Eragon's POV
Eragon's pulse quickened as Gloria stepped into the open, her magic flaring around her.
He had hoped they wouldn't have to confront Ailson this way, but here they were. Ailson's betrayal had been inevitable, but seeing the soul-harvester up close was enough to send chills down his spine.
Ailson snarled, pulling herself to her feet. Her eyes burned with hatred as she glared at Gloria, her lip curling in disdain.
"You think you can stop me? You're just a spoiled little princess, hiding behind your family's name.
"Gloria didn't flinch. "I don't need my family to deal with you, Ailson. You've gone too far this time. The council already suspects you, and now we have the evidence we need.
"Eragon stepped forward, his dragon familiar circling protectively around them both.
"It's over, Ailson. You summoned a soul-harvester, and the council won't overlook that. You've been caught.
"Ailson's laughter was sharp and bitter, cutting through the tension. "Caught? By you two? You think I didn't see this coming?" She raised her hand, and the soul-harvester let out a deep, guttural growl, its eyes locking on Eragon.
"Eragon!" Gloria shouted, her voice filled with urgency.Eragon knew what had to be done. He had no time to hesitate. He summoned his power, his bond with his dragon giving him the strength he needed. Magic surged through him, and with a swift gesture, he commanded his dragon to strike.
The creature lunged at the soul-harvester, its massive jaws snapping as it engaged the dark beast. The two creatures clashed, the sound of their battle shaking the ground beneath them.
But Ailson wasn't done. Her eyes flashed dangerously as she turned toward Gloria, her hands crackling with dark magic. "You'll regret ever crossing me."Gloria raised her own hands, prepared for the attack.
But before Ailson could unleash her magic, Eragon stepped in front of her, his voice calm but commanding. "You won't lay a hand on her."The air around them thickened with tension as Ailson stared at Eragon, her expression shifting from anger to something more dangerous.
"You're protecting her? After everything I've offered you?"Eragon's jaw tightened.
"This was never about you, Ailson. It was about stopping you before you hurt anyone else."Ailson's eyes narrowed, and for a moment, she seemed to consider her next move.
But just as she raised her hand to strike again, Gloria launched a powerful burst of energy, knocking Ailson off balance.
The dark magic in Ailson's hand fizzled out, and she stumbled backward, her face twisting in shock."You're done, Ailson," Gloria said, her voice cold and resolute.
"This ends now."Ailson's gaze darted between Eragon and Gloria, desperation flickering in her eyes. But before she could react, the sound of heavy footsteps approached from behind.
A group of council enforcers appeared, their presence undeniable. They had been watching from the shadows, waiting for the right moment to intervene.
The lead enforcer, a tall figure with stern eyes, stepped forward. "Ailson, you're under arrest for the illegal summoning of a soul-harvester and for endangering the lives of others. You will answer to the council.
"Ailson's face paled as the reality of her situation set in. She looked between Eragon and Gloria, her expression one of betrayal and disbelief.
"You set me up," she whispered, her voice barely audible.Eragon held her gaze, his expression unreadable.
"You did this to yourself."With a flick of his hand, the enforcers moved in, binding Ailson's hands with glowing restraints.
As they dragged her away, she shot one last, venomous look at Gloria.
"This isn't over."Gloria watched her go, her heart pounding in her chest. She felt a mixture of relief and sadness. Ailson had been dangerous, but there had been a time when she was just another student, caught up in the pressures of their world.
Now, she was a criminal.As the enforcers disappeared into the night with Ailson in tow, Gloria turned to Eragon.
"It's over."Eragon nodded, but the weight of what had happened still lingered. He turned toward her, his eyes softening.
"Thank you, Gloria. For everything."Gloria smiled, stepping closer to him. "We did this together."For a moment, they stood there in the silence of the night, the tension between them melting away.
The danger had passed, but something else had shifted between them. Eragon had always been her friend, her protector, but now… there was something more.He reached out, gently taking her hand.
"You know, I couldn't have done this without you."Gloria blushed slightly, her heart fluttering in her chest. "I was just doing my part."Eragon smiled, his eyes locking onto hers.
"Still, I owe you."Before she could say anything else, Eragon leaned in, his lips brushing hers in a soft, lingering kiss. It was gentle, unspoken, but filled with the promise of something more.When they finally pulled apart, Gloria felt her cheeks flush with warmth.
She smiled shyly, looking up at him. "What now?"Eragon chuckled, a sense of peace settling over him. "Now, we go home.
Together."They walked hand in hand back to the parking lot, the weight of their shared victory giving them a sense of closure.
The night had been filled with danger and deception, but they had made it through.
And as they left Silverleaf Street behind, Eragon knew that whatever came next, they would face it together.And for now, that was all that mattered.