Just as Ciara and Lyra prepared to face Vinzo's army, a shocking revelation shook the castle.
Lucas, the traitor, stood before Kael, his eyes cold and calculating.
"I've been playing both sides, Kael. Vinzo's resurrection was my plan." Lucas stated.
Kael's grip on his sword tightened.
"You betrayed me, Lucas." Kael said angrily
"I served the true ruler of this land – Lilith." Lucas boldly replied
Ciara's eyes widened in horror.
"Lilith? But why?" Ciara asked
Lucas continued "Lilith promised me power, and I delivered Vinzo's downfall."
Lyra's gaze narrowed.
"You're the one who resurrected Vinzo." Lyra responded
Lucas smiled.
"And now, Vinzo will bring chaos, clearing the path for Lilith's rule." Lucas said smiling.
The castle fell silent, stunned by Lucas's betrayal.
Kael's face twisted in rage.
Kael "You'll pay for your treachery, Lucas."
Lucas sneered.
"You can't stop Lilith. She's already won."
Ciara stepped forward.
"We won't let that happen, Lucas. You'll face justice."
Lyra drew her sword.
Lyra "I'll take care of Lucas. You prepare for Vinzo's army."
Kael nodded.
Kael "Let's move. We have a battle to win."
As Lyra dragged Lucas away, Ciara turned to Kael.
Ciara "We can't trust anyone now. Who's left to turn against us?"
Kael's expression turned grim.
"We'll have to be cautious. But we have each other."
Suddenly, a loud horn echoed outside.
Vinzo's army had arrived.
The castle gates shook as Vinzo's army charged.
Kael drew his sword.
Kael "Defend the castle! Hold the lines!"
Ciara stood beside him, her bow at the ready.
"I'll cover you from above."
Lyra, having dealt with Lucas, joined the fray.
"I'll take the left flank. Watch for Vinzo."
The battle raged on: steel clashed, arrows flew, and screams echoed.
Vinzo emerged, his dark sword shining.
Vinzo "Kael! Face me!"
Kael charged forward.
Kael "You'll never reclaim this throne!"
Their swords met in a flurry of strikes.
Meanwhile, Ciara targeted Vinzo's soldiers.
Eliana "Lyra, we need to thin their ranks!"
Lyra fought valiantly, taking down multiple foes.
As the battle intensified, Lilith appeared.
"Enough. It's time to end this." Lilith commanded.
Lilith raised her hands, unleashing dark magic.
"Vinzo, take the castle!" Lilith cried out
Vinzo's sword glowed with dark energy.
Vinzo "Kael, you're no match for me!"
Kael stumbled back, overwhelmed.
Ciara fired arrows at Lilith, but they dissipated.
Ciara "Her magic's too strong!"
Lyra leapt to Kael's side.
Lyra "We need to get him out of here!"
Together, they retreated to the castle walls.
Kael looked around. "We can't hold out. We need a new plan."
Suddenly, a hidden door swung open.
A mysterious figure emerged.
Figure: "I can help. My name is Arden."
Arden. "I've been hiding in the shadows, waiting for the right moment. I know Lilith's weaknesses."
Kael's eyes narrowed.
"Who are you? How do you know Lilith?" Kael asked.
Arden "I was once her apprentice. I escaped before she corrupted me completely."
Ciara's gaze softened.
Ciara: "You're willing to help us?"
Arden nodded.
"I'll do whatever it takes to stop Lilith."
Lyra stepped forward.
"What are Lilith's weaknesses?"
Arden hesitated.
"Her magic relies on a ancient artifact. Destroy it, and her powers falter."
Kael's determination grew.
Kael "We have a new target. The artifact."
Vinzo's roar echoed outside.
"Break down the gates! Take the castle!"
The battle intensified.
The castle gates creaked under Vinzo's relentless assault.
"Hold the gates! We can't let them breach!" Karl instructed.
Ciara fired arrows at Vinzo's soldiers, while Lyra fought with precision.
Arden joined the fray, unleashing mystical attacks.
"I'll hold off Vinzo's men. Find the artifact!"
Kael nodded.
"Ciara, Lyra, with me!"
Together, they sprinted toward the castle's ancient wing.
Vinzo's roar echoed.
"You'll never escape me!"
Suddenly, Lilith appeared.
Lilith "Fools. You'll never find it."
Lilith summoned dark energy, blocking Kael's path.
Lilith "You'll never leave this place alive."
Kael drew his sword.
"We'll stop you, Lilith. Today."
Ciara fired an arrow, but Lilith deflected it.
Lyra charged forward, sword flashing.
"Take her down!"
Lilith unleashed a blast of magic, sending Lyra flying.
Arden rushed to Lyra's side.
"No! Lyra, stay with me!"
Kael faced Lilith alone.
Kael "It ends now."
Lilith sneered.
Lilith smiles "You're no match for my power."
Suddenly, Vinzo appeared.
"Lilith, stop! This is my fight." Vinzo shouted
Lilith's eyes narrowed.
"You dare to question me?"
Vinzo's gaze hardened.
"I will not be controlled."