Niamh's darkness consumed her, and she struck Eli with ferocity.
Aethon intervened, his sword defending Eli.
"Niamh, stop!" Eli pleaded. "Break Xaren's hold!"
Niamh's expression twisted. "You're no longer my friend, Eli."
Arianna's magic bound Niamh. "We must escape."
As they fled, Eli realized the Amulet's wisdom held the key to defeating Xaren.
"We need to unite the realms," Eli said. "Gather allies against Xaren."
Aethon nodded. "The Sword, Shield, and Amulet will guide us."
Their quest now focused on rallying the realms.
In the shadows, Xaren watched.
"Fools," Xaren whispered. "Their unity will be their downfall."
Meanwhile, Niamh's fractured loyalty wrestled within.
A glimmer of her true self remained.
"Eli..." Niamh whispered.