A heavy silence hung in the chamber as Kaelen absorbed Varian's words. The revelation twisted in his gut like a blade his power wasn't just forbidden magic; it was a remnant of a force that could unravel reality itself. And Elias Drennar was hunting for it.
Seraphina was the first to break the quiet. "So… what do we do?" Her voice was calm, but her violet eyes betrayed the storm of thoughts racing through her mind.
Varian sighed, closing the ancient tome with a thud. "The answer lies in the past." He gestured toward the tapestry. "Your father spent his life searching for a way to control the Crimson Power without succumbing to it. His research led him to an artifact one that could act as a conduit, a stabilizer. But before he could secure it… he was betrayed."
Kaelen's fists clenched. Another reminder of the betrayal that had shaped his life. Another name to add to his growing list of enemies. "Where is this artifact now?"
Varian hesitated. "That's the problem. No one knows."
Dorian scoffed. "You brought us here, spilled this earth-shattering revelation, and you don't even know where the damn thing is?"
Varian shot him a sharp look. "I said no one knows. But there are leads. Your father's last recorded expedition was to the Ruins of Myrrh, deep within the Crimson Wastes. He believed something there held the key to controlling the power."
"The Crimson Wastes…" Seraphina muttered, folding her arms. "That's dangerous territory. The Syndicate has been expanding its influence there, fortifying the ruins."
Kaelen's jaw tightened. "Then Elias is already moving."
Varian nodded grimly. "If he gets there first and unlocks the full potential of the Crimson Power…" His voice trailed off, leaving the rest unsaid.
Kaelen already knew. If Elias succeeded, there would be no stopping him.
"We leave at dawn," Kaelen said firmly, his eyes gleaming with cold determination.
Seraphina hesitated for a moment before nodding. "Then we'd better prepare."
Varian stepped forward, placing a hand on Kaelen's shoulder. His gaze was heavy, filled with an unspoken warning. "One last thing, Kaelen."
Kaelen met his stare.
"The Crimson Power is not just a weapon. It is alive. It watches you, tests you, tempts you. The more you use it, the closer you come to losing yourself."
Kaelen smirked, though there was no humor in it. "Then I'll just have to be stronger."
Varian didn't look convinced.
As Kaelen turned to leave, he felt the weight of fate pressing against his shoulders. The past was catching up to him, and the road ahead was treacherous.
But one thing was certain.
He would not let Elias Drennar win.
Not now. Not ever.
To Be Continued…