Isla lay on a cot in Eldrin's cabin, her body aching from head to toe. Bandages wrapped her arms and torso, and every breath felt like fire in her lungs. She stared at the wooden ceiling, the faint smell of herbs and ash drifting through the room. The battle in the Mana Rift had left her broken, and the lingering effects of her overused mana coursed through her like a storm she couldn't quiet.
Eldrin sat by her side, his expression grim. "You're lucky to be alive," he said, his tone both relieved and stern. "Overusing your mana like that could've killed you."
Isla turned her head slightly, her voice barely above a whisper. "I had to protect Kyren."
Eldrin sighed, rubbing his temples. "I understand that, but your recklessness has consequences. You can't afford to let your emotions dictate your actions, especially with power like yours."
His words stung, but Isla nodded weakly. She knew he was right, yet there was a deeper fear gnawing at her—a fear she couldn't share.
That night, Isla's dreams were anything but restful. She found herself standing in a dark void, the air cold and heavy. In the distance, she saw a faint glow, like embers smoldering in the darkness. As she approached, the glow grew brighter, revealing a massive iron cage. Inside, a figure loomed, its form shifting and shadowy. Two burning crimson eyes locked onto her, and a voice echoed in her mind.
"So, you've come," the figure said, its tone deep and chilling. "The one who dares to wield my power."
Isla froze, her heart pounding. "Who are you?"
The figure chuckled, a sound that sent shivers down her spine. "I am the Demon Lord you've heard so much about. The power you so foolishly took from that scroll? It is mine, and with every use, you make me stronger."
She staggered back, her breath catching in her throat. "That's not possible. You were defeated. You're… you're gone."
"Gone?" The Demon Lord's laughter boomed. "No, child. I am very much alive, though bound within this cage—for now. But each time you call on my power, the bars weaken. And one day, I will break free."
Isla's fists clenched, her fear mingling with anger. "I won't let you. I'll control this power. I'll keep you locked away."
The Demon Lord's eyes gleamed with malice. "Control? Foolish girl. You barely understand what you've unleashed. But go ahead. Fight. Struggle. It will make no difference in the end."
Isla jolted awake, her body drenched in sweat. Her hands trembled as she sat up, her breath coming in ragged gasps. She glanced around the room, half-expecting to see the Demon Lord's glowing eyes in the shadows, but the cabin was quiet, save for the crackle of the dying fire.
The next morning, Eldrin and Troy checked on her. "You seem worse," Troy said, his brow furrowed. "Are you sure you're okay?"
Isla forced a small smile. "Just sore. I'll be fine."
Eldrin's sharp eyes lingered on her. "If there's anything you're not telling us, now's the time. The Rift has a way of leaving scars that aren't always visible."
She hesitated but shook her head. "I'm fine. Really."
Over the next few days, Isla struggled to keep her secret. The Demon Lord's presence loomed in her mind like a dark shadow, always watching, always waiting. She began to feel the strain of suppressing the power, her mana flickering uncontrollably during training. Eldrin noticed but said nothing, though his concern grew with each passing day.
One evening, Isla sat alone outside the cabin, staring at the stars. The faint hum of mana pulsed within her, a constant reminder of the battle she was fighting. She closed her eyes, reaching inward to the mental cage where the Demon Lord resided.
"Why me?" she whispered.
The Demon Lord's voice echoed in her mind. "You were foolish enough to open the scroll. You were foolish enough to think you could control what lies within. And now, you are mine."
"You're wrong," Isla said, her voice firm despite the fear in her heart. "This is my body, my power. You'll never take it from me."
The Demon Lord's laughter rang out, cold and mocking. "We shall see, child. We shall see."
By the time Isla returned to the cabin, her resolve had hardened. She knew she couldn't rely on anyone else to fight this battle for her. Eldrin and Troy could train her, guide her, but this struggle was hers alone. And no matter how terrifying the Demon Lord's power was, she wouldn't let it consume her.
For now, she would keep her secret, but she vowed to find a way to conquer the darkness within. One step at a time.