Inside the fortress, everything was cold and silent. Shadows crept along the walls, twisting and moving like they were alive. Aelric could feel the darkness pressing in on him, but he kept walking, his friends by his side.
They soon entered a vast chamber, where a single figure stood waiting. It was the Shadow King himself, cloaked in black, his eyes glowing with a sickly green light. His presence filled the room with a chill that cut straight to Aelric's bones.
"So, the Lost Heir has finally come," the Shadow King said, his voice smooth and mocking. "You think you can stand against me? You're nothing but a child."
Aelric clenched his fists, feeling the magic stir within him. "I may be young, but I fight for Eldoria, for the people you've tried to destroy."
The Shadow King laughed, his voice echoing off the cold stone walls. "Brave words, but bravery alone won't save you."
Without warning, the Shadow King raised his hand, and dark magic shot toward Aelric like a wave. Aelric barely had time to react, raising his sword to block the attack. The impact knocked him back, his body trembling with pain. But he forced himself to stand, refusing to give up.
Lyra stepped forward, casting a shield around them. Seraphina charged, her sword blazing with her own magic, striking at the Shadow King. But he was fast, dodging her attacks with ease, his laughter filling the room.
"You're all fools," he sneered. "Eldoria belongs to me now."
But Aelric felt a spark of hope ignite in his chest. "Not as long as I'm here," he said, his voice stronger than before. He gathered all the light within him, focusing on the warmth, the love he had for his friends and his home.
With one powerful swing, he sent a burst of light straight toward the Shadow King, cutting through the darkness.