The frostwrought construct roared as it barreled toward Kael, its claws tearing through the frozen earth. The temperature in the air plummeted, frost creeping along the ground as the beast's icy form radiated an unnatural cold.
"Spread out!" Ember barked, her flames blazing as she darted to the side. "Don't let it pin us down!"
Kael's heart pounded as he stumbled backward, the golden thread in his chest pulsing frantically. The crystals in his satchel hummed in response, their energy clashing with the construct's oppressive aura.
Lira was already moving, her daggers flashing as she darted behind the beast. "I'll keep it distracted—just don't let it crush me!"
Umbra growled low in his throat, shadowy tendrils lashing out from his small form. "Kael, the crystals—it's drawn to them!"
Kael gritted his teeth, clutching the satchel tightly. The construct's glowing white eyes locked onto him, and it let out another guttural roar before charging.
"Kael, move!" Ember shouted.
Kael dove to the side just as the construct's claws slammed into the ground where he had been standing. The impact sent a shockwave through the rocky terrain, throwing up shards of ice and snow.
"Over here, you oversized icicle!" Lira called, hurling one of her daggers at the beast. The blade struck its shoulder, but the construct barely flinched.
The beast turned toward her with a growl, its glowing eyes narrowing. Lira smirked and darted away, her movements swift and fluid as she led it toward the edge of the clearing.
"Keep it busy!" Kael shouted, scrambling to his feet.
The golden thread pulsed again, and Kael felt its warmth surge through him. He reached into his satchel, pulling out the golden crystal. Its light flared brightly, casting a warm glow over the icy battlefield.
The construct froze, its glowing eyes snapping back to Kael. It let out a deafening roar, its icy claws digging into the ground as it charged again.
Kael raised the crystal, willing its energy to flow through him. The golden thread responded, its rhythm syncing with the crystal's light.
"Stop!" Kael shouted, releasing a wave of golden energy.
The light struck the construct head-on, and it staggered, cracks spreading across its icy body. Frost and shards of ice fell to the ground as the beast let out a howl of pain.
"It's working!" Ember shouted, her flames flaring as she darted toward the construct. She released a stream of fire that struck its side, melting more of the ice that encased its form.
The construct roared, swinging one massive claw toward her. Ember leapt back, her flames blazing as she narrowly avoided the strike.
Lira seized the opportunity, darting in with her daggers flashing. She struck at the beast's exposed joints, her blades finding purchase in the cracks left by the golden light.
The construct growled, twisting to swipe at her, but Lira was already gone, her movements as quick as the wind.
"Kael, hit it again!" Umbra shouted, his shadowy tendrils wrapping around the beast's legs in an attempt to slow it down.
Kael raised the golden crystal again, focusing on the thread's energy. The warmth surged through him, and the crystal's light flared brighter.
Another wave of golden energy erupted from the crystal, slamming into the construct's chest. The beast howled as more cracks spread across its icy body, its movements growing slower and more erratic.
"We're wearing it down!" Ember said, her flames burning hotter.
The construct roared, its glowing eyes narrowing as it focused on Kael. With a guttural growl, it raised both claws and slammed them into the ground.
A shockwave of ice and frost erupted from the impact, racing toward Kael with terrifying speed.
"Kael!" Umbra barked, darting toward him.
Kael barely had time to react. The golden thread pulsed wildly, and he instinctively raised the crystal. The golden light flared again, forming a shimmering barrier that deflected the icy wave.
The impact sent Kael stumbling backward, his chest heaving as the crystal's light dimmed.
"It's desperate," Ember growled, her fiery eyes narrowing. "Finish it!"
Kael nodded, gripping the crystal tightly. He stepped forward, the golden thread's energy surging through him. The warmth spread through his limbs, steadying his trembling hands.
"Lira, Umbra, now!" he shouted.
Lira darted forward, her daggers flashing as she struck at the construct's exposed joints. Umbra's shadows surged upward, wrapping around the beast's legs and holding it in place.
Kael raised the crystal one last time, pouring everything he had into the golden thread. The warmth became a blazing inferno, and the crystal's light flared brighter than ever.
A wave of golden energy erupted from the crystal, slamming into the construct with enough force to shatter the ground beneath it.
The beast let out one final, ear-splitting roar as its icy body cracked and splintered. With a deafening crash, it collapsed, its massive form dissolving into a pile of frost and shards.
Kael sank to his knees, the crystal's light dimming in his hands. His chest heaved, and his limbs felt like lead, but relief washed over him as the battlefield fell silent.
"It's over," Ember said, her flames flickering weakly.
Umbra padded over, his small body trembling with exhaustion. "You did it," he said softly, his glowing blue eyes filled with awe.
Kael nodded, though his body felt like it might give out at any moment. "We all did."
Lira retrieved her daggers from the icy remains, wiping them clean on her cloak. "Not bad, kid," she said with a faint grin. "But let's try to avoid any more death machines, yeah?"
Kael managed a weak smile, though his mind was already racing. The construct was gone, but the crystals' energy felt heavier than ever, their warmth a constant reminder of the danger they carried.
"We need to keep moving," Kael said, forcing himself to his feet.
Ember nodded. "Venric's estate isn't far now. But after that... we're going to need answers."
Kael tightened his grip on the satchel, the golden thread pulsing faintly in his chest. Whatever lay ahead, they couldn't afford to fail.