Chapter 10: The Beast of the Hall
499 Words
The beast’s thunderous growl echoed through the Hall of Echoes, shaking the crystal pillars. Its black scales shimmered beneath the Moonstone Crown’s silver light, while smoke drifted from its nostrils with every slow breath. Standing nearly twice Kael’s height, it blocked the only exit from the chamber.
Evelyn instinctively stepped back.
“What is that?”
Kael never took his eyes off the creature.
“A Shadow Drake,” he whispered. “I thought they became extinct after the Great War.”
The beast’s golden eyes narrowed as it studied them.
“You carry the Moonstone Crown,” it rumbled. “Only those chosen by the ancient prophecy may claim it.”
Evelyn tightened her grip on the relic.
“We’re not your enemies.”
The Shadow Drake let out a deep laugh that echoed through the chamber.
“Everyone says that before drawing their weapons.”
Without warning, it slammed its massive tail against the floor. Crystal shards burst into the air as the ground cracked beneath Evelyn and Kael’s feet.
Kael charged first, his silver sword flashing through the darkness. The blade struck the creature’s scales, but the impact barely left a mark.
“It isn’t working!” Kael shouted.
The drake swung one powerful claw, sending him crashing into a crystal pillar.
“Kael!”
Evelyn raised both hands, summoning blue flames that spiraled toward the beast. The fire surrounded the drake, but instead of roaring in pain, it calmly walked through the flames.
“Magic alone cannot defeat me,” the creature said.
As Evelyn searched desperately for another spell, the Moonstone Crown suddenly grew warm. Silver light spread across her arms, and ancient symbols appeared beneath her feet.
A soft voice echoed inside her mind.
“Do not fight with fear. Fight with truth.”
Evelyn closed her eyes for a brief moment. Instead of attacking again, she lowered her hands.
“We don’t want to destroy you,” she said. “We’re trying to stop the Dark Sovereign before he plunges the world into darkness.”
The Shadow Drake stared at her in silence.
“You speak with honesty,” it said at last.
The beast lowered its head.
“For centuries, I have guarded this hall, waiting for someone worthy of the Moonstone Crown. Strength alone has never been the answer.”
A brilliant silver light filled the chamber as the drake stepped aside.
“The path to the Crystal Heart lies beyond the Frost Peaks,” it said. “But beware—the dragon guarding the relic tests more than courage. It judges the truth within your soul.”
Kael slowly rose to his feet, surprised that the battle had ended without another strike.
Before Evelyn and Kael could thank the guardian, the chamber trembled violently.
The map in Kael’s hands began to burn with dark flames.
A haunting laugh echoed through the hall.
“The relics cannot hide from me forever.”
The Dark Sovereign had found them once again.
- Writer
