Aeron and Lira were not alone in their journey. They were joined by Thorne, a brooding warrior with a past shrouded in mystery, and Eira, a healer whose abilities seemed to border on the mystical. Together, they traveled through treacherous lands to find the answers to the prophecy.
One evening, as they camped on the outskirts of a forest, Draethar's forces attacked. Shadows moved in the darkness, silent and swift. Aeron could feel the weight of the artifact growing heavier, the power within it surging, responding to the presence of Draethar's minions.
The battle was fierce. Thorne fought valiantly, his sword cutting through the dark creatures with skill, but they were endless. Eira used her healing magic to protect the wounded, and Lira's ancient spells illuminated the night, holding back the tide of darkness.
Aeron, however, felt something stir within him, something primal and wild. The artifact hummed in his hand, its power calling to him. He raised it toward the oncoming enemy, and suddenly, a surge of energy erupted from it, obliterating the dark creatures in a blinding flash of light.
The battlefield fell silent, the darkness retreating into the shadows. Draethar's forces were vanquished for now, but Aeron knew this was only the beginning.