Chapter 9 – Echo of Darkness and the Awakening
Lion, after being released by the Draquia and falling through the air, is once again snatched by the creature, which soars even higher.
Nicia raises her arms, channels her magical energy, and hurls it at the Draquia. Zury, in turn, gathers power into her arrow and also strikes the creature.
The Draquia releases Lion and charges at Nicia and Zury, roaring furiously and spewing a stream of fire. Nicia raises a magical barrier to defend herself. As the fire dies down, Zury shoots an energy-charged arrow straight into the creature's mouth.
The beast roars in pain. With a brutal swing of its tail, it slams Zury into a tree. She manages to soften the impact, but a branch pierces her flesh.
— Zury, are you okay?! — Nicia shouts, distressed.
Before she can finish her sentence, the Draquia breathes fire again. Nicia raises her barrier once more, but the blast throws her backward, her head hitting a rock.
The creature lets out a thunderous roar and flies away.
---
Lion, unconscious on the ground, plunges into a nightmare.
He sees the kingdom of Gíria consumed by darkness. Jack, Nicia, Soleya, Zury... all dead. Valtherk kneels before a shadowy figure standing next to the artifact.
A voice echoes in Lion's mind, repeating in a maddening whisper:
— You must have it... He has returned... He has returned... He is reborn...
Lion gasps awake, terrified.
— What's happening?! I... I didn't die...
He hears the beating of wings. Looking behind, he sees the Draquia approaching.
Ahead of him, near the edge of a cliff, lies a river far below. The creature opens its jaws, ready to unleash fire. Lion closes his eyes, consumed by fear.
— No... No...
But when he opens them, a burst of energy erupts from his body. The force blasts him over the cliff, sending him into the river, while the Draquia is hurled backward, smashing trees in its wake.
---
Northern Gíria
Zury stands up with effort and rushes to Nicia.
— Nicia, wake up! We have to find Lion!
— Yeah... let's go... — she replies, still dizzy.
Nicia looks at Zury with concern.
— You're bleeding.
— It's nothing. Let's find him.
They mount their horses and ride off in search of Lion.
---
River – Northern Gíria
Lion swims to the far riverbank, panting and trembling.
— I have to go back... I don't want to die... I have to survive...
---
Zury and Nicia spot the Draquia flying with an injured wing, roaring in pain.
— Whatever that thing is... it looks hurt — says Zury.
— It's a Draquia. The first creature born of Karips — explains Nicia. — If Lion did this... then he can do even more.
— Then let's find him!
---
Southern Gíria – Forest
Sasha stares at Alex.
— You're kind of cute, you know?
Alex remains silent.
— I heard you're looking for someone. Tell me... is it your brother, a friend... or your boyfriend?
— That's none of your business — Alex replies firmly.
— What? I let you live. You could at least share something with me.
— You tried to kill us! Want a thank-you card? Keep dreaming.
— You should be nicer to someone like me. But you know what? You should give up on your boyfriend. He's probably dead already.
— Can you stop talking?! — snaps Sara, irritated.
— And if I don't? You gonna kill me, little princess?
— Enough! — says Aaron. — Sasha, weren't you leaving? Why are you still here?
— Obviously. I changed my mind. Someone told me to stay.
Peter glares suspiciously.
— You talking about me?
Sasha looks at Alex.
— I'm talking about you, Alex!
— If you want to leave, then leave. That'll just make things easier for me.
— You're so rude, you know that?
Suddenly, Alex drops to his knees, clutching his head. Blood drips from his nose. Sara runs to him.
— Alex! Are you okay?
— I'm fine... It's nothing...
— Wow... You're really bad at lying. Come on, tell me — are you sick? Or better yet, are you dying and don't want your little princesses to know?
— That's not funny — says Amélia, serious.
— Okay, okay, sorry... princess...
---
Northern Gíria – Forest
— Guys, we need to rest. I can't go any farther — says Soleya, exhausted.
— We need to hurry. Otherwise, we won't make it to Malonia in time — insists Kravons.
Jack watches Clara, who rides silently, her face tense.
— You don't look well. I know it's none of my business, but... ever since the Queen mentioned Kaleos, you've seemed different.
Clara shoots him a sharp glance as they continue northeast.
— If it's none of your business, then don't ask.
— Sorry — Jack replies.
— Let's move! — urges Kravons.
---
Western Gíria – Black Elven Castle – Dungeons
A man hangs upside down in chains, mumbling to himself in delirium.
— I want... I want... I need... I want so much... The Karips... I want the Karips...
A dark elf enters the cell, bringing food, and spits on the prisoner.
— You're disgusting... vile creatures... All of you deserve to die!
The elf approaches with a cane, ready to beat him. But the chained man kicks his legs, knocking him down. The elf falls on top of him, and the prisoner strangles him to death.
He grabs the keys and frees himself from the chains.
— I want... I want... I want the Karips!
---
To be continued...