As we approached the vortex, the Eclipse Dragon let out a deafening roar, its voice echoing through the chaos. The ground beneath us shook violently, and the air grew thick with oppressive energy.
"Evan Draycott," the Dragon's voice boomed, its words reverberating in my mind. "You think you can restore balance? You, who are so full of doubt and fear?"
I froze, the Dragon's words hitting me like a physical blow. It was right—I was afraid. Afraid of failing, afraid of losing Skully, afraid of what might happen if we couldn't stop the Dragon.
"Don't listen to it, Master!" Skully shouted, his rune glowing brightly. *"It's trying to mess with your head!"*
But the Dragon's voice was relentless. "And you, little skeleton. Do you truly believe you are more than a tool? A mere construct, bound to the will of another?"
Skully flinched, his rune flickering. *"I'm not a tool! I'm… I'm…"*
"You are nothing," the Dragon hissed. "A shadow of what you once were, clinging to a false sense of purpose."
I could see the doubt in Skully's eye sockets, the way his rune dimmed as the Dragon's words sank in. This wasn't just a physical battle—it was a battle of wills, and the Dragon was winning.
"Skully, don't listen to it!" I shouted, grabbing his bony hand. "You're not a tool. You're my friend. My partner. And together, we're going to stop this thing."
Skully looked at me, his rune glowing faintly. *"You really mean that, Master?"*
"Of course I do," I said, my voice firm. "Now let's show this overgrown lizard what we're made of."
Skully grinned, his rune glowing brighter than ever. *"You're on, Master."*
We stepped into the vortex, the Prism of Harmony glowing in my hands. The Dragon's power surged around us, but we stood firm, our bond stronger than ever.
"This ends now," I said, raising the Prism high.
The Eclipse Dragon roared, its form surging forward, but it was too late. The Prism's light erupted, filling the vortex with a blinding radiance. The Dragon's form began to dissolve, its power unraveling as balance was restored.