THE LAST EMBER CROWN 👑

THE LAST EMBER CROWN 10

Chapter 10: The Sand King's Curse

A fierce desert wind howled across the dunes.

The colossal warrior of sand rose behind the Sand King until it towered over the ancient pyramid. Its glowing eyes burned like molten gold, and every step shook the desert.

Kael tightened his grip on Rowan's enchanted hammer.

"So... this is the Sand King."

The ancient ruler lowered his spear.

"I was once called King Aramon, protector of Ashara."

His voice carried both power and sorrow.

"But greed for the Third Crown turned me into what you see today."

Sahir bowed his head.

"The legends were true..."

King Aramon pointed toward the black pyramid.

"The Third Crown chose me long ago. I failed to protect it, and the darkness chained my soul to this desert."

Kael stepped forward.

"If you were once a protector, let me help you."

For a brief moment, the Sand King's eyes softened.

Then black smoke wrapped around his body.

A chilling laugh echoed from within him.

"You cannot save him..."

A dark spirit burst from Aramon's shadow.

It had no face—only glowing crimson eyes and a cloak of living darkness.

Lyra's expression changed.

"A Void Wraith..."

Zeph frowned.

"I've never seen one this powerful."

The Wraith floated above the Sand King.

"I am Morveth, servant of the Hollow King."

"It is I who controls the curse."

Kael realized the truth.

"The Sand King isn't our real enemy."

Morveth laughed.

"Then free him... if you can."

With a wave of his hand, black chains wrapped around King Aramon.

The giant roared in pain as the darkness forced him to attack.

The colossal sand warrior charged.

"Scatter!" Lyra shouted.

The giant's fist slammed into the ground, sending a wave of sand across the battlefield.

Zeph leaped into the air, slicing through the storm with blades of wind.

Lyra dashed between the giant's legs, searching for an opening.

Kael faced the Sand King alone.

"I won't fight you!"

Aramon struggled against the chains.

"Then... break... the curse..."

Morveth's laughter grew louder.

"You cannot reach him."

The Void Wraith unleashed a storm of black fire.

Kael raised his hammer.

The First Crown's golden flames and the Second Crown's winds combined into a blazing cyclone, pushing back the darkness.

But Morveth remained untouched.

"Fire and wind cannot destroy a curse," Sahir shouted.

"There is another way!"

"What way?" Kael called.

"The Third Crown contains the Flame of Purification!"

"It can destroy darkness without harming the innocent."

Kael looked toward the pyramid.

The Ember Compass glowed brighter than ever.

"The Crown is inside."

Lyra blocked another attack.

"Go!"

"We'll hold them off!"

Kael nodded and sprinted toward the pyramid as the battle raged behind him.

Ancient stone doors slowly opened before him.

Inside stretched a corridor filled with glowing hieroglyphs and golden torches that lit themselves as he passed.

At the end of the corridor stood a massive chamber.

Upon a floating stone altar rested the Third Crown, glowing with deep crimson fire.

Just as Kael stepped toward it...

A young woman dressed in crimson robes appeared from the flames.

She held a blazing spear and smiled gently.

"I am Princess Amara," she said.

"The final guardian of Ashara."

She looked directly into Kael's eyes.

"If you wish to claim the Third Crown..."

She raised her spear.

"...you must first prove that your heart burns brighter than vengeance."

Behind Kael, the temple doors slammed shut.

The trial had begun.