In the depths of the catacombs of the human kingdom of Regalia, Zephyrus lay bound by magic, his power suppressed by a combination of elven magic and demonic corruption that coursed through his veins. His hatred towards humans grew with each beat of his heart, fueled by resentment and bitterness.
Suddenly, the sounds of death echoed through the narrow stone corridors. The soldiers guarding the prisoner fell silent, their lives snuffed out without mercy. From the shadows emerged a man dressed in black, his hair a grayish hue like the ashes of a forgotten fire.
Stranger with a deep, calm voice* "Do you wish to be free, young Zephyrus? I desire power and wealth. If you are willing, we can strike a pact, one where both of us gain what we crave."
The prisoner, sensing an opportunity to reclaim his freedom and strength, nodded with determination. The hooded man released the chains with a flick of his hand, his magic resonating with a seductive darkness.
The catacombs lit up with a blend of shadows and golden glimmers, a fusion of promises and secrets. With the pact sealed in the deepest darkness, both figures vanished from the catacombs, leaving behind a silence laden with uncertainty and ambition.
The world of Archantia, though touched by peace and hope, was never exempt from shadows lurking in its darkest corners. Whispers of a forbidden pact echoed through the halls of time, a silent warning that even the darkest secrets never truly rest.
This marks the end of this tale, but the beginning of a new plot. The continuation will be found in *The Lost Blood of Archantia*, where perhaps the stranger will emerge as the villain... or perhaps not.