Eryndor's heart sank as he gazed upon Vorgath's twisted form. The demon wolf's eyes, once a piercing yellow, now seemed to absorb all light, leaving only darkness in their wake.
"Vorgath, what's happened to you?" Eryndor whispered, extending his hand in a futile attempt to reach his friend.
The corrupted man beside Vorgath cackled, his eyes gleaming with malevolence. "I've shown him the true meaning of power," he said. "And now, he'll do my bidding."
Vorgath's gaze locked onto Eryndor, burning with an unnatural hunger. Eryndor felt the weight of his friend's stare, like a physical force pressing down on him.
"Vorgath, snap out of it!" Eryndor shouted, his voice echoing off the stone walls.
Vorgath didn't respond. Instead, he took a step closer, his movements stiff and jerky, like a puppet on a string.
The corrupted man raised a hand, and Vorgath froze, his eyes fixed on Eryndor in an unblinking stare.
"You see, Eryndor, I've discovered the secret to controlling the Shadowborn," his voice dripping with triumph. "And with Vorgath by my side, nothing can stop me."
Eryndor's mind raced. He had to act fast or risk losing Vorgath forever. With a surge of adrenaline, he charged forward, his sword flashing in the torchlight. But Vorgath was too quick, dodging the attack with ease.
The corrupted man laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "You'll never defeat him Eryndor, not while I hold the reins."
With a snap of his fingers, he sent Vorgath into a frenzied attack. Eryndor parried and dodged, his sword clashing with Vorgath's claws in a deadly dance. But he knew he couldn't keep this up for much longer.
He needed a plan. And then, in a flash of insight, he remembered the words of the ancient prophecy: "The Shadow's hold can only be broken by the light of the heart."
Eryndor's gaze locked onto Vorgath's, and he poured all his emotions into a single, desperate plea. "Vorgath, remember who you are!" he shouted. "Remember our bond, our friendship!"
For a moment, Vorgath's gaze wavered, his eyes flickering with a glimmer of recognition. And in that moment, Eryndor struck. With a swift motion, he knocked Vorgath's claws aside and plunged his sword into the corrupted man's chest.
The man let out a strangled cry as he stumbled backwards, his eyes wide with shock. Vorgath's gaze cleared, and he looked at Eryndor with a hint of confusion.
"Eryndor?" he whispered, his voice barely audible.
Eryndor smiled, relief washing over him. "Vorgath, it's me, I'm here."
For a moment, they just stared at each other. Then, in a burst of movement, Vorgath tackled Eryndor to the ground, his claws digging deep into his shoulders. Eryndor cried out in pain but didn't struggle. He knew Vorgath wasn't in control.
The corrupted man's laughter echoed through the chamber, growing fainter with each passing moment. And then, everything went black.