The shadowbeast roared, its voice shaking the trees and sending a flock of birds scattering into the night. Its massive form loomed over the clearing, its black scales glistening in the faint light of Lyra's lantern. Its eyes burned like twin coals, and its claws dug deep grooves into the earth as it advanced.
Kael froze, his breath caught in his throat. The Fragment of Fire pulsed in his hand, its warmth spreading through him, but it did little to calm his racing heart. He had never seen anything like this creature—its very presence seemed to drain the light from the air.
Lyra stepped forward, her dagger gleaming. "Stay back, kid," she said, her voice steady despite the danger. "This thing's not going down easy."
Thorne moved to her side, his massive sword held at the ready. The runes along the blade glowed faintly, casting a soft light that seemed to push back the creature's oppressive darkness. "We need to work together," he said, his voice gruff. "If we don't, we're all dead."
The shadowbeast lunged, its claws slashing through the air. Lyra darted to the side, her movements quick and precise, while Thorne met the creature head-on, his sword clashing against its scales. The impact sent a shockwave through the clearing, and Kael stumbled back, nearly dropping the shard.
"Kael!" Lyra shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Use the shard! You've got power—use it!"
Kael stared at the Fragment of Fire, his mind racing. The voice he had heard earlier echoed in his thoughts: *"Find the others. The crown must be whole again."* But how was he supposed to use this power? He wasn't a warrior or a mage—he was just a blacksmith's apprentice.
The shadowbeast roared again, its tail whipping around and catching Thorne in the chest. The knight was thrown back, slamming into a tree with a grunt of pain. Lyra leapt onto the creature's back, driving her dagger into its scales, but it shook her off with ease, sending her tumbling to the ground.
Kael clenched his fists, the shard growing hotter in his hand. He couldn't just stand there and watch. He had