Their journey brought them to a colossal wall of ice that blocked their path. Intricate carvings, depicting battles and rituals, adorned the frozen barrier. As they approached, the ice shimmered, and figures emerged from the shadows—tall, pale warriors cloaked in furs, their weapons glowing with a cold blue light.
"Halt!" one of them commanded, his voice sharp as the wind. "You tread on sacred ground. State your purpose."
Caelum stepped forward, holding up the shard. Its light cut through the storm, causing the warriors to exchange uneasy glances. "We seek the Radiant Core. If the shard is here, we need it to stop the Shadow King."
The leader of the warriors narrowed his eyes. "The Radiant Core belongs to no one. It has brought only war and destruction to these lands. Why should we aid you?"
Before Caelum could respond, Lyra stepped in. "Because the Shadow King won't stop with the rest of the world. He'll come for you next. You can't stay hidden forever."
The warrior hesitated, then nodded. "Follow us. Queen Yvanna will decide your fate."