The valley held its breath. After the cloaked figure vanished, silence pressed down on Kael and Lira like a weight. Even the trees seemed to bow away from the narrow trail they followed, as though reluctant to witness what was coming.
Kael's necklace pulsed faintly against his chest, its glow quickening in rhythm with his heartbeat. He tried to steady himself, but the memory of that voice lingered. Break the seal… unleash the darkness.
Lira moved closer. "Kael," she murmured, "we shouldn't stay long. I can feel eyes on us."
Her words proved true. A low growl echoed through the rocks, followed by another, and then many more. Shapes moved between the twisted trees—lean, skeletal demons with jagged horns and ember-like eyes. Their skin glistened as though seared by fire.
"They were waiting for us," Kael whispered, raising his blade.
One demon stepped forward, taller than the rest; its claws dragging sparks against the stone. "The blood of the dragon will not leave this valley alive," it hissed.
The horde shrieked in unison and surged forward.
Kael felt the necklace blaze with sudden heat, and instinctively he let its power guide him. Silver light surged from his blade, cutting a sweeping arc through the dark. The front line of demons recoiled, shrieking as smoke poured from their scorched flesh.
Lira lost arrow after arrow, each glowing faintly as if blessed by the dragon's presence. The valley rang with battle cries, steel on bone, fire against light.
But the demons were relentless. For every one that fell, two more seemed to crawl from the shadows. The ground trembled as a deeper roar thundered through the valley, making the smaller creatures scatter.
Kael froze. This was not an ordinary foe.
From the cliffs above, a massive figure emerged—wreathed in flame and shadow. Its horns curved like blackened spears, and its wings blotted out the moonlight. Its voice was a snarl of fire:
"You carry the dragon's legacy, boy. Hand it over—or burn with it."
Kael tightened his grip on the necklace, feeling its energy flare in defiance. He glanced at Lira, who stood ready despite the terror in her eyes.
"This isn't just a test anymore," Kael said, his voice low.
"It's war."