The battle inside the Bone Citadel shook the foundations of Ghatakar.
Bone soldiers rose from the floors, wielding axes of soul-silver. Shadows with burning eyes flowed from the walls. The Bonekeeper stood at the center, wielding the corrupted Ring to animate death itself.
Aarav fought like a storm unleashed.
Fire cut through bone. Wind shielded his allies. Water doused soulflames. But it wasn't enough.
The Bonekeeper summoned the Echo of the First Betrayal—a skeletal titan bound in chains of forgotten oaths. It roared with a thousand voices, swinging a hammer made from regret and war.
Luan, without fear, stepped forward. He placed his hand on the ground.
A circle of blue flame appeared.
He wasn't just a child.
He was a Seerborn—descended from those who walked the Dream Realms.
With his help, Aarav saw the core of the Bonekeeper's soul: a memory of love lost, of a brother he couldn't save—Aarav's father.
In that instant, Aarav did not strike with hate.
He reached with unity.
The Third Truth pulsed.
The corrupted Ring cracked.
And the Bonekeeper screamed—not in pain, but in release.
His form crumbled.
The true Ring of Bone floated to Aarav's hand—etched with countless names of the dead.