With the first shard of the Radiant Core in their possession, Caelum and Lyra set out from the Sunken Catacombs. The swamp, though still treacherous, seemed less oppressive as the shard's light guided their path. But their victory was short-lived.
As they approached the nearby settlement of Eldermoor, they were greeted by a grim sight. The village was in ruins, its buildings burned to ash, and its people scattered or slain. The Shadow King's forces had left their mark—armored warriors known as Dreadknights, who patrolled the area, ensuring no survivors would dare return.
"We can't just leave it like this," Lyra said, her voice trembling with anger. "We have to help the people who escaped."
Caelum tightened his grip on his sword. "We'll help them—but we can't risk exposing the shard. If the Shadow King finds out we have it, his forces will hunt us relentlessly."
Lyra looked at him, her gaze unwavering. "We don't need to fight alone. If we can rally the survivors and give them hope, they might fight back."
Caelum hesitated, the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He had never seen himself as a leader, but Lyra's determination was infectious. "All right. Let's find the survivors and see what we can do."