Episode 19
702 Words
The Shadow Dragon lunged at Lyria.
Its roar shook the temple as black flames poured from its mouth.
The Alpha King leaped forward, but he was too far away.
Lyria stood frozen.
The dragon was only a few steps from her when the Crown of Light burst with blinding silver radiance.
A shimmering barrier formed around her.
The black flames crashed against it and exploded in every direction.
The impact threw everyone off their feet.
When the smoke cleared, Lyria was still standing.
The dragon stared at her with burning crimson eyes.
It roared again, but this time there was pain in its voice.
Lyria felt it.
The creature was fighting something inside itself.
The darkness was forcing it to attack.
She slowly stepped forward.
The Alpha King grabbed her wrist.
Stop.
It will kill you.
She looked into his eyes.
No.
It is asking for help.
Darius laughed from across the chamber.
You are a fool.
That beast belongs to the shadows now.
Nothing can save it.
Lyria ignored him.
She gently removed the Crown of Light and held it in both hands.
The silver stones glowed softly.
The dragon lowered its head, confused.
Tears filled Lyria's eyes.
You protected the first Luna.
You protected this kingdom.
You are not evil.
Fight it.
The dragon let out a low growl.
Its crimson eyes flickered for a brief second.
Silver.
Then they turned red again.
Darius's smile faded.
Do not listen to her.
He stretched out his hand toward the dragon.
Destroy her.
The dragon raised its claws.
It prepared to strike.
Lyria closed her eyes.
She was no longer afraid.
If my life is the price to free you...
Then take it.
The chamber became silent.
The dragon froze.
Its massive claw stopped only inches from her face.
A single tear rolled from the creature's eye.
Then another.
The Alpha King stared in disbelief.
It was crying.
Lyria slowly reached out her hand.
Her fingers touched the dragon's enormous snout.
The moment she made contact, a brilliant silver light erupted from her body.
The dragon let out a deafening cry.
Black smoke poured from every scale as if something was being ripped out of it.
Darius shouted in panic.
No.
Stop.
The silver light grew stronger.
The darkness continued leaving the dragon's body until a shadowy figure emerged from its chest.
It was not human.
It was a tall creature made entirely of black mist with glowing red eyes.
The creature screamed as it was forced into the open.
The young guardian pointed at it.
That is the Shadow Spirit.
It was controlling the dragon.
The spirit turned toward Lyria.
Hatred burned in its eyes.
You should never have been born.
It rushed toward her like a cloud of darkness.
Before it could reach her, the Alpha King jumped in front of her.
His claws tore through the spirit.
The creature screamed but quickly reformed.
Physical attacks could not destroy it.
The Shadow Spirit laughed.
You cannot kill darkness.
It stretched both arms toward Darius.
Dark smoke wrapped around him.
Darius cried out as the smoke entered his body.
His muscles expanded.
Black veins spread across his skin.
His crimson eyes became completely black.
He slowly rose into the air.
Power unlike anything they had ever felt filled the chamber.
The Shadow Spirit's voice echoed from inside him.
Now...
I have a worthy vessel.
The dragon collapsed onto the floor.
Its scales had returned to their natural silver color.
It looked weak but finally free.
Lyria knelt beside it.
The dragon gently touched its head against her shoulder before closing its eyes.
The Alpha King stared at Darius.
No.
That is not Darius anymore.
The young guardian's face turned pale.
The Shadow Spirit has possessed him completely.
The possessed Darius smiled.
His voice no longer sounded human.
The game is over.
You have freed my dragon.
Now...
Watch me claim your kingdom.
He raised one hand.
The mountain shook violently.
Deep cracks spread across the temple floor.
Far below them, thousands of red lights suddenly appeared beneath the earth.
The guardian looked down through one of the cracks.
His face lost all color.
My Queen...
The ancient Shadow Army has awakened.
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