Chereads / The Chronicles : Lament of The Forsaken / Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: The Journey to Meet the Rebels – Vergathiel Garden

Chapter 15 - Chapter 15: The Journey to Meet the Rebels – Vergathiel Garden

After an intense battle with the guardian golems under Ereshkigal's control, shaking the ground of Altharion Hill, their search for Ian remained fruitless. They had spent an entire day scouring the hill, yet no clues surfaced. As night deepened, despair began to seep into the group.

Gerude, though exhausted and bleeding from an open wound, pressed on relentlessly. "I won't stop. Ian is out there!" she declared, her body on the brink of collapse. Seeing her determination, Elara grew concerned. She knew if Gerude continued like this, she would break. Left with no choice, Elara cast a sleep spell. Gerude staggered before collapsing unconscious. Carefully, Helel carried her down the hill.

**

The next morning, at the base of Altharion Hill, they set up a small camp. The air was cold and biting, and their exhaustion was evident on their faces. While tidying up their belongings, Elara packed their tools into her enchanted bag, but her expression betrayed her worry.

"I didn't know you weighed that much, Gerude," teased Helel, attempting to lighten the mood. His smile was awkward, but he hoped it might at least bring some laughter.

Elara chuckled softly, but Gerude remained silent, lost in thought. Her gaze was distant, her mind adrift elsewhere. Helel paused, realizing his joke had done little to ease her burden.

The silence broke when Gerude spoke. "Thalindra," she called, her voice low yet laden with meaning.

Thalindra approached, her eyes filled with concern. "What is it?"

Gerude met her gaze briefly before continuing. "I had a dream last night. I saw a fairy named Seleneva. She said Ian is in Aurelia and safe there. But..." Gerude took a deep breath, mustering the courage to go on. "She warned me about Ilyrien, the guardian of Vergathiel Garden. She said Ilyrien is now under Malinaara's control."

Thalindra and Elara exchanged glances, their expressions mirroring the same shock upon hearing Seleneva and Ilyrien's names. Helel, however, seemed more deeply shaken when Malinaara's name was mentioned. His fists clenched tightly, and his eyes sharpened, as if haunted by shadows of the past.

"Seleneva and Ilyrien..." Thalindra murmured, her voice heavy. She sighed and looked at Gerude. "Seleneva is the Fairy Queen who watches over the southern edge of Altharion Hill. She's our ally, someone who has always protected the balance of this region."

Elara added, her voice trembling slightly, "And Ilyrien... she's the guardian of Vergathiel Garden, a place of beauty and peace. If she's truly under Malinaara's control..." Her words trailed off, unable to finish.

Helel growled softly, speaking in a deep tone. "Malinaara the Deceiver. She's Ereshkigal's twin sister. Both are forces of destruction, but Malinaara is different... She doesn't fight with brute strength or golems like her brother. She corrupts with deception, ensnares her victims, and drives them to madness. If Ilyrien is under her control, it means she's lost herself completely."

"Twin sister?" Gerude asked, her eyes narrowing with curiosity.

Helel nodded slowly. "Yes. Malinaara and Kharzael are two sides of the same darkness. If Kharzael brings suffering, Malinaara weaves webs of lies that slowly destroy from within. If she's targeting Vergathiel Garden, she's planning something far greater."

The atmosphere grew tense. Elara wiped the sweat from her brow, trying to process the information. "Then we need to move quickly. We don't know how much damage she's already done."

Thalindra nodded. "We can't let Vergathiel Garden fall. It's sacred to the fairies. And if Ilyrien is truly under Malinaara's control, we have to free her, no matter the cost."

"There's no time to rest," Gerude said firmly. Though her body still felt weak, her resolve burned brightly once more.

Without delay, they began preparing for their journey to Vergathiel Garden. Moving swiftly and cautiously, they pushed through the dense forest at the base of Altharion Hill, determined to reach their destination before it was too late.

**

Ereshkigal darted through the trees with haste, his mind consumed by a single name: Ian. His body moved like a shadow, slicing through the darkness, rushing without regard for the path ahead.

Unaware of his surroundings, he collided with someone hidden behind the trees. A loud thud echoed, followed by groans of pain from both parties.

THUD!

Ereshkigal stumbled, his body slamming into something solid. He staggered, while the figure he had struck fell to the ground.

"What the hell?!" Helel exclaimed, rubbing his bruised arm. "A blind shadow, barreling through like a madman!"

Ereshkigal stood, brushing the dirt from his clothes. He rolled his eyes, his face painted with irritation. "A blind shadow, you say? Where's your beacon of light, walking lantern?"

Helel glared at him, then let out a small laugh, though it was more mocking than amused. "Walking lantern? That's a compliment, isn't it? You must need me to light your way in the dark."

Ereshkigal smirked faintly, his gaze sharp with sarcasm. "If your light's so good, why didn't you see me coming? Clearly, you're the blind one!"

From a distance, Thalindra sighed, overhearing the exchange. Elara, on the other hand, giggled softly and whispered, "These two could make a great comedy act someday."

"I heard that, Elara," Helel said, pointing at her with mock anger.

"That's enough," Elara said, still laughing, trying to break them up with a mischievous smile. "You two are like fire and oil. Quite the match, if I'm honest."

Ereshkigal rolled his eyes, while Helel huffed and stood awkwardly.

Once the tension eased, Ereshkigal got straight to the point. "I don't have time for this. I met Seleneva," he said, his voice cold but serious.

"Seleneva?" Thalindra stepped closer, intrigued.

Ereshkigal nodded. "She told me the portal that swallowed Ian leads to Aurelia. Its entrance is in Vergathiel Garden."

Thalindra and Elara exchanged glances before Thalindra calmly replied, "We already know that."

Ereshkigal looked surprised. "What do you mean?"

Gerude stepped forward, interrupting them. Her expression was serious but curious. "I heard the same name... in my dream."

All eyes turned to Gerude as she continued in a heavy but determined tone, "Last night, I dreamed of a fairy named Seleneva. She told me Ian is in Aurelia and that the gateway to Aurelia lies in Vergathiel Garden. But she also warned me that Ilyrien, the garden's guardian, is now under Malinaara's control."

"That's correct," Ereshkigal affirmed briefly.

Silence followed, the name Malinaara hanging heavy in the air.

"We must go immediately," Thalindra declared firmly.

Before they could move, Gerude stepped forward again, cutting through the conversation. Her usual fiery demeanor softened, her gaze lowering slightly as she faced Ereshkigal.

"Ereshkigal..." Gerude began quietly, her tone laced with regret. "I owe you an apology."

Ereshkigal raised an eyebrow, surprised. "An apology? For what?"

Gerude took a deep breath, carefully choosing her words. "I... I didn't mean to blame everything on you back then. I was just... shocked and frustrated. Ian is my only family. My little brother. When he vanished into the portal, I didn't know what to do. I was angry, and I took it out on you. That was wrong of me. I'm sorry."

Ereshkigal stared at her for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, he let out a long sigh, lazily brushing his hair back.

"Fine," he said at last, his voice flat, though a faint warmth underlay his tone. "Apology accepted. But you know, Gerude, if you want to vent your anger, aim it at your enemies, not your friends."

Gerude looked relieved, though Ereshkigal's faint smirk pricked her pride slightly. "Thank you," she said sincerely.

"Don't get too sentimental," Ereshkigal replied, waving a hand dismissively. "Saving Ian is more important than this."

Thalindra smiled faintly before saying, "Alright. If the apologies are done, let's focus. We need to get to Vergathiel Garden as quickly as possible."

Without further delay, they resumed their journey. Though Ereshkigal remained aloof, the tension between them felt lighter. Amid the challenges and danger, they were slowly beginning to understand one another.

**

They moved at full speed toward the Vergathiel Garden, each utilizing their unique abilities to navigate through the dense forest terrain.

Ereshkigal, in his shadowy form, darted nimbly through the tight gaps between the trees. His figure resembled a flowing stream of darkness, weaving silently, merging seamlessly with the shadows cast by the sunlight piercing through the forest canopy.

Helel soared through the air in his human form, his silver-hued wings of light gracefully flapping, keeping him aloft as he glided effortlessly. In his arms, he carefully carried Gerude.

Thalindra and Elara followed closely behind Helel, using wind magic to propel themselves forward at high speed. They flew low, mere meters above the ground, letting the rushing air push their bodies forward. Their cloaks billowed behind them, casting elongated shadows over the hilly forest floor.

"How much farther is it?" Gerude asked from Helel's arms, her voice cutting through the roar of the rushing wind.

"Not too far," Thalindra replied, her tone calm despite their rapid pace. "If we maintain this speed, we'll arrive before nightfall."

Ahead of them, Ereshkigal briefly turned his head, ensuring the group was still together. "Don't slow down," he said coldly, his voice nearly swallowed by the wind. "We don't have time to rest."

Gerude let out a small sigh, deciding not to respond to his curt remark.

Their journey continued without significant obstacles. However, as they neared the Vergathiel Garden, the atmosphere of the forest began to change.

The trees, once vibrant and lush, now appeared darker, as though the essence of life had been drained from their leaves. The air grew heavier, thick with an unspoken tension.

Ereshkigal stopped, seamlessly shifting back into his human form. He stood before a narrow path lined with dark purple flowers. The petals shimmered, but there was something unsettling about them—their glow felt unnatural, as if a malevolent energy pulsed within.

"This is it," Ereshkigal said tersely. "Vergathiel Garden."

Thalindra and Elara landed softly beside him. Helel gently lowered Gerude to the ground, allowing her to stand on her own.

"Something feels... off," Elara murmured, gripping her staff tightly. Her sharp eyes scanned the area, searching for any signs of danger.

Thalindra nodded in agreement. "This garden should be filled with peaceful, natural energy. But now, everything feels... wrong."

Ereshkigal stepped forward, his gaze fixed on the flowers with a sharp, calculating expression. "This is Malinaara's doing," he stated flatly. "She's corrupted the garden."

Gerude clenched her fists. "Then we need to act quickly. We don't know what she's done to Ilyrien."

Helel placed a reassuring hand on Gerude's shoulder. "We'll save Ian and restore this garden to its former state. Trust me."

With heightened vigilance, they pressed onward, moving cautiously into the heart of the Vergathiel Garden, now a place steeped in darkness. Every petal, every shadowed tree seemed to harbor unseen threats, waiting to reveal themselves.

Their journey into the garden had only just begun, but they knew the challenges ahead would be far greater than they had imagined.

**

They ventured deeper into the Vergathiel Garden, the atmosphere growing heavier with every step. The once-majestic trees now stood wilted, and the vibrant flowers that once radiated brilliance now glimmered dimly. The rustling wind carried an eerie resonance, filling the air with a foreign scent that made it feel dense and oppressive.

Thalindra halted, her sharp gaze scanning their surroundings with caution. "This garden... it used to be a place of peace," she murmured, her voice trembling slightly.

Elara gripped her staff tightly. "I can feel it... a force, powerful and hostile."

Their steps froze as Ilyrien emerged from the thin mist. The once-bright eyes of the fae now glowed an ominous red, and her previously shimmering wings appeared dull, fractured with dark veins that seemed to absorb the surrounding light.

"Ilyrien!" Thalindra called out with hope, stepping forward.

But Ilyrien raised her hand, stopping Thalindra in her tracks. "I am no longer Ilyrien," she declared, her voice cold and echoing. "I am Myralith, servant of Malinaara, the herald of a new truth. The Vergathiel Garden is now under my master's control."

Ereshkigal's eyes burned with hatred. "Malinaara," he growled, his voice thick with anger. "She is the one who has corrupted this garden... and enslaved you."

Ilyrien's lips curled into a faint, icy smile, void of warmth or compassion. "Malinaara hasn't corrupted anything. She has revealed the truth to me. I have found a new purpose, and you... you are a threat to the harmony of this garden."

Suddenly, the flowers around them transformed into lethal weapons. Their delicate petals morphed into spinning blades, and thorny vines lashed out like venomous whips.

Elara acted swiftly, casting a protective spell. "Flora Viritas!" A large, leaf-shaped barrier materialized in front of them, absorbing the initial wave of attacks. Yet the onslaught persisted, relentless, as the poisonous mist began to spread, causing them to cough and choke.

"We have to act now!" Gerude shouted, unsheathing her sword and slashing at the attacking vines.

Ereshkigal stepped forward with measured calm, his gaze fixed on Ilyrien—now Myralith. "Noctis Umbrae!" Dark shadows crept across the ground, smothering the aggressive plants in their wake. The vines and petals withered instantly, but Ilyrien merely smiled, her expression eerily confident.

"You have no idea what you're dealing with," she said, her voice low but charged with conviction. "You don't understand the power of Malinaara. She has given me new life... and strength beyond your comprehension."

Suddenly, a chilling laughter echoed through the garden, filling every corner with a menacing frost. It was a mocking sound, like cruel amusement drifting on the decaying winds. From the depths of the thickening mist, a figure they dreaded appeared.

Malinaara, the twin sister of Karzahel, emerged before them, her presence terrifying. Her body was cloaked in shadows, her glowing red eyes slitted like those of a serpent. Two small, curved horns adorned her forehead, and her form was encased in reptilian leather armor that gleamed ominously. Every movement radiated an aura of dark power, as though the world itself recoiled from her presence.

"Ah, you've finally arrived," Malinaara purred, her voice deceptively sweet as a wicked grin spread across her face. Her laughter rang out again, sinister and unyielding. "I've been expecting you. This will be so entertaining—watching you try to stop me, like children playing with fire, ignorant of the inferno that awaits."

Thalindra, Elara, and Gerude felt the tension coil tighter around them. Ereshkigal glared at Malinaara, his hatred burning silently, though he said nothing.

Malinaara stepped closer, though she kept her distance, her eyes glinting with malice. "Do you really think you can defeat me? How naïve." Her gaze shifted mockingly between Thalindra and Elara. "You're far too weak. You'll soon learn that everything you've fought for—everything you've done—will amount to nothing. You'll wither away, just like the flowers of this garden, consumed by the darkness."

Elara clenched her jaw, her voice trembling but resolute. "We won't let you win, Malinaara."

Malinaara chuckled, a hiss like a serpent's echoing through the air. "Oh, of course you'll try. That's what makes this so deliciously amusing. But deep down, you already know... nothing will stop what I've begun. I am an unchangeable fate."

Her grin widened, cold and full of deceit. "Everything you've done, all your struggles, will vanish... and you, you're nothing but pawns, aimlessly drifting like sand swept by the tide."

Thalindra stepped forward, courage pushing through the fear tightening her chest. "Ilyrien doesn't belong to you! What have you done to her?"

Malinaara's grin grew darker, her words dripping with mockery. "Ah, Ilyrien, your dear friend, isn't she? Thalindra and Elara... she's mine now. I've given her a greater purpose."

Ereshkigal's eyes narrowed, his voice cold as ice. "You're just using her."

Malinaara's laughter rang out, cruel and demeaning, as though Ereshkigal's words were beneath her. She paused, her eyes glinting with malice as she turned to Ilyrien—now Myralith.

With deliberate elegance, Malinaara approached Myralith, her movements exuding arrogance. She gently lifted Myralith's chin, tilting her face upward with mock tenderness. Her fingers traced the fae's cheek as if caressing an old friend.

"My dear Myralith," she whispered, her tone deceptively soft, masking the malice underneath. "It pains me, you know, being accused by these little mice of manipulating you. They don't understand, do they? Everything I've done, everything I've given you—it's for our greater good."

Her words were laced with derision, her supposed kindness a blatant lie. "Oh, how could they possibly understand, Myralith? They can't feel what you feel now."

Myralith, ensnared by Malinaara's malevolent influence, remained silent, her eyes vacant. Malinaara stepped back, a satisfied smile on her face as she admired her work. The heroes stood rooted in place, confusion and dread tightening their grip as the shadow of Malinaara's dark power loomed ever closer.

**

Ereshkigal, unable to control his anger, lunged forward. He then launched the first attack. A tendril of dark energy shot toward Malinaara. However, with terrifying calmness, Malinaara merely raised her hand and redirected the dark energy with a single motion. The tendril of darkness was deflected and vanished, unable to touch her body.

Malinaara gazed at Ereshkigal. "You are the Guardian of the Gate of Darkness, yet why is your power so weak?" she said, her voice dripping with mockery. "And Ian, the master you wish to save... you will not succeed."

Malinaara's evil laughter echoed through the air, slicing through the tension surrounding them. Ereshkigal stood silent, his eyes sharply fixed on Malinaara, his anger building, swelling slowly but surely.

Suddenly, two figures appeared behind Malinaara—Helel and Gerude.

Gerude, in shimmering golden armor, her body seemingly coated in radiant light. On the other side, Helel transformed into his light form, his wings stretched wide, emanating a blinding aura. Together, they launched a fast-pulsing light attack toward Malinaara.

Malinaara was taken aback by the sudden assault from Helel and Gerude. However, before she could do anything, Ilyrien appeared in front of her, protecting the demoness. Ilyrien's body was thrown back by the force of the attack from Helel and Gerude, but despite the severe injuries, she rose again. Her face was blank, devoid of pain, as if her body no longer belonged to her—just a puppet being controlled.

Malinaara looked on with a satisfied smile. "See, Ilyrien cares for me so much. She's mine now," she said, her voice low and filled with pride.

Malinaara's wicked grin grew wider, and with a swift motion, she raised her hand. Rotten black flower roots shot forward with incredible speed, aimed at striking Gerude and Helel. But before the roots could reach them, a shadow appeared in front of Gerude and Helel. Ereshkigal materialized. With a calm motion, he muttered an incantation in a flat tone. "Umbra Veil!"

A shield of thick shadows appeared in the air, deflecting Malinaara's attack. The roots wilted instantly upon colliding with the power of Ereshkigal's shadows.

Ereshkigal stared at Malinaara with a cold, powerful gaze. "Your opponent is me, old woman," he said without hesitation.

He then turned his gaze toward Gerude and Helel standing behind him. "Step aside," he commanded briefly. Without hesitation, Gerude and Helel stepped back, moving to stand next to Thalindra and Elara, who now looked at Ilyrien, their friend who had been transformed into Myralith. Their eyes were filled with sorrow, witnessing Ilyrien succumb to Malinaara's influence.

Meanwhile, Malinaara stood with a sly smile, but this time, there was a fake softness in her voice. "Myralith," she called softly, as if pleading. "Please... finish them off. I will deal with this filthy shadow."

Myralith, fully under Malinaara's control, could only stare blankly. Guilt haunted her, but Malinaara's command made her move without feeling, ready to strike her friends without hesitation.

**

The battle between Ereshkigal and Malinaara shook the sky as they glared at each other with eyes full of hatred and determination. Ereshkigal, feeling the dark power coursing through him, raised his hand high. In an instant, thick shadows enveloped his body, seeping into the ground and creating an atmosphere of complete darkness.

"Dûn'zaroth!" Ereshkigal shouted in a low voice, and in the blink of an eye, black hands emerged from the dark shadows of the earth, crawling rapidly toward Malinaara, attempting to ensnare and restrain her. But with a mocking laugh, Malinaara simply waved her hand, creating a wall of black energy that blocked the attack.

"What is this? Is this your power?" Malinaara taunted, her voice dripping with disdain. With a swift movement, she raised her hand into the air, gathering the dark energy around her. "Râs'garoth!" she cried, sending a deadly wave of black energy toward Ereshkigal.

A loud explosion tore through the air as the attack struck Ereshkigal's shadow shield. Though the energy wave nearly shattered his shield, Ereshkigal held firm, reinforcing his defense with a single incantation.

"Umbra'laneth!" he whispered firmly, and the shadows surrounding him thickened, absorbing much of the force of Malinaara's attack. Ereshkigal could feel Malinaara's effort to break through his defenses.

With lightning speed, Ereshkigal vanished into the shadows and reappeared behind Malinaara in the blink of an eye. "Bîr'vâlthar," he said, swinging his arm. From the shadows, hundreds of black shadow spikes emerged, launching toward Malinaara with deadly speed.

Malinaara only smiled cynically. "Do you think I will be caught in such a cheap attack?" she said as she raised her hand, turning the shadow spikes into dust. "Vreth'zakar!" she shouted, conjuring a shadow creature that moved swiftly, charging at Ereshkigal with its sharp claws.

Ereshkigal didn't hesitate. "Nerath'vorath!" he called. In an instant, a massive shadow tornado appeared around him, sucking in and consuming all of Malinaara's shadow creatures into a whirlpool of darkness that devoured them without a trace.

Malinaara paused for a moment, her cunning smile widening as she looked at the resolute Ereshkigal. "You are indeed strong, Ereshkigal," she said with a mocking tone. "But your power is restrained, along with that child you think is your master, isn't it?" With a swift movement, she gathered the dark energy around her, forming an ever-growing black energy ball. "Zal'rakoth!" she shouted, hurling the ball with full force toward Ereshkigal.

Ereshkigal realized the threat of the energy ball was too great to dodge. With unwavering determination, he uttered a chant. "Fëryz'noth!" he cried. A larger, darker, and more powerful shadow vortex materialized around him. The shadows swirled, devouring everything in their path.

The two attacks collided in midair with a blast that shook the ground beneath them. The roar of unimaginable power filled the space, and the earth cracked as if the world itself might shatter from the tremendous clash of energies.

"You fight so hard, Ereshkigal," Malinaara said, her voice almost dripping with mockery. "But in the end, my darkness is always stronger."

Ereshkigal glared at Malinaara with eyes full of hatred. "Your darkness is nothing but a shadow of true darkness," he answered firmly. "And I am the True Darkness."

They stood, locked in a fierce stare, both believing they would emerge victorious, even though the battle had only just begun.

On the other side of the battlefield, Ilyrien, now fully under Myralith's control, stood with an empty, soulless gaze, as if her body no longer belonged to her. Malinaara controlled Ilyrien completely, using her as a tool for her dark ambitions. Yet, deep inside Ilyrien, remnants of consciousness remained, still struggling against the dark influence that governed her body.

Thalindra and Elara stood side by side, their staffs ready, but their hearts were filled with doubt. They knew that the body before them was Ilyrien's, their former friend.

Inside her mind, Ilyrien could hear the deafening sounds of battle, but in her heart, she still felt sorrow and regret. Her body, now infused with evil energy, moved uncontrollably.

Thalindra felt the rising tension. With eyes full of resolve, she stepped forward. "We must hold on until we find a way to save Ilyrien," she said with firm determination. "If we don't stop her now, she will lose herself forever."

"True," Elara replied, staring at the body that was now their enemy. "But we cannot attack with full force. Ilyrien is still inside."

Gerude nodded. "We have no choice. We can only slow her down without endangering her body."

Helel raised his hand, light energy sparkling around him. "We will hold off Myralith's power, but we must be careful."

Ilyrien, under Myralith's control, glared at them with dark eyes, though occasionally, a flash of sorrow appeared. Suddenly, she raised her hand, manipulating the dark energy flowing through her. "You... stand in my way?" Myralith's voice was full of hatred, yet there was a silence within it, as though Ilyrien was still trying to speak.

With a swift movement, Ilyrien sent a wave of black energy toward Thalindra and Elara. "Valthor'kren!" Myralith's voice echoed, and the dark energy wave shot forward, attempting to engulf them in a deep darkness.

Thalindra was not surprised. She immediately cast her defensive spell. "Vâlen'aris!" A pyramid-shaped light shield appeared in front of her, holding off the attack with her magical power. However, the wave was so strong that it forced Thalindra and Elara to take several steps back, even though they survived.

Elara, with a broken heart, clenched her fists and recited a spell, "Aerith'luna!" Fierce winds spiraled around her, creating a wind vortex that blocked the next attack, sweeping away the energy wave that almost hit them.

But Ilyrien didn't give up so easily. Inside her, a battle raged between Malinaara's dark control and her own will to be free. "You... won't stop me!" Myralith screamed, her eyes blazing as dark power surged within her.

Gerude, unable to stand by, raised both hands and shouted, "Ignis'firon!" A large ball of bright blue fire shot quickly toward Myralith. But once again, Myralith deflected it swiftly using Malinaara's energy pouring from her body.

"Valkor'nagath!" Ilyrien cried, unleashing a larger and more powerful dark attack. The black energy formed into a giant shadow that surged toward Gerude, Helel, Thalindra, and Elara. They quickly dodged, but some of the attack still hit them, leaving burning wounds and deep pain.

Helel, now under intense pressure, decided to strike with light energy. "Sol'vathar!" With a single movement, his light wings emitted a burst of bright light that shattered much of Ilyrien's attack. But Myralith still stood firm, her body vibrating with increasingly terrifying power.

"Ilyrien, we won't let you be destroyed!" Elara cried, her voice full of hope despite the pain in her heart. "We will save you, no matter what happens!"

But Myralith laughed, her smile full of contempt. "Myralith is no longer Ilyrien!" she shouted with venom. "I am stronger than all of you! You can't stop what has already happened!"

At that moment, inside Myralith's body, Ilyrien's resistance grew stronger. She struggled hard, focusing all her energy to drive out the dark influence controlling her. "Thalindra... Elara..." her voice was barely audible, but there was a deep sincerity in it. "Please... help me."

Thalindra and Elara heard the whisper, and although they were caught in the fierce battle, they knew that Ilyrien was still inside Myralith. "Ilyrien... we will defeat this darkness together," Thalindra replied, her voice full of resolve.

The battle grew more intense. Magic attacks collided, dark and light forces clashing, creating a thunderous roar that shook the earth around them. But amid the battle, hope remained. They would not give up on saving their friend, still trapped inside the body of their enemy.