Chapter 45

The 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 floor. Their soft glow pulsed in unison, illuminating her focused expression. She closed her eyes, hands hovering over them. “The prophecy speaks of unity,” she said softly. “But there’s more—a trial of heart, a choice to prove the bearer’s worth.” She frowned, piecing it together. “It’s not just about collecting the fragments. It’s about what we’re willing to give.”

A deep rumble vibrated through the cave, dust falling from the ceiling. “It’s back,” Torren warned, daggers flashing as he peered out. The dragon’s silhouette loomed beyond the crevice, its roar rattling their bones.

Aria’s pulse quickened. “The orb—can we use it against the dragon?”

Elara’s eyes snapped open, a spark of hope in them. “Yes, if we channel it through Rollan’s mark. His connection to the prophecy might amplify its power.” She looked to Aria. “Place his hand on it.”

Aria hesitated, her protective instincts flaring. But the dragon’s shadow darkened the entrance, and she nodded, guiding Rollan’s small hand to the orb. The moment his fingers touched it, the orb blazed, a surge of light bursting outward. The dragon shrieked, reeling back as the energy scorched its scales.

They edged out of the cave, watching the beast stagger, smoke curling from its wounds. But a chilling laugh cut through the air. The cult’s master emerged from the shadows, his black cloak swirling. “Well done,” he sneered. “But the final fragment demands a sacrifice. One of you must pay with your life—or the child’s destiny ends here.”

Aria’s stomach dropped. “What sacrifice?” she demanded, stepping forward despite her fear.

The master’s eyes glinted with malice. “A life for the Worldheart’s power. Choose, or I’ll take the boy and be done with it.”

Caden moved in front of Aria and Rollan, his sword raised. “You’re twisting the prophecy. It’s about unity, not murder.”

The master’s lip curled. “Unity is a fantasy. Power requires blood. Decide, or I’ll make the choice for you.”

Torren twirled his daggers, grinning darkly. “How about we carve that smirk off your face instead?”

“Hold on,” Elara interjected, her voice sharp. “He’s half-right. The prophecy mentions a trial of heart—a selfless act, not a death. It’s a test.”

The master’s gaze hardened. “Then prove it. Risk yourselves for the child, or let him face the trial alone.”

Aria’s mind raced. *We won’t lose Rollan.* She glanced at Caden, his jaw set with the same resolve she felt. “We’ll find another way,” she said firmly. “Together.”

The master’s expression darkened. “So be it.” He raised a hand,aduras

“Enough,” he snapped, dark energy crackling at his fingertips. “I’ll force your hand.”

Before he could strike, the ground quaked, and the dragon roared, lunging at him. Its tail lashed, knocking him off his feet. “Insolent beast!” he snarled, hurling a blast of magic to fend it off.

Aria seized the chance. “Go!” she shouted, clutching Rollan as they bolted from the cave. They raced toward the spire, its peak glowing with the final fragment’s light, the master’s furious chants echoing behind them as he battled the dragon.

They climbed the spire’s winding path, Caden leading, Torren guarding their rear. At the summit, the fragment sat on a black stone pedestal, radiating power. But as they neared, a voice resounded in their minds, ancient and deep: “The heart’s true guardian lies within. Choose, and be judged.”

Aria froze. The trial. “What now?” she asked, turning to the others.

Elara swallowed hard. “It’s testing us—our unity, our purpose.”

Caden gripped his sword, stepping closer. “We face it as one.”

They formed a circle around the pedestal, hands linked. Aria held Rollan, his hand on the orb. The fragments flared, their lights merging into a blinding glow.

The voice returned: “Power or protection. Claim the heart’s might, or seal it forever.”

Aria’s heart pounded. Power could stop the cult, but at what cost? Protection keeps Rollan safe, but leaves the fight unfinished. The master’s voice rang out below, ragged and furious: “Take power! It’s your only hope!”

Caden squeezed her hand, his voice unwavering. “No. Protection. For Rollan. For us.”

“Protection,” they echoed, united.

The fragments blazed, dissolving into the orb. A shockwave erupted, and the voice intoned, “So be it.”

The master’s scream pierced the air. “You’ve doomed yourselves!”

As the light dimmed, the spire split open, revealing a hidden stairwell descending into darkness. Aria’s breath caught. The heart’s core. Their choice was made, but the real challenge lay ahead.