Shivay rode steadily across the vast landscape, his eyes focused on the distant horizon. Nyx galloped effortlessly beneath him, the powerful beast responding to every command with precision. The bond they'd formed had made the journey swift and fluid. With the wind whipping through his hair, Shivay allowed himself a moment of peace as they approached the second temple.
But he knew better than to let his guard down entirely. The pull of the ancient ether had been growing stronger with each passing mile, and the presence of the hearts had stirred something in the world. He could feel it—something powerful, ancient, and dangerous awaited him at this temple.
"Shunaya," he said, breaking the silence. "You feel it too, don't you?"
"Yes, Master," Shunaya's voice resonated in his mind. "The ether here is thickening, just like before. But it feels... different. More alive."
Shivay tightened his grip on Nyx's reins, his eyes scanning the landscape as the temple began to come into view. "The last one caught me off guard. I won't make the same mistake again."
"This temple... its aura feels more intense," Shunaya mused. "Be prepared for anything, Master. You never know what awaits within."
As they neared the structure, Shivay's eyes narrowed. The temple shared similarities with the first—its towering pillars and intricate stone carvings spoke of the same ancient craftsmanship—but there was something darker about this one. Vines and moss clung to the walls, and the air was dense with a foreboding energy. The runes that decorated the stone seemed to pulse with an eerie light, flickering as if they were alive.
Shivay dismounted, patting Nyx on the side. "Stay close," he whispered. The Shadowmare snorted in response, its own senses on high alert. Together, they approached the entrance.
As soon as they crossed the threshold, the same pull from the first temple returned, though it was stronger this time. The ether in the air swirled around them like a powerful current, guiding them deeper into the temple's core.
"Something's pulling me again," Shivay said, his voice tense. "It's like last time, but... more aggressive."
"Indeed," Shunaya replied. "The heart here is much stronger. Be cautious, Master."
The further they ventured, the more intense the pull became. The walls around them were adorned with strange carvings—symbols and glyphs that Shivay couldn't decipher. As they descended deeper into the temple, the air grew heavier, pressing down on him like an invisible weight. Nyx's footsteps echoed through the hall, but the beast remained calm, as if sensing they were nearing their destination.
Then, they reached it.
A massive door stood before them, covered in intricate carvings. The door exuded power, and Shivay could feel the heart's pulse from behind it, as though it was alive and calling to him. The carvings were unlike anything he had seen—scenes of battles, creatures, and figures long forgotten to time. In the center of the door was a large depiction of a fox, its nine tails elegantly etched into the stone.
Shivay froze. "No way..."
"Master..." Shunaya's voice echoed in his mind, "that's the same fox we encountered earlier."
He pushed open the door slowly, bracing himself for whatever lay beyond. The massive stone panels groaned as they parted, revealing a dimly lit chamber.
And there, in the center of the room, was a sight that made Shivay's heart skip a beat.
Lying gracefully on the ground, her nine tails fanned out behind her, was the same fox-woman he had encountered before. But she looked different now—more majestic, more powerful. Her once-black hair now shimmered with streaks of silver, and the soft glow of her tails illuminated the room. She looked serene, almost regal, as if she belonged to the very essence of the temple itself.
Shivay stepped forward cautiously, his eyes locked on her. "You..."
The fox opened her eyes, slowly lifting her head to meet his gaze. A sly smile spread across her lips. "Surprised to see me again, Progenitor?"
Shivay blinked, trying to comprehend what he was seeing. "You... you were at six tails before. How...?"
She stood up slowly, her nine tails swaying behind her as she approached him. "Things change," she said, her voice smooth and teasing. "I told you I'm not someone you can simply pass by without consequences."
Shivay tensed, his hand instinctively moving toward his weapon, but she raised a hand in a gesture of peace.
"Relax," she said, her voice dripping with amusement. "I'm not here to fight. Not yet, anyway."
Shivay exhaled, but his guard remained up. "What are you doing here? How did you...?"
Her eyes gleamed with mischief. "The heart you seek, Progenitor, holds more power than you realize. It's connected to me, to my kind, to the ancient world. And you... well, you've been quite the interesting player in this little game."
Shivay narrowed his eyes. "What game?"
"The hearts, the temples, the ether—all of it is part of something much bigger than you or me," she said, circling him slowly, her tails trailing behind her like soft flames. "The Nagas, the ancient powers—they left these temples for a reason. And now, you're stumbling into a world you barely understand."
Shivay's mind raced as he tried to make sense of her words. "And you? Are you part of this ancient power?"
Her smile widened. "I'm more of a... guardian. A protector, if you will. But don't worry, I'm not your enemy. Not unless you make me one."
Shivay exhaled slowly, his hand relaxing away from his weapon. "So, what now? You're just going to let me take the heart?"
She laughed, a melodic sound that echoed through the chamber. "Let you? Oh, Progenitor, you have much to learn. The heart does not belong to anyone. It chooses who is worthy."
"And what if it chooses me?" Shivay asked, his tone serious.
The fox-woman's eyes sparkled with amusement. "Then, you'll have proven yourself to be more than just an amusing little mortal with big dreams." She stepped closer, her face inches from his. "But let me give you some advice, Progenitor. The more you delve into this, the more dangerous it becomes. These hearts... they're not just relics. They're alive. And they will test you in ways you've never imagined."
Shivay held her gaze, unflinching. "I'm ready for whatever comes."
She tilted her head, her smile softening. "We'll see."
Without another word, she turned and began to walk away, her form shimmering slightly as if she were part of the ether itself. Before disappearing into the shadows, she glanced over her shoulder one last time.
"Good luck, Shivay. You're going to need it."
And just like that, she was gone.
Shivay stood there for a moment, staring at the spot where she had vanished. His mind was racing, trying to process everything she had said. The hearts were alive? They would test him? And she... she was a guardian of some sort?
Shunaya's voice broke through his thoughts. "Master, we must proceed. The heart is waiting."
Shivay nodded, his resolve hardening. Whatever awaited him next, he would face it head-on.