Walking through the mazed alleys, his breathing was uneven, even his mind became torn between the fury at leaving Lyle behind, and the relentless sounds emanating from the shard. His fingers trembled as they brushed over it, feeling its strange movements against his skin, like a second heartbeat.
As he reached the outskirts of the city, he ducked into a small, deserted warehouse. The place was falling apart, with rusted beams and shattered windows, but it was quiet, hidden, and most importantly, safe… for now. He sank against the cold metal wall, forcing himself to calm down. In his mind, the voice was louder than ever, goading him, urging him.
You're weak, it sneered. All this power, and you run?
He clenched his jaw, trying to block out the taunt. He could still hear the sound of steel on steel, the sounds of Lyle's last stand against Gustos. But he had to survive. He had to become stronger, even if it meant bending to its will.
But at what cost?
His thoughts were interrupted by the crunch of footsteps outside. He was on his feet in an instant, heart racing, staff ready. The footsteps grew closer, then stopped just beyond the door.
"Kaelor?"
The voice was familiar. He released a breath he hadn't realized he was holding.
"Lyle?" he called out in disbelief.
The door opened, and Lyle stepped inside, his face was pale, but alive. His relief was tempered by the unsettling darkness in his friend's eyes.
"You made it out," he said.
"Hardly," Lyle replied, leaning heavily against the wall. "But not without paying a price."
Kaelor noticed, for the first time, a deep gash running down his arm, the fabric of his sleeve was stained with blood.
Lyle followed his gaze, giving a half-hearted shrug.
"Just a flesh wound."
He moved closer, examining the wound with a frown.
"Gustos?"
Lyle nodded.
"He's stronger than anything you may have faced. And he knows exactly what you're carrying." He cast a wary glance at the talisman around his neck. "You're going to need more than dark magic to survive the next encounter."
His grip tightened around his staff.
"Then I'll find it. Whatever it takes."
Lyle looked at him for a long moment.
"That shard is dangerous. It might give you power, but it's also eating away at you. I can see it."
"What choice do I have?" He demanded,
"Without this power, I'm nothing. Gustos would have killed me tonight if it didn't save me."
"And next time?" He pressed, "What happens when it demands more? When it starts taking pieces of you?"
Kaelor became doubtful, but quickly pushed it aside. He couldn't afford hesitation, not now.
"I'll control it," he said firmly. "The shard is a tool, nothing more. I won't let it consume me."
"Just…don't lose yourself, Kaelor. Power has a way of twisting even the best intentions."
He turned away, unable to meet Lyle's eyes. And deep down, he knew that Lyle was right. But he couldn't stop now… not when he was so close.
"Come on," he said, "We need to move. If Gustos tracks us here, it's only a matter of time before more will come."
They left the warehouse, moving past the labyrinthine alleys of the city. The night was dark, the streets were empty, but Kaelor still felt unseen eyes watching them and following their every move.
After what felt like hours, they reached the outskirts of the city, where the lights faded into darkness and the buildings gave way to sprawling fields. He led the way, allowing his senses to be on high alert, because he perceived everything as a potential threat. They walked in silence. Lyle's wound bled, leaving a trail, but he made no complaint.
They approached a small, abandoned temple on the edge of the forest. The temple was ancient, its walls were covered in faded symbols.
"This place…" Kaelor began, running his fingers over the carved stone. "It's connected to the shard somehow."
Lyle frowned, looking around with a wary expression.
"Are you sure? It looks…abandoned."
"Power doesn't fade just because something's old," he replied, "There's something here, something that might help me control it."
Before Lyle could respond, he closed his eyes, focusing on its energy to let it guide him. He felt the power surge drawing him deeper into the temple, past the crumbling walls and decaying statues, until he reached a small, hidden chamber at the heart of the temple.
In the center of the chamber stood a stone pedestal, upon which a silver chalice rested, its surface was inscribed with strange, intricate symbols. He could feel the energy resonating with the chalice, as if they were two halves of a whole.
"What is this?" Lyle asked.
"A relic," he replied, "A conduit of dark magic. If I can channel its power through it…"
He reached for the chalice, trembling with anticipation. But as his hand closed around it, he felt a sudden, searing pain, as if his skin were burning. He pulled back with a gasp, clutching his hand, which was now covered in strange, dark markings.
"Kaelor!" Lyle exclaimed, moving to his side. "Are you okay?"
He nodded, though the pain still throbbed in his hand.
"It's…nothing," he managed to speak in a strained tone. "The shard is just…reacting."
The chalice had unlocked something, a new level of power that he could scarcely contain. His vision became blurred, and he staggered, holding the pedestal for support.
"Kaelor," Lyle said, feeling concerned. "This is too dangerous. You're pushing yourself too far."
"I can handle it," he insisted, though he wasn't sure if he believed what he just said. Its power was intoxicating, but he could feel the price it demanded, a piece of his soul with every use.
As he regained consciousness, he felt something behind him. When he turned to behold the presence, his eyes squinted as he saw a figure standing in the doorway.
"Gustos!" he exclaimed, feeling dreadful.
The man stepped forward. His eyes appeared cold.
"You cannot hide from me, Kaelor," he said, "It belongs to me. Surrender it now, and I may spare your life."
There was something about Gustos audacity that upset him.
"Come and take it, then."
Gustos smiled, seemingly calculating.
"Very well."
He raised his sword, and the blade brightened, casting a sinister light across the chamber. Kaelor braced himself, feeling its power rise within him, stronger than ever. He knew that this battle would be different… that Gustos was prepared for his dark magic.
But he didn't care. He had come too far to turn back now. As Gustos charged against him, he unleashed a blast of intoxicating power that occupied the chamber with blinding light. The ground shook like an eruptive earthquake, leaving the walls crumble as the force of their clash reverberated through the temple.
And in that moment, as its strength enveloped him, he knew that there was no turning back.