Eyistha's Trouble

Kardel, Rhiki, and Auren all turned toward the Whisker Oracle, whose tiny green body remained still atop the backpack, eyes locked on something none of them could yet see.

They each had the same thought.

"What's coming?"

But before the Oracle could respond, Queen Elarya stirred weakly. Her body still trembled with pain, but her voice cut through the tension like a blade.

"N-No… Vulkris…"

The name left her lips like a curse.

Her limbs screamed in agony, but she forced herself to sit upright, gritting her teeth against the pain. Blood still clung to the edges of her elven armor, scorched and cracked, but the determination in her eyes ignited anew.

"I-Intruder… from the Dark F-Fate," she managed, her voice raspy and hollow. "They're here to unseal the Vulkris… to destroy Runewood…"

Rhiki's eyes widened. "Wait, what?!"

Kardel took a stunned step back. "They're unsealing it?! Now?!"