Kael and Eiran collapsed to the ground as the void dissolved into the familiar reality of the Vorthal camp.
The cold, unforgiving stone floor met their bodies, the weight of the battle they had just fought bearing down on them.
Kael's heart raced in disbelief—they had done it. Valen was gone, and the curse that had loomed over them for so long was finally broken.
Eiran groaned beside him, pushing himself up on trembling arms. "We… we survived?" he asked, his voice hoarse from exhaustion.
Kael turned to look at him, a smile breaking across his face despite the weariness that tugged at his muscles.
"We did," he said, breathing heavily. Relief surged through him, mixing with disbelief. They were free.For a brief, perfect moment, the world was still.
The weight of the curse that had haunted them for so long was lifted, and they could finally feel the lightness of freedom. But the world outside their small victory was far from peaceful.
The sounds of battle still echoed through the air. The city of Norvayne was under siege, the Vorthal army relentless in its assault.
The soldiers and civilians of the kingdom were still fighting for their lives, unaware that the curse had been lifted.Kael struggled to his feet, his legs shaking from the exertion of the battle in the void.
"We have to go," he said, offering his hand to Eiran. "The city—Norvayne still needs us."Eiran took his hand, his grip weak but determined.
He nodded, his eyes filled with resolve. "I don't have much magic left," he admitted. "That last spell nearly drained me. But I can still fight."Kael helped him to his feet, steadying him as they moved toward the camp's exit.
"You've done more than enough. Just stay by my side."Together, they made their way through the camp, the ground beneath their feet littered with debris from the ongoing battle.
As they emerged from the camp and into the outskirts of the city, the sight that greeted them was both devastating and inspiring.Norvayne was holding strong, but just barely.
The outer walls had been breached in several places, and the city's soldiers were struggling to hold back the tide of Vorthal warriors that poured through.
Fires burned in the distance, and the cries of the wounded echoed in the air.Kael's heart clenched at the sight of his kingdom on the brink of destruction, but he felt no fear. The curse was broken, and he was free.
Now it was time to fight for his people, to show them that their king had not given up.He turned to Eiran, determination burning in his eyes. "This isn't over yet. We'll save Norvayne, just like we saved each other."Eiran nodded, though Kael could see the exhaustion etched into his features.
"I'll follow you, Kael. Wherever you go."With a renewed sense of purpose, Kael raised his sword and led the charge into the city, his heart pounding with the thrill of battle and the certainty that, together, they could face anything.
The streets of Norvayne were chaos. Soldiers clashed with Vorthal invaders in every corner, their weapons ringing out in sharp, metallic bursts. Civilians huddled in what few shelters remained, their fear palpable.
Kael and Eiran moved quickly, cutting down enemies as they fought their way toward the center of the city.As they reached the heart of Norvayne, Kael spotted Commander Hadrin rallying the remaining soldiers near the palace gates.
The commander's face was grim, but when he saw Kael and Eiran approaching, a flicker of hope sparked in his eyes."Your Majesty!" Hadrin called out, his voice hoarse from shouting commands. "You're alive!"Kael nodded, raising his sword in acknowledgment.
"The curse is broken, Commander. Valen is gone. Now we take back our city."Hadrin's eyes widened in shock, but he quickly composed himself. "Then we fight," he said with renewed vigor. "For Norvayne!"The soldiers around them let out a cheer, their morale lifting at the sight of their king standing strong among them.
Kael turned to Eiran, who was leaning heavily on his staff, his face pale from exhaustion."Stay close," Kael said softly, his hand brushing against Eiran's arm.
Eiran managed a weak smile. "I'm not going anywhere."With the city's forces rallying behind them, Kael led the charge toward the enemy.
Every swing of his sword was fueled by the need to protect his people, his kingdom, and the man beside him. The Vorthal soldiers, though fierce, could not withstand the renewed strength of Norvayne's army.
As the sun began to rise over the horizon, casting a golden glow over the battlefield, Kael felt the tide of battle begin to turn.
The Vorthal forces were retreating, their numbers dwindling as Norvayne's soldiers pushed them back.Finally, after what felt like an eternity of fighting, the last of the Vorthal invaders fled the city, their siege broken.
The city was battered, its people weary, but they had survived.Kael stood at the palace gates, watching as the remaining soldiers cheered in victory.
He turned to Eiran, who had collapsed against a nearby wall, his chest heaving with exhaustion.Kael knelt beside him, his hand resting gently on Eiran's shoulder. "We did it," he said softly, his voice filled with awe.
Eiran looked up at him, his eyes shining with a mixture of relief and exhaustion. "We did."As the first light of dawn bathed the city in warmth, Kael allowed himself a moment of peace.
The curse was gone, the battle won. But most importantly, Eiran was by his side.And for the first time in years, Kael felt hope for the future.