Chapter: Chapter 48The Shadow’s ReckoningThe wind howled through the jagged peaks of the Eldren Mountains, carrying with it the faint scent of ash and iron. Below, the valley stretched out like a wound in the earth, its edges scarred by the recent battle. Kael stood at the precipice, his cloak snapping in the gusts, his dark eyes scanning the horizon. The weight of the amulet hung heavy around his neck, its faint pulse a reminder of the power—and the burden—he now carried. Beside him, Lysa adjusted the straps of her leather armor, her auburn hair tied back in a tight braid. “We can’t stay here,” Lysa said finally, her voice cutting through the wind. “They’ll come for it. For us.”Kael didn’t respond immediately. His mind replayed the moment the High Warden had fallen, his blood staining the sacred stones of the temple. The amulet had chosen Kael then, its light flaring as it bonded to him. He hadn’t wanted this—none of them had—but the prophecy had been clear: one would rise to wield the Shadow’s Hear
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-04
Chapter: Chapter 47The dawn painted the sky in hues of gold and crimson, its light spilling over the jagged ruins of the spire, now a grave of stone and dust. Aria sat on the cold earth, Rollan cradled in her lap, his small chest rising and falling with the rhythm of exhausted sleep. Her hands trembled as she brushed a lock of dark hair from his face, the adrenaline of their escape still thrumming in her veins. He’s safe. For now.Caden crouched beside her, his broad shoulders hunched, sword resting across his knees. His steady gaze scanned the horizon, ever the sentinel. “You holding up?” he asked, his voice low, rough with fatigue but warm with concern.Aria managed a faint nod, her throat tight. “Barely. That was too close.”Torren paced nearby, his boots kicking up small clouds of dust, daggers still gripped tightly as if the fight might resume at any moment. “Too close?” he snapped, his sharp features taut with irritation. “That bastard’s still out there. We buried his precious cradle, but he’ll di
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-04
Chapter: Chapter 46The hidden stairwell twisted downward into the spire’s heart, its damp stone steps treacherous underfoot, the air heavy with the musk of wet soil and long-buried secrets. Aria held Rollan tightly, his small body pressed against her, his gentle breaths a quiet comfort amid the suffocating stillness. The orb in Elara’s hands glowed softly, its pulsing light stretching shadows across the walls, revealing faded runes that seemed to murmur tales of a forgotten age.Caden took point, sword in hand, his muscular frame taut with readiness. His keen eyes swept the path ahead, searching for danger. “Stay close,” he said, his voice a deep, steady growl. “We don’t know what’s lurking below.”Elara trailed behind him, her fingertips grazing the ancient runes as they descended. “These carvings—they’re older than any records I know. The Worldheart’s power has been locked here for centuries, maybe longer.”Torren guarded the rear, daggers poised, his sharp gaze flicking to every flicker of shadow. “L
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-03
Chapter: Chapter 45The dragon’s roar shook the Ashen Peaks, its massive wings casting a shadow as it dove, flames erupting from its jaws. Aria clutched Rollan tightly, her legs burning as she sprinted beside Caden across the treacherous shale. “Over here!” Torren yelled, pointing to a jagged crevice in the rock face. They scrambled through, the dragon’s claws slashing the stone above, showering them with debris.The crevice widened into a damp cave, and they collapsed against the walls, chests heaving. Aria cradled Rollan, her trembling fingers brushing his dark hair aside. His wide eyes met hers, his tiny hand gripping her thumb. “He’s safe,” she murmured, relief flooding her voice.Caden wiped sweat from his brow, his sword still drawn. “We can’t outrun that thing forever,” he said, his tone grim. “We need a plan to reach the spire.”Aria nodded, her gaze steady. “The Orb of Destiny and the two fragments—we’ve got them. Elara, can they help us?”Elara knelt, placing the orb and fragments on the cave f
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-03
Chapter: Chapter 44The cavern’s oppressive heat clung to them like a second skin, the air thick with the acrid scent of sulfur and the faint, metallic tang of blood. Aria knelt beside Rollan, her hands trembling as she brushed a stray lock of hair from his forehead. His tiny chest rose and fell steadily, his mark glowing faintly in the dim light, but the sight of him—so small, so vulnerable—twisted her heart. I almost lost you, she thought, her throat tightening. She pressed a kiss to his brow, her lips lingering as if to ward off the lingering dread.Caden stood nearby, his sword still drawn, his sharp eyes scanning the cavern’s shadowed corners. His broad shoulders were tense, his jaw set in a hard line. “We can’t stay here,” he muttered, his voice low and taut. “That cult bastard could be back any second.”Torren, leaning against a jagged rock, wiped sweat from his brow with a grimy sleeve. “And those Hollow Ones aren’t far behind. We’re sitting ducks in here.”Elara cradled the Orb of Destiny, its g
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-03
Chapter: Chapter 43The Ashen Peaks loomed ahead, their jagged silhouettes cutting through the bruised sky like the teeth of some ancient beast. Smoke curled from their summits, and the air carried the acrid scent of sulfur, a constant reminder of the volatile land they now traversed. Aria shifted Rollan in her arms, his small weight a steady comfort against her chest as she picked her way across the uneven terrain. The group was weary—muscles aching, spirits frayed—but they pressed on, driven by the knowledge that the cultists were still out there, hunting them.Caden led the way, his broad shoulders hunched against the wind that whipped through the narrow mountain pass. His sword hung heavy at his side, and his sharp eyes scanned the path ahead, ever vigilant. He hadn’t spoken much since their escape from the Silent Sea, the weight of their mission—and Kael’s sacrifice—pressing down on him like the oppressive heat of the volcanic region.Aria caught up to him, her breath clouding in the chill air. “You
Terakhir Diperbarui: 2025-08-03
Masuk
