Erya grabbed Kael's hand, pulling him forward with urgency. Just as they moved, a deafening crash shook the air—a massive rock slammed down beside them, sending dust and debris flying. The ground trembled beneath their feet. Heart pounding, they didn't hesitate. Without a word, they sprinted toward the lower ground of the temple, adrenaline fueling their every step.
After what felt like an eternity, they reached the lower part of the temple, their bodies worn out by the chaos. Silent for a moment, they both knew it was time to rest. Erya quickly gathered dry sticks, and Kael, with practiced ease, lit a fire. The flames sparked to life, casting warmth that cut through the chill of the ruins and breaking the heavy silence around them.
Kael unpacked some food, and they sat together, eating quietly. The tension of the journey melted away with each bite, and soon, the conversation began to flow naturally. Erya's voice was soft as she spoke of her past. "I was born in Eryndor. I was just a child when the kingdom fell. My family thought they could control magic, use it for power. They were wrong."
Kael listened intently, the weight of her words sinking in. "So, you want to stop this, don't you? The magic, the map... it all leads back to Eryndor."
Erya's gaze softened, a flicker of something deep within her eyes. After a moment, she spoke, her voice steady but carrying a hint of uncertainty. "I have a slight hope," she said. "A hope that I can make things right. Even if the chances are slim... I want to believe it's still possible."
The fire crackled between them, and for a while, neither spoke. Kael's mind raced, but there was a sense that their paths were more closely tied than he could comprehend.
Breaking the silence, Kael spoke quietly, his eyes fixed on the flames. "I've always been curious about magic. I don't fully understand it, but it feels like something I need to learn. That's why I'm on this journey—to find answers and understand more about myself."
Erya's expression grew serious as she met his gaze. "I know," she said, her voice calm but firm. "Magic can be powerful, but it brings destruction if you don't understand it. This kingdom... it's more dangerous than you can imagine."
A heavy silence settled over them, and after a while, they both knew it was time to sleep. The exhaustion from the day's events caught up with them, and without another word, they lay down on the cold stone floor. The fire flickered softly beside them, casting gentle shadows on the walls. Soon, they both drifted into a deep sleep, knowing the mysteries of the temple awaited them the next day.
The following morning, they continued their exploration of the temple, moving cautiously through narrow, winding halls. After what seemed like hours, they finally reached the central chamber. It was vast, silent, and awe-inspiring, with towering walls covered in ancient carvings. They stood still, taking in the grandeur of the place, knowing they had arrived at the heart of the temple.
At the center of the chamber, the ruins of the palace loomed, a shadow of a forgotten past. Kael stepped forward, the map glowing with an intense light. Erya stood beside him, her hand resting on the hilt of her sword, ready for whatever lay ahead.
In the middle of the room, an altar stood, its glow mirroring that of the map. The soft light pulsed, almost alive, drawing them in with an undeniable pull.
Kael knelt before the altar, and in that moment, a surge of energy rushed through him—stronger than anything he had ever experienced. It felt like an adrenaline rush, but a thousand times more intense. His heart pounded in his chest, and he gasped, trying to steady himself. "Maybe... we need to place the map on the altar," he said, his voice trembling with uncertainty.
Erya watched him in silence, knowing this was the next step but allowing him to make the decision. After a moment, she spoke, her voice calm yet carrying the weight of what was to come. "Yes," she said simply, acknowledging his choice.
With a deep breath, Kael placed the map on the altar, his hands shaking as he set it down, the glow of the map intensifying as it made contact with the surface.