Chapter Two
291 Words
The moment they stepped out of the crypt, the world felt different.
A thick fog had settled over the ruins, obscuring the path they had taken. The once-cool night air was now thick with heat, carrying the scent of something burning. In the distance, the silhouettes of figures emerged from the mist—armor glinting under the eerie glow of blue flames.
Kael’s heart pounded. "We need to move. Now."
Lyra didn’t argue. They sprinted through the ruins, weaving through collapsed archways and shattered columns. The figures followed, their movements unnervingly silent. It wasn’t until they reached the edge of the keep that Kael finally turned to face them.
The lead figure stepped forward. He wore armor black as midnight, his face hidden beneath an ornate helmet carved with symbols Kael recognized from the crypt. When he spoke, his voice echoed with layers, as if many spoke through him.
"The crown has chosen. Kneel before your fate."
Kael clenched his fists. "Who are you?"
"We are the Oathbound," the figure intoned. "Sworn to serve the king who wears the Cursed Crown."
Lyra let out a sharp laugh. "Well, that’s convenient. You lot going to help us fight off whatever else is lurking in these ruins?"
The Oathbound knight tilted his head. "The moment you placed the crown upon your head, you inherited the sins of those before you. The kingdom of Eldrith is no more. But you, Kael of Valmere, have awakened its enemies. They come for you now."
A roar sounded in the distance—deep, guttural, filled with ancient rage. The sky above the ruins twisted as something massive descended.
Lyra swore under her breath. "Oh, you’ve got to be kidding me."
Kael looked up.
The dragon had arrived.
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