The descent into the shrine seemed endless, each step taking Darian and Sumner deeper into the darkness. The walls glistened faintly, pulsing with an eerie light that flickered as if breathing. Darian's breath quickened, his pulse echoing in his ears. He tightened his grip on the hilt of his sword, feeling the familiar weight of it in his hand.
Do you feel that? Sumner's voice resonated in Darian's mind, breaking the silence.
Darian nodded, swallowing the lump in his throat. "Yeah, it's like… something's watching us."
Something ancient, Sumner agreed. Be on your guard.
The air grew warmer as they descended, and Darian began to notice the faint scent of smoke and charred stone. Finally, the staircase opened up into a vast chamber, and Darian's breath caught in his throat. Before them stood a towering statue of a dragon, its wings spread wide, carved from black stone. Flames danced in its eyes, and in its claws, it held a glowing orb, swirling with flickers of fire and shadow.
"The First Flame…" Darian whispered, his voice barely audible.
This is no ordinary flame, Sumner murmured, stepping forward cautiously. I can feel its power, its… judgment.
Suddenly, a deep, rumbling voice filled the chamber, reverberating through the walls. "Who dares enter the Shrine of the First Flame?"
Darian's heart skipped a beat, but he forced himself to step forward, his voice steady. "I am Darian, rider of Sumner, and I seek the power to destroy the Beacon of Avarice."
The flames in the statue's eyes flared, and the voice laughed, a sound like crackling fire. "Many have come before you, seeking power, seeking vengeance. What makes you different, young rider?"
Darian stood tall, meeting the fiery gaze. "I don't seek this power for myself. I seek it to protect those who cannot protect themselves, to end the Shadow Weaver's reign of terror."
The laughter faded, replaced by a contemplative silence. "Very well," the voice said finally. "But to claim the power of the First Flame, you must first prove yourself. Face the trials, and show that your heart is pure."
Without warning, the chamber shifted, and the ground beneath Darian's feet trembled. Flames erupted from the floor, forming a circle around him and Sumner, separating them from one another.
"Sumner!" Darian shouted, panic rising in his chest.
I'm here! Sumner replied, his voice calm despite the flames. We'll get through this. Remember what Oryn said—trust our bond.
Darian nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. "What do we do?"
"The first trial is one of strength," the voice announced. "Show me the power that lies within you."
Suddenly, shadows coalesced before Darian, forming into the shape of a massive, snarling beast. It lunged at him with terrifying speed, and Darian barely had time to react. He dodged to the side, swinging his sword with all his might, but the blade passed through the creature as if it were made of smoke.
"Great," Darian muttered, circling the beast. "How do I fight something that isn't even solid?"
You're overthinking it, Sumner's voice echoed in his mind. Focus on the flame within you, the power we share. Channel it!
Darian closed his eyes, reaching deep within himself. He felt the bond, the connection with Sumner, pulsing like a heartbeat. He could feel the dragon's strength, his courage, and he let that power flow through him.
When he opened his eyes, his blade was alight with flames. The beast hesitated, snarling uncertainly, and Darian seized the moment. He charged, striking with all his strength, and this time, the blade cut through the shadows as if they were flesh. The creature let out a deafening roar before dissolving into smoke.
"Well done," the voice rumbled, sounding almost impressed. "But strength alone is not enough. Now, you must face the trial of fear."
The flames around Darian flickered and shifted, and suddenly, he was no longer in the shrine. He stood in a familiar clearing, surrounded by trees, with Sumner nowhere in sight. Panic surged through him as he turned, searching frantically.
"Sumner?" he called, but his voice sounded small, distant.
A figure emerged from the shadows, and Darian's heart froze. It was his father, his eyes filled with disappointment. "You'll never be strong enough, Darian," he said, his voice cold. "You're just a boy, chasing dreams that aren't meant for you."
"No," Darian whispered, shaking his head. "This isn't real. You're not real!"
"Why do you keep pretending?" his father taunted, stepping closer. "Why do you keep lying to yourself?"
Tears blurred Darian's vision, but he clenched his fists, refusing to look away. "I'm not pretending. I'm not lying. I know who I am."
You are more than your fears, Darian, Sumner's voice broke through the illusion, strong and clear. Remember who you are. Remember our bond.
Darian took a deep breath, reaching out with his thoughts. He felt the warmth of Sumner's presence, the strength of their connection, and he let it ground him. The vision of his father flickered, then shattered, leaving only the flames once more.
"You have passed the trial of fear," the voice intoned, sounding almost… proud. "Now, only one trial remains—the trial of sacrifice."
The flames died down, and Darian found himself back in the chamber, facing the statue once more. But this time, the orb in the dragon's claws glowed brighter, and he could feel its heat radiating toward him.
"To claim the power of the First Flame," the voice said, "you must offer something of great value. A part of yourself, willingly given."
Darian swallowed hard, his mind racing. What could he possibly offer? He looked at Sumner, and a thought struck him—something Oryn had once told him.
"Your bond is your greatest strength," he had said. "But it is also your greatest vulnerability."
Darian's heart ached as he realized what he had to do. "I… I offer a piece of my bond with Sumner," he said, his voice trembling. "The connection that makes us strong. I offer it to you."
Sumner's eyes widened. Darian, you don't have to—
"I do," Darian interrupted, tears streaming down his face. "I have to, Sumner. For us, for everyone. It's the only way."
The chamber fell silent, and for a moment, Darian feared he had made the wrong choice. But then, the flames flared brighter, and the orb began to change. The light within it grew warmer, softer, until it resembled a beating heart. The statue's claws loosened, and the orb floated toward Darian, hovering before him.
"You have proven yourself worthy," the voice said, softer now. "Take the power of the First Flame, and may it guide you in the battles to come."
Darian reached out, his hand trembling, and the orb settled into his palm. As soon as it touched his skin, he felt a rush of warmth, a surge of power that filled every fiber of his being. He could feel Sumner's presence stronger than ever, their bond pulsing with renewed strength.
You did it, Sumner said, his voice choked with emotion. We did it.
Darian smiled, tears still streaming down his face. "Yeah… we did."
As the chamber faded into darkness, Darian knew that the true battle was still ahead. But now, he had the power of the First Flame, and with Sumner by his side, he felt ready to face whatever awaited them.
The Beacon of Avarice would fall, and the Shadow Weaver would be stopped—no matter the cost.