Chapter 24: The Eclipse Dragon’s Awakening

When we returned to the Obsidian Spire, Elder Nyssara was waiting for us at the entrance. Their expression was grim, and the air around them crackled with tension.

"You have the Prism," they said, their voice low. "But we may already be too late."

"What do you mean?" I asked, my heart sinking.

Elder Nyssara gestured toward the horizon, where the sky was darkening unnaturally. "The Eclipse Dragon is awakening. Its power is already spreading, disrupting the balance of the world."

I followed their gaze, my stomach churning as I saw the sky split into two distinct halves—one bathed in sunlight, the other shrouded in darkness. At the center of the divide was a massive, shadowy figure, its form shifting and twisting like smoke.

"That's it, isn't it?" I whispered, my voice trembling. "The Eclipse Dragon."

Elder Nyssara nodded. "It is. And if we do not act quickly, it will consume everything in its path."

Skully's rune flickered, the faint red light growing brighter. *"So what's the plan? Do we just wave the Prism at it and hope for the best?"*

"The Prism must be activated at the heart of the Eclipse Dragon's power," Elder Nyssara explained. "But doing so will require immense strength and focus. The Dragon will not go down without a fight."

I clenched my fists, my resolve hardening. "Then we'll fight. We didn't come this far to give up now."

Elder Nyssara studied me for a moment, their piercing blue eyes filled with something I couldn't quite place—respect, maybe, or pity. "Very well. But know this: the Eclipse Dragon is not just a physical threat. It preys on doubt, fear, and imbalance. To defeat it, you must first confront the darkness within yourselves."

I glanced at Skully, his rune glowing faintly. "We'll do whatever it takes."

As we prepared to leave, Elder Nyssara handed me a small, glowing crystal. "This will guide you to the heart of the Eclipse Dragon's power. Use it wisely."

I nodded, tucking the crystal into my bag alongside the Prism. "Thank you."

Skully hopped onto my shoulder, his rune pulsing with determination. *"Let's go, Master. We've got a Dragon to slay."*