Whispers of Treachery

The golden gate of the sanctuary slammed shut behind them, sealing the ancient magic within. Eira clutched the Book of Unity tightly, her mind spinning with the revelation of the first Dragon's Chosen and the curse tied to her power.

Kael walked beside her, his sharp gaze scanning the darkened forest. "Whatever caused that tremor… it wasn't natural."

Seren adjusted her twin daggers. "We're not alone. Someone" She froze mid-sentence, her body tensed. "There's a trail. Fresh."

Ryven leaned lazily against a nearby tree, though his eyes glinted with sharpness. "I'd say we've stirred up more than ancient secrets."

A faint sound a whisper carried by the wind echoed around them. The voice was cold and familiar.

"You should never have opened the book, Eira."

Eira's breath caught in her throat. She knew that voice.

Kael's expression darkened. "Marcus."

From the shadows, a tall figure stepped into view Marcus, the sorcerer who had once served the kingdom but now walked the path of betrayal. His crimson robes shimmered with dark magic, and his silver eyes gleamed with malice.

"You're playing with powers beyond your understanding," Marcus said, his voice smooth but sharp. "Did you think the dragons would let you keep that knowledge?"

Eira stood her ground, her hands glowing faintly with golden fire. "I don't care what the dragons fear. I'll stop the darkness you can't control me."

Marcus laughed softly. "Control you? No, Eira. I'm here to warn you. The dragons aren't your allies. They never were."

Kael's grip on his sword tightened. "You're the last person we'd trust for warnings."

"You should listen," Marcus said coldly. "Do you know why they test you so harshly? Because they're afraid you'll become her the first Dragon's Chosen."

Eira's heart pounded. "And you expect me to trust you instead?"

"I expect you to survive," Marcus said, stepping closer. "The dragons only care about their power. If you grow too strong, they will destroy you."

His words hit a nerve. Deep down, Eira couldn't shake the feeling that the dragons' trials were more about control than protection.

But before she could respond, Marcus raised his hand. Dark energy crackled between his fingers. "And if you won't listen, I'll make sure you understand the danger."

A blast of shadow magic tore through the air, aimed straight at her.

Kael moved instantly, blocking the attack with his sword. The clash of light and shadow sent a shockwave through the forest.

"Eira, run!" Kael shouted.

But Eira refused. Fire burned in her veins as she summoned her magic. Golden flames burst from her hands, colliding with Marcus's shadow magic in a dazzling explosion.

"You don't scare me," she said, her voice fierce. "I'll never become like her or you."

Marcus smiled faintly, as if her defiance amused him. "We'll see." With a swirl of dark magic, he vanished into the night.

The forest fell silent again, but his words lingered.

Kael turned to her, concern etched in his face. "You can't trust him, Eira."

"I know," she said softly. But the doubt remained.

Seren shook her head. "If the dragons are hiding the truth… what else aren't they telling us?"

Ryven's usual smirk faded as he stepped forward. "One thing's clear you're running out of people to trust."

Eira held the Book of Unity tighter. The mysteries surrounding the dragons, the curse, and Marcus's warning tangled in her mind.

But one truth was clear this battle was far from over. And if the dragons turned against her, she would fight them too.