The Shadow King staggered, clearly caught off guard by the strength of Aelric's attack. For the first time, there was a hint of fear in his glowing eyes. But he quickly recovered, his face twisting with anger.
"You… you think you can defeat me?" he hissed. "I am the darkness itself!"
Aelric took a deep breath, his heart steady. "Maybe you are, but even darkness fears the light."
He took a step forward, and suddenly, he didn't feel afraid anymore. He thought of everyone who had believed in him, who had fought for Eldoria even when the odds seemed impossible. That belief was his strength, and he could feel it flowing through him now.
With a powerful shout, Aelric unleashed all the magic within him, filling the room with a light so bright it chased away every shadow. The darkness in the chamber melted, and the Shadow King's power began to weaken.
"No!" the Shadow King screamed, his voice filled with rage and fear. He stumbled, his strength draining as Aelric's light grew stronger.
Aelric could feel the light within him reaching out, pushing back the darkness, filling every corner of the room. He saw Seraphina and Lyra beside him, their faces lit up with hope. Together, they were unstoppable.
With one final surge, Aelric directed all his power at the Shadow King, who let out a scream as the light consumed him. The darkness began to crumble, and the room shook as the Shadow King's hold over the fortress shattered.
When the light finally faded, the Shadow King was gone, and all that remained was a calm, peaceful silence.
Aelric took a shaky breath, his body exhausted but his heart filled with relief. They had done it, they had defeated the Shadow King and saved Eldoria.
He looked at Seraphina and Lyra, who smiled at him with pride and joy. Together, they had brought light back to Eldoria.