Eli's aura stabilized.
Aethon nodded.
"Well done, Elianor."
Kaidën's gaze scanned the refuge.
"We must leave. Lyra's curse intensifies."
As they exited, a dark figure watched from the shadows.
"The Shadow King," Aethon whispered.
Eli's heart skipped a beat.
"Who is he?" Eli asked.
Aethon's expression turned grim.
"A powerful entity, ruler of the Shadow Realm."
Kaidën's eyes narrowed.
"He seeks to exploit Lyra's curse."
The Shadow King emerged.
"Ah, Elianor," he said, his voice dripping with malice.
"Your heart is a prize I'll claim."
Eli stood tall.
"I won't let you."
The Shadow King sneered.
"You're no match for me."
Kaidën stepped forward.
"We'll protect Eli."
The Shadow King laughed.
"Kaidën, you're no match for my darkness."
Aethon intervened.
"We must leave. Now."
As they fled, Eli felt the Shadow King's presence closing in.