Volume 3 — Chapter 21: The Council's Ultimatum
The smoke rising from the shattered Obsidian Peaks curled across the evening sky like a dark omen. As Lyriana, Aryn, and Eryon descended into the forest below, the world around them felt unnaturally still—like Arvandor itself was holding its breath.
Aryn pressed a hand to his wound, his breathing tight. "We need to regroup before the council sends reinforcements."
Eryon shook his head. "Reinforcements? They'll send an entire battalion. The High Tribunal will not tolerate failure—especially now that they know you carry all four relics."
Lyriana felt the combined power of the relics hum beneath her skin, overwhelming and steady all at once. "Let them tighten their net. We'll break through it."
Before Eryon could respond, a distant rumble cut through the forest—a deep, rhythmic pulse.
Aryn stiffened. "That's not thunder…"
A bright crimson glow ignited above the treetops. A large sphere of crackling red magic hovered in the sky, its runes spiraling in ominous patterns.
Eryon's face drained of color.
"The Council's Signal of Dominion. They're issuing a kingdom-wide command."
A voice boomed from the sphere—cold, metallic, amplified by ancient enchantments.
"To all citizens of Arvandor:
Lyriana Vael, bearer of forbidden relics, stands accused of treason, destruction of sacred ground, and endangerment of the realm.
Any who harbor or assist her will face execution.
She is to be captured alive.
Her companions are expendable."
Aryn clenched his jaw. "They're turning the entire kingdom against you."
Lyriana's heart twisted—not with fear, but fury.
"So this is their play. Manipulation. Fear. Lies."
The voice continued:
"A reward of ten thousand gold crowns is granted to whoever delivers her.
The hunt begins now."
The sphere burst into a rain of red sparks, drifting like falling ash.
Silence followed.
Eryon exhaled shakily. "There's no hiding now. Every mercenary, hunter, and desperate soul in Arvandor will come for you."
Lyriana looked between him and Aryn—one carrying wounds, the other carrying guilt—and felt the weight of the world settling onto her shoulders.
"We're not running," she said softly but firmly. "We take the fight to the council. We end their tyranny at its source."
Aryn squeezed her hand. "If that's where your path leads… I'm with you until the end."
Eryon nodded, shadows swirling faintly around him.
"As am I. For Father. For the kingdom. For you."
Lyriana lifted her gaze toward the glowing horizon, where the council's fortress loomed in the distance.
"Then the time for hiding is over," she whispered.
"It's time Arvandor learns the truth."