The cave was quiet, but the tension between Kael and Eiran hung thick in the air. Eiran's words echoed in Kael's mind as he stared at the relic, its faint pulse visible even from within its protective barrier. The idea of sealing such immense power inside of Eiran terrified him, but he understood the grim reality they faced.
They couldn't afford to leave the relic unprotected. Not with the Shadowborns and Revenants tracking them. And yet, the thought of Eiran becoming the vessel for that dark magic gnawed at Kael's resolve.
Eiran broke the silence first, his voice steady despite the weariness in his eyes. "We don't have much time, Kael. Every second we wait, the relic's magic grows stronger. It will call out to more creatures like the Revenant, and soon, we won't be able to stop them."
Kael exhaled sharply, running a hand through his hair. "I know. But what you're proposing… Eiran, once that power is inside you, what if it corrupts you? What if we lose control of it?"
Eiran's expression softened. "I've been preparing for this. I've studied the texts, trained with Master Aran to handle this kind of magic. It's risky, yes, but I won't let it consume me."
"But you can't guarantee that," Kael countered, his voice rising. "You've barely recovered from the last battle, and now you want to take on something that could—"
"Could save us all," Eiran finished calmly. "I know it's dangerous, but we're out of options. If we don't act, the relic will fall into enemy hands. And you know what they'll do with it."
Kael's chest tightened as he thought of the horrors the Shadowborn could unleash with such power. He clenched his fists, trying to suppress the rising fear that threatened to overtake him. His gaze shifted from the relic back to Eiran, who was watching him with that same quiet determination.
Kael stepped forward, his voice a low rumble. "And what happens if you can't handle it, Eiran? What happens if I lose you?"
Eiran's eyes softened, and he reached out, placing a hand on Kael's arm. "You won't lose me. I'm not doing this alone, remember? You're here. Varya's here. We've survived everything so far because we fight together. This won't be any different."
Kael's heart twisted. He wanted to believe that. He wanted to trust that Eiran could control the relic's power and that they could keep moving forward. But the uncertainty, the possibility of losing Eiran to the very thing they were trying to stop, was suffocating.
Eiran gave Kael a small smile, though it didn't quite reach his eyes. "I'm doing this because I believe in us. In what we're fighting for. And I need you to believe in me, Kael. I need you to trust that I can do this."
Kael looked into Eiran's eyes, searching for any hint of doubt, but all he found was conviction. Eiran wasn't backing down. He had made his decision, and Kael knew there was no changing his mind. A wave of emotion washed over him—fear, frustration, but most of all, love. He couldn't stand the thought of anything happening to Eiran, but he also knew that Eiran's strength was in his ability to take risks for the greater good.
Finally, Kael exhaled, his shoulders sagging as the weight of his own fear settled in his chest. He placed a hand on Eiran's cheek, his thumb brushing gently over his skin.
"I believe in you," Kael said, his voice barely above a whisper. "But you have to promise me something."
Eiran's gaze held his, unwavering. "Anything."
"If it gets too much, if you feel like the power is overwhelming you… you'll let me help you. You won't try to carry this burden alone."
Eiran nodded, his hand covering Kael's. "I promise."
Kael's heart ached, but he knew it was the only way forward. They couldn't stop the tide of darkness closing in on them, but they could face it together. He leaned in, pressing his forehead against Eiran's, letting the moment ground them both.
For a long time, neither of them spoke, the quiet presence of the other enough to calm the storm brewing inside.
Eventually, Eiran pulled back slightly, a small smile on his lips. "You're not going to get rid of me that easily, you know."
Kael let out a soft laugh, though the worry still lingered in his chest. "I wouldn't dare."
Their brief moment of peace was interrupted by the sound of Varya returning to the cave. She stepped inside, her eyes immediately flicking between Kael and Eiran, sensing the tension that had settled between them.
"Any sign of trouble?" Kael asked, his voice
"Nothing yet," Varya replied, her expression serious. "But we should move soon. This cave won't hide us for long, and the relic's power is like a beacon to anyone looking for us."
Kael nodded, glancing at Eiran, who seemed to have regained some of his strength. "We'll leave as soon as we can. Eiran just needs a little more time to recover."
Varya raised an eyebrow, her sharp gaze landing on Eiran. "Don't push yourself too hard, kid. We're all in this together, and we need you at full strength."
Eiran gave her a tired smile. "I'll be ready."
As Varya went back to keeping watch, Kael and Eiran exchanged a look. They both knew that the road ahead was dangerous, and the decisions they were making now would shape the fate of their world. But no matter what happened, they would face it side by side.
Kael took a deep breath, steeling himself for the challenges ahead. The relic's power was vast, and the forces seeking to claim it were relentless. But with Eiran's strength and the bond they shared, Kael knew they could stand against the coming darkness.
For now, all they could do was keep moving forward.