When Kaelen struck the pillar, the cavern screamed. Light fractured into rivers of fire and shadow, splitting the air into shards of broken reality.
From those fractures, figures emerged—some human, some not. Warriors in silver armor that shimmered with starlight, cloaked sages whose eyes glowed with galaxies, and creatures shaped from living flame. All carried the same mark: a spiral etched into their skin or metal.
Lyra staggered back as they filled the cavern by the dozens, each gripping weapons of impossible design. "Who are they?"
One of the armored figures stepped forward, his voice resonant, distorted by ages. "We are the Vanguard. Bound here to keep the chains sealed. And you"—his gaze fell on Kaelen—"you are the key our oaths were forged against."
Before Kaelen could answer, the serpent coiled high, striking down with a roar that shattered three of the warriors instantly. Their forms disintegrated into streams of light that rejoined the chains.
The Vanguard didn't flinch. They surged forward, blades clashing against scales, fire meeting shadow. The cavern became a warzone.
The chained voice rose above the chaos, wrapping around each of them, whispering promises.
"You fight against your nature. You fight against freedom. Break the last chain, and I will give you eternity."
One of the sages—an elder with hair like flowing nebulae—looked at Lyra as he parried a strike from the serpent. "Do not listen. We've bled a thousand lifetimes to hold this prison. If it leaves—everything you've known dies."
But another warrior nearby snarled, his blade wavering. "And yet… what if the chains themselves are the lie? What if we are the prisoners?" His eyes glowed unnaturally bright, fixed on Kaelen.
Lyra grabbed Kaelen's arm, pulling him close as battle raged around them. "This isn't just us anymore. They've been waiting for you—for both of us. We have to choose a side."
The serpent roared again, crushing two Vanguard under its coils. The chained voice echoed like honey and poison in their skulls.
"Choose me, Kaelen. Choose me, Lyra. Choose truth."
The cavern trembled. The last chain flared.
And in the firelight, Kaelen realized with horror that half of the Vanguard weren't fighting the serpent anymore. They were fighting each other.