The group moved deeper into the temple, the air growing colder with each step. The shard's pull was almost overwhelming now, a steady thrum that resonated in Caius's chest. The faint blue light that pulsed along the walls had grown brighter, casting strange, flickering shadows across the cracked stone floor.
Caius's flames flickered faintly around his hand, lighting the path ahead. Elara walked beside him, her sword drawn and her gaze sharp. The stranger trailed a few steps behind, their silver eyes scanning the carvings that lined the walls.
"It's too quiet," Elara said softly, her voice cutting through the stillness.
"Enjoy it while it lasts," the stranger replied, their tone light but edged with tension.
Caius didn't respond, his focus locked on the corridor ahead. The shard was close—he could feel its energy like a heartbeat, steady and unrelenting.
The corridor opened into a massive chamber, its ceiling lost in shadow. At the center of the room stood a pedestal, its surface glowing faintly with the same blue light that pulsed along the walls. Resting on the pedestal was the shard, its dark crystal surface shimmering with an unnatural brilliance.
Caius stepped forward, the pull in his chest almost unbearable now. He could feel the shard's power calling to him, its energy reaching out like invisible tendrils.
"That's it," he said quietly.
Elara moved beside him, her emerald eyes narrowing as she studied the room. "It's not going to be that easy."
The stranger smirked, their silver eyes glinting. "It never is."
As if in response, the air around them grew heavy, a low hum reverberating through the chamber. The carvings along the walls flared to life, their glowing symbols shifting and twisting into new shapes.
A voice echoed through the chamber, deep and resonant, as if it came from the very walls themselves.
"You have come for the shard."
The group froze, their weapons at the ready as the light in the room intensified.
"Who's there?" Caius demanded, his flames flaring brighter.
From the shadows, a figure began to materialize. It was humanoid but translucent, its form flickering like a ghost. Its eyes glowed with an otherworldly light, and its voice resonated with ancient authority.
"You seek power that was not meant for you."
The figure stepped closer, its movements slow and deliberate. It raised a hand, and the air around the shard shimmered with a faint barrier.
"I am the Keeper," it said, its voice echoing through the chamber. "I guard what should remain sealed. Turn back now, or face the consequences."
Caius stepped forward, his flames flickering around his hand. "We don't have a choice. The shard is dangerous, and if we don't claim it, someone else will."
The Keeper tilted its head, its glowing eyes narrowing. "Do you truly believe you can wield its power without being consumed? The shards are not mere tools—they are pieces of something far greater. Something that should never have been broken."
Elara tightened her grip on her sword. "What do you mean?"
The Keeper's gaze shifted to her, its voice softening slightly. "You travel with one who is marked. The power he seeks will unmake him, just as it did before."
Caius's chest tightened. "What are you talking about?"
The Keeper raised its hand, and for a brief moment, the shard flared with blinding light. Images flashed through Caius's mind—visions of fire and shadow, of a towering figure wreathed in dark flames.
He stumbled back, his breath coming in sharp gasps.
"Caius!" Elara said, catching his arm.
"I'm fine," Caius said quickly, though his voice was strained.
The Keeper lowered its hand, its gaze unwavering. "You cannot escape what you are. The shard will show you that."
Before anyone could respond, the chamber trembled violently, cracks spreading through the walls. The hum of energy grew louder, and from the shadows, a new group emerged.
Figures in dark cloaks stepped into the light, their faces obscured by masks. At their center stood a tall figure with a staff, their aura radiating power.
"Looks like we're not the only ones after the shard," the stranger muttered, their silver eyes narrowing.
The tall figure stepped forward, their voice calm but commanding. "The shard belongs to us. Step aside, or we'll take it by force."
Caius raised his dagger, his flames flaring to life. "Not a chance."
The masked figure tilted their head slightly, as if amused. "So be it."
With a sharp motion, they slammed their staff into the ground, and the air around them crackled with energy. The cloaked figures charged, their weapons drawn and their movements precise.
The chamber erupted into chaos as the two groups clashed. Caius darted forward, his flames coiling around his arm as he deflected a blade aimed at his chest. He countered with a burst of fire, forcing his opponent back.
Elara fought with precision and determination, her sword flashing as she parried a series of strikes from two attackers. She moved with practiced ease, her blade finding weak points in their defenses.
The stranger unleashed bursts of silver energy, their runes glowing brightly as they struck down two opponents with sharp, calculated movements.
Above them, the Keeper watched silently, its translucent form flickering as the battle raged.
Caius turned his attention to the masked figure, their staff glowing faintly as they began to chant. The air around them shimmered, and a wave of dark energy surged toward him.
Caius raised his hand, his flames surging to meet the attack. The two forces collided, sending shockwaves through the chamber.
"You can't win this," the masked figure said, their voice low. "The shards are not yours to claim."
"They're not yours either," Caius shot back, his flames burning brighter.
The figure smirked beneath their mask. "We'll see about that."
As the battle continued, the shard's glow intensified, its energy pulsing like a heartbeat. Caius could feel its pull growing stronger, tugging at him with increasing urgency.
The Keeper's voice echoed through the chamber once more. "You seek to claim what you do not understand. The shard will test you—and it will break you if you are not worthy."
Caius's jaw tightened, his flames coiling around him like a shield. "Then let it try."