The beast roared, its massive frame shrouded in writhing shadows as it lunged toward them. Astrid's magic flared to life, a bright pulse that illuminated the clearing for a brief moment before colliding with the creature's chest. The impact sent it staggering, but it didn't fall.
Lucien darted forward, his sword gleaming as it sliced into the beast's flank. Shadowy ichor spilled onto the ground, sizzling like acid. The creature howled, its massive claws slashing toward him. He dodged, narrowly avoiding a lethal blow.
"This thing's stronger than the last one!" Lucien shouted, circling back to Astrid's side.
"No kidding," Astrid muttered, her hands glowing faintly as she prepared another blast. Her energy was waning, and the forest felt like it was closing in around them.
Ronan stood frozen at the edge of the clearing, clutching his lute like it was the only thing tethering him to reality.
The beast turned toward him, its glowing eyes narrowing.
"Ronan!" Astrid shouted, her voice sharp. "Get out of the way!"
The musician flinched, his fingers brushing the strings. The faint hum of resonance magic filled the air, but it faltered as Ronan's nerves got the better of him.
"No!," Astrid shouted, sprinting toward Ronan.
Before the creature could pounce, Astrid unleashed another blast of light. It hit the beast squarely in the face, forcing it back, but the strain of the spell left her knees weak.
Lucien moved to her side, gripping her arm to steady her. "We need to finish this and move."
The massive shadowbeast roared, its crimson eyes burning with fury as it lashed out at the group. Astrid's hands glowed faintly with the last dregs of her magic, her chest heaving with exertion.
"We need to subdue it," Lucien said, his voice steady despite the chaos.
He looked over at Astrid "Focus your power. I'll keep it occupied."
Without waiting for a reply, he charged the beast with precision, his blade slicing into its side. The creature roared, its shadowy tendrils lashing toward him, but he moved like a predator—controlled, deliberate, and unyielding.
"Ronan!" Astrid shouted, her gaze flicking to the trembling musician. "We need your magic. Now!"
Ronan hesitated, clutching his lute. "I—I'm not sure I can—"
"You can," she interrupted, her tone firm but encouraging. "Play something powerful. I'll amplify it. Trust me."
Lucien darted around the beast, slashing at its legs to slow its movements. "Whatever you're doing, make it count," he said, his voice calm but commanding.
Ronan swallowed hard and raised his lute. His fingers brushed the strings, and a low, resonant note filled the clearing, its vibrations cutting through the oppressive air. The shadowbeast faltered, its movements stuttering as the sound rippled through its form.
Astrid's magic flared to life, weaving with the resonance to create a pulse of energy that struck the creature like a hammer. The beast howled, its body writhing as cracks of light began to appear along its shadowy surface.
"Keep going!" Astrid urged, pouring everything she had into the connection.
The music grew stronger, Ronan's confidence building with each note. The combined force of his sound and Astrid's magic created a blinding burst of light that engulfed the beast.
Lucien seized the moment. With a single, calculated strike, he drove his sword into the beast's core, the blade cutting through the heart of its shadowy form. The creature roared one final time before shattering into a cloud of black mist.
The clearing fell silent, the oppressive weight in the air lifting as the mist dissipated. Astrid dropped to one knee, her magic flickering out as exhaustion overtook her.
Lucien stood over her, his sword lowered but still in his hand. "You're overextending yourself," he said, his tone matter-of-fact.
Astrid looked up at him, her breath coming in short gasps. "And you're welcome."
Lucien's lips twitched faintly, though he didn't reply. He turned to Ronan, who was still clutching his lute with trembling hands.
"You did well," Lucien said simply, his tone carrying an unexpected note of approval.
Ronan blinked, surprised. "I... I didn't freeze this time."
"You didn't," Astrid agreed, forcing herself to her feet. "And we're alive because of it. But don't get cocky. We've still got a long way to go."
As if summoned by her words, the air around them grew cold again, the shadows stretching unnaturally long. Astrid tensed, her magic instinctively sparking to life.
"I must say," Elyon's voice drawled, dripping with mock amusement, "you're far more resourceful than I gave you credit for."
The cloaked figure stepped into view, their sharp features illuminated by the faint glow of Astrid's magic.
Astrid didn't lower her hands, her gaze sharp. "Still lurking, Elyon? You're getting predictable."
Elyon chuckled, the sound sending chills down her spine. "Am I? Or am I exactly where I need to be?"
Lucien moved to Astrid's side, his sword at the ready. "What do you want?" he asked, his tone cold and precise.
"To see how far you'll go," Elyon replied, their smile widening. "And to remind you that this... little victory of yours? It means nothing."
Astrid held her ground, though the weight of Elyon's presence pressed against her senses. "If you're here to make cryptic threats, save your breath. We've heard it all before."
Elyon tilted their head, their gaze glinting with amusement. "Oh, Astrid, you truly are fascinating. But boldness without caution is a dangerous game to play."
"You keep talking about games," Lucien said, his voice steady. "But this isn't one. If you stand in our way again, I won't hesitate to end you."
Elyon's smile turned sharp, almost predatory. "And what will you do, prince? Swing your sword at shadows? The curse you chase is alive, growing stronger with every step you take. You can't stop it. Not alone."
"We're not alone," Astrid said firmly, her voice cutting through the tension.
Elyon's gaze shifted back to her, their smile softening slightly. "No, I suppose you're not. But even the strongest alliances crumble under the weight of inevitability."
Before they could respond, Elyon raised a hand, and the shadows around them surged like a tidal wave. Astrid's magic flared brightly, pushing back against the encroaching darkness, but it wasn't enough to dispel it completely.
Lucien stepped in front of her, his blade slicing through the tendrils of shadow with calculated precision. "Stay close," he ordered, his tone leaving no room for argument.
Elyon watched them struggle, their expression unreadable. "You'll reach the edge of the forest soon," they said softly. "But what waits for you there may be worse than anything you've faced here."
With that, Elyon dissolved into the darkness, their voice lingering in the air. "Good luck, Astrid. You'll need it."
The forest fell silent once more, though the oppressive feeling lingered. Astrid exhaled slowly, lowering her hands as the glow of her magic faded.
"We can't keep doing this," Ronan said quietly, his voice trembling. "They're toying with us."
"Then we don't give them the chance," Lucien said, his tone firm. "We'll move carefully and stay alert. No more surprises."
Astrid glanced at him, her smirk faint but determined. "Agreed. Let's get out of this forest."
As they reached the forest's edge, the trees gave way to open fields, and in the distance, the faint lights of a town flickered against the horizon. But as they approached, the scene grew stranger.
The town gates were wide open, its streets eerily quiet. Shadows stretched unnaturally long, and a faint, melodic hum floated through the air.
Astrid's magic sparked faintly in her hands. "This doesn't feel right."
Lucien nodded, his grip on his sword tightening. "Let's stay alert. Proceed carefully."
The group stepped through the gates, the silence deafening, as the shadows seemed to close in around them.