The sun was setting when they reached the Whispering Ruins. Ancient stone arches jutted from the earth like the bones of a long-dead beast. Vines crept over the cracked walls, and glowing blue runes shimmered faintly in the fading light.
"This place gives me the creeps," Kael muttered.
Aria scanned the ruins, her bow at the ready. "Stay sharp. These ruins are known for their... inhabitants."
Eldrin's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "The Blades of Elvarion were forged here. Their power lingers in the stones."
Kael frowned. "Power or no power, let's get in and get out."
They made their way through the ruins, their footsteps echoing in the eerie silence. The air was thick with ancient magic, and Kael's skin prickled.
Suddenly, a ghostly whisper filled the air.
Leave this place...
Kael froze. "Did you hear that?"
Aria nodded, her expression tense. "Yeah. And it wasn't the wind."
Eldrin's voice was steady. "The spirits of Elvarion's first defenders. They guard this place even in death."
"Fantastic," Kael muttered. "Ghosts. Just what we needed."
The whispering grew louder, rising to a chorus of anguished voices. Spectral figures began to materialize—warriors clad in shimmering armor, their faces obscured by mist.
Kael raised his sword. "Are they friendly?"
"Not exactly," Eldrin said grimly.
The spirits drew their weapons and advanced.
"Defend yourselves!" Eldrin commanded.
Kael charged forward, his sword slicing through a spirit. The blade met resistance, but the spirit dissolved with a wail.
Aria's arrows flew through the air, striking the spirits with uncanny accuracy. Eldrin chanted, sending pulses of energy that disintegrated entire groups of spirits.
Despite their efforts, the spirits kept coming.
"We're going to be overwhelmed!" Aria shouted.
Eldrin's eyes blazed. "There's a central rune stone. Destroy it, and the spirits will be banished."
"Where is it?" Kael demanded.
"Follow the light!" Eldrin pointed.
A faint blue glow pulsed at the heart of the ruins.
"Cover me!" Kael shouted.
He sprinted toward the rune stone, ducking and weaving through the spectral onslaught. His muscles burned, but he pushed forward.
Finally, he reached the stone. It was carved with ancient symbols that pulsed with dark energy.
Kael raised his sword. "Here goes nothing."
With a mighty swing, he shattered the stone. The runes exploded in a burst of light, and the spirits let out a final, mournful wail before fading into the air.
Silence fell over the ruins.
Kael stood panting, his sword trembling in his grip.
Aria and Eldrin joined him, their expressions weary but triumphant.
"Nice work," Aria said.
Eldrin nodded. "You broke the curse."
Kael managed a weak smile. "One step closer to finishing this nightmare."
They stood together, the ruins now bathed in a tranquil glow. But in the distance, dark clouds gathered—a reminder that their true battle was yet to come.