As they wandered deeper into the abyss, the air grew colder, and the shadows seemed to take on physical forms, creeping toward them like predators in the night.
Kael drew his sword, his instincts on high alert, but the weapon seemed useless in this strange realm.
"These shadows," Eiran whispered, "they're manifestations of our fears, our doubts.
They feed on weakness."
One of the shadows lunged at Kael, its form twisting into something terrifyingly familiar—his father, the mad king, twisted and broken by the curse.
"You're no different from him," the shadow hissed. "The curse will destroy you, just like it destroyed him."Kael gritted his teeth, his heart pounding.
"I'm not my father."The shadow lunged, but Kael held his ground. He remembered Eiran's words—these were nothing more than fears, illusions.
He closed his eyes and focused on his resolve, his determination to protect Norvayne and to save Eiran.
When he opened his eyes, the shadow vanished.Eiran faced his own demons, shadows of his past—his family's legacy, the curse that had bound them for generations, and the guilt of knowing his bloodline had caused this suffering.
But together, they pushed through the darkness, refusing to give in.
Step by step, they fought their way out of the abyss, until finally, they saw a faint light in the distance.
"That's our way out," Eiran said, his voice filled with hope.But just as they moved toward the light, a figure stepped out of the shadows—Valen.