The shadows of Dusk Hollow faded behind them, but the weight of their journey lingered in the air. Drakar's boots crunched against gravel as they stepped out onto a ridge overlooking a vast expanse. In the distance, jagged cliffs rose like the spines of a sleeping beast, and strange, shimmering clouds drifted across the sky.
Kaelen let out a low whistle. "I've seen a lot of strange places, but this... this is something else."
Taronis stood silently, his eyes fixed on the horizon. "This is the Obsidian Expanse, a place where the lines between realms thin. It is said that the Unseen—beings older than the gods—still whisper here."
Drakar adjusted the straps of his pack, still feeling the residual ache from the Trial of Will. "Are these whispers dangerous?"
Taronis glanced at him. "Dangerous is an understatement."
he Descent into the Expanse
The path down into the expanse was narrow and winding, flanked by sharp ridges of black stone. The further they descended, the more the air shimmered with an eerie, prismatic glow.
Kaelen's grin faltered as he stared at the strange clouds. "Those aren't normal, are they?"
"No," Taronis replied. "The Veilborn Winds. They carry whispers of forgotten truths and nightmares."
Drakar furrowed his brow. "How do we avoid them?"
"We don't," Taronis said. "We endure."
A low hum filled the air, growing louder with each step. The winds swirled around them, carrying faint voices—some pleading, others mocking.
You will fail.
Why do you continue?
Turn back.
Drakar felt the weight of the words press against his thoughts. He clenched his fists, his mind reaching for memories of his vow beneath the stars.
Kaelen chuckled nervously. "So... is it just me, or do they sound oddly personal?"
"They are," Taronis replied calmly. "The winds know what lies in your heart."
Drakar forced himself to focus on the path. The winds tugged at his resolve, but he pressed forward. Taronis walked without wavering, and even Kaelen, though pale, maintained his composure.
The Sentinel's Warning
At the base of the ridge, a monolithic structure stood—a towering archway carved from obsidian and etched with glowing runes. In its center, a figure clad in black armor stood motionless. Its helmet was shaped like a dragon's maw, and twin blue flames burned within the visor.
Taronis slowed, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "The Veilbound Sentinel."
Kaelen's grin returned, though it was tight. "Looks friendly."
The sentinel's voice rumbled like distant thunder. "Only those who seek truth may pass."
Drakar stepped forward. "We seek to become stronger."
The sentinel's flames flared. "Strength without truth is hollow. Do you carry the weight of your choices, or do you hide from them?"
Drakar felt the question pierce through his defenses like an arrow. His past failures and fears resurfaced—but instead of shrinking from them, he met them head-on.
"I don't hide," Drakar said firmly. "I face what I've done. I carry it with me."
The sentinel was silent for a moment before its flames dimmed. "Then you may pass."
The archway shimmered, revealing a swirling void of silver light. Taronis motioned for them to step through.
The Unseen Realm
As they crossed the threshold, the world shifted. The sky above was a sea of stars that seemed impossibly close, and the ground beneath their feet glowed with veins of gold and silver. Strange floating islands drifted lazily in the distance, their surfaces covered in crystal forests.
Kaelen let out a breathless laugh. "Well... this is new."
Taronis's expression was grim. "Stay vigilant. The Unseen are not bound by mortal rules."
Drakar stared in awe as faint figures of light and shadow danced across the sky. Some resembled great beasts with wings that spanned entire islands, while others took more humanoid forms.
A low hum resonated through the air, growing stronger as a towering figure descended from the sky. Its form was draped in silver threads, and its face was an ever-shifting mask of stars.
"I am Varethion, Keeper of the Horizon," it spoke, its voice both melodic and unearthly. "Why do you walk this path?"
Taronis stepped forward. "To forge strength unbreakable."
Varethion's gaze turned to Drakar, its starry mask shifting. "And you, child of Garmok? What will you sacrifice to hold such strength?"
Drakar took a steady breath. "Whatever it takes."
The Keeper's eyes pulsed like twin novas. "Then prove your resolve."
The ground beneath Drakar's feet trembled as shimmering constructs of light took form—three figures shaped like warriors, each armed with blades of starlight.
Taronis and Kaelen began to step forward, but Drakar raised a hand. "This is my trial."
The first construct lunged, its blade slicing through the air with a hiss. Drakar ducked low, rolling beneath its swing, and drove his dagger upward. The construct dissolved into motes of light, but the second was already upon him.
Drakar twisted, blocking the strike with his bracer and countering with a slash across the construct's chest. Light burst from the impact, but the final warrior was relentless. It struck with speed and precision, forcing Drakar back.
His heart pounded, but his mind was clear. He feinted to the left, then pivoted, slamming his fist into the construct's core. The light flared before fading into nothingness.
Varethion watched in silence as the last mote of light vanished. Then it nodded. "Your path remains open."
The Keeper lifted its hand, and a new doorway of starlight appeared.
Taronis placed a hand on Drakar's shoulder. "You've done well."
Kaelen smirked. "Remind me never to bet against you."
Drakar gave a faint smile as they stepped toward the glowing doorway. The Unseen Realm faded behind them, but its echoes lingered in Drakar's heart.
The journey continued.