Chapter 16
The journey to the Stormspire was relentless. The once-distant peak grew larger with every step, shrouded by black clouds that crackled with perpetual lightning. Kieran and his companions pushed forward, their resolve hardened but their spirits weighed down by the artifacts' ominous energy.
Nyx stayed close to Kieran, her golden eyes wary as the air around them buzzed with static. Alina walked a few paces ahead, her silence a constant reminder of the strained trust between them.
As they approached the base of the Stormspire, the wind howled with unnatural ferocity. The dragon scale in Kieran's pack began to glow faintly, its pulse steady but urgent.
"This storm isn't natural," Alina said, raising her voice above the wind.
"No kidding," Kieran muttered. He glanced at Nyx, who growled softly, her fur bristling. "Stay alert. This place feels wrong."
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The climb up the Stormspire was treacherous. Jagged rocks and narrow ledges made every step a gamble, while bolts of lightning struck dangerously close.
The crystal Aetherion had given Kieran flared brighter as they climbed, guiding them toward the artifact.
"Keep moving!" Kieran shouted as a gust of wind nearly knocked them off the path.
Alina steadied herself against the cliff face, her auburn braid whipping in the wind. Lyric, her silver-furred companion, moved with surprising grace despite the treacherous terrain.
They reached a plateau where the storm's energy seemed to concentrate. In the center of the plateau was a massive stone altar, and atop it rested the fifth artifact: a glowing orb crackling with lightning.
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As Kieran stepped toward the altar, the storm grew fiercer. A bolt of lightning struck the ground nearby, and from the shadows emerged Malgrave, his crimson-scaled beast by his side.
"Keeper," Malgrave said, his voice carrying over the storm. "I knew you'd come."
Kieran clenched his fists, the dragon scale in his hand glowing brightly. "You're too late, Malgrave. This artifact won't fall into your hands."
Malgrave chuckled darkly. "You've been playing into my hands from the beginning. Every artifact you gather brings us closer to the shadow's awakening."
"I won't let that happen," Kieran said, stepping forward.
Malgrave's eyes gleamed. "Oh, but it already has."
He raised his hand, and the storm surged in response. Lightning struck the altar, shattering the orb and releasing a burst of raw energy.
---
The plateau erupted into chaos as Malgrave unleashed his power. His beast lunged at Kieran, its crimson scales glowing with an inner fire.
Kieran and Nyx fought with precision, their bond amplifying their movements. Nyx dodged the beast's fiery attacks with ease, her sleek form a blur of motion.
Alina and Lyric joined the fray, their strikes coordinated and unrelenting. Despite the tension between them, Kieran couldn't deny that Alina's skill was invaluable in the fight.
But Malgrave was relentless. He wielded the storm's energy as if it were an extension of himself, hurling bolts of lightning and waves of shadow.
Kieran raised the dragon scale, channeling its power to deflect Malgrave's attacks. "You won't win, Malgrave!" he shouted.
Malgrave smirked. "This isn't about winning, Keeper. This is about awakening."
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As the battle raged, Kieran realized they were losing ground. The storm's energy was too powerful, and Malgrave's beast showed no signs of slowing.
In a desperate move, Kieran raised the dragon scale and called upon the energy of all five artifacts. The power surged through him, blindingly bright and searingly hot.
"Kieran, no!" Alina shouted, her voice filled with panic.
But Kieran ignored her. He directed the energy toward the altar, hoping to seal the storm's power and prevent the shadow's awakening.
The explosion of light and sound was deafening. Kieran felt himself being thrown backward, his body numb from the force of the blast.
When he opened his eyes, the plateau was silent. Malgrave was gone, and the storm had calmed.
---
Kieran staggered to his feet, the dragon scale clutched tightly in his hand. The artifacts glowed faintly, their energy depleted but still present.
Nyx limped to his side, her golden eyes filled with concern.
"Kieran!" Alina ran to him, her face pale. "Are you okay?"
"I'm fine," he said, though his voice was weak.
Alina looked at the shattered altar, her expression grim. "We stopped Malgrave, but at what cost? The shadow's power is growing, and we're running out of time."
Kieran nodded, his resolve hardening. "Then we'll find the Nexus and finish this."
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