eyes gleaming with hunger.

The third dragon's voice echoed through the mist.

"The sanctuary's gate requires a sacrifice. What will you offer to protect what you love?"

Eira's hands trembled. "I won't sacrifice Kael!" she shouted, the very thought twisting her chest.

The dragon's glowing eyes narrowed. "Every power comes with a price. If you cannot pay it, you will fail."

The vision sharpened Kael gasped in pain as a shadow pierced his side.

"Stop it!" Eira cried, golden light sparking at her fingertips. She felt the dragon mark burn hotter, as if demanding an answer.

Seren's words rang in her memory. "Power isn't free, Eira. Sooner or later, it'll demand something in return."

Tears burned in her eyes. If she refused the trial, Kael might die but what price would the sanctuary demand from her?

"I'll pay it," she said quietly. "Take my magic my strength anything. Just don't take him."

The air grew still.

The third dragon tilted its head. "A bold promise but words are not enough."

The mist swirled, and a cold pain cut through Eira's chest. She gasped, falling to her knees as magic drained from her body. Her dragon mark burned brighter, blazing with golden fire before dimming to a dull glow.

When the pain stopped, the vision of Kael vanished.

Eira trembled, feeling weak like a part of her had been torn away. "What… did you take?"

The dragon's voice softened. "A piece of your magic. You have given power to save another's life. You understand the cost now."

The mist parted, revealing Kael, Seren, and Ryven standing on the other side.

Kael's eyes widened in panic when he saw her kneeling. "Eira!" He rushed forward, catching her as she swayed. "What happened?"

Eira leaned against him, her breath shallow. "I passed… the trials. We can enter the sanctuary."

Kael held her tighter. "What did they do to you?"

Eira tried to smile but felt the emptiness left by the sacrifice. "It doesn't matter. You're safe that's what matters."

Seren approached, her sharp gaze flicking to the now-open sanctuary gate. "The dragons didn't take everything, did they?"

Eira shook her head. "I can still fight. But… something feels missing."

Ryven smirked, arms crossed. "Well, congratulations. You didn't die. Can we go inside now?"

Kael shot him a glare but focused on Eira. "You shouldn't push yourself"

"I'll be fine," she interrupted, forcing her legs to steady beneath her. "We came here for answers. Let's find them."

The gate pulsed with golden light, welcoming them inside. But as Eira stepped forward, a chilling thought crept into her mind.

If this is only the beginning… what will the next price be?