THE LAST EMBER CROWN 👑

THE LAST EMBER CROWN 8

Chapter 8: Wings of Destiny

The black arrow tore through the sky like a bolt of night.

Kael saw it coming—but he had no time to move.

The Second Crown was only inches from his fingertips.

"Catch it!" Zeph shouted.

Kael reached forward.

The moment his hand touched the sapphire crown, a burst of brilliant blue light exploded across the heavens.

The dark arrow struck...

CRACK!

A shield of swirling wind appeared around Kael, shattering the arrow into black dust.

The Second Crown dissolved into pure energy and flowed into the Ember Seal on his hand, joining the First Crown.

A powerful gust swept through Aetheris.

Kael's clothes fluttered as glowing blue runes appeared beside the golden Ember Seal.

He felt lighter than air.

"The Sky Crown has accepted him," the silver-haired elder whispered in amazement.

General Varkor's face darkened.

"Impossible..."

Without warning, Varkor raised his sword.

"Hollowborn! Attack!"

Dozens of winged shadow creatures dived toward the floating city.

The peaceful streets became a battlefield.

Zeph landed beside Kael, twirling his sword.

"I guess we're allies... for now."

Kael smiled faintly.

"I'll take all the help I can get."

Lyra stood at his other side.

"Stay focused."

The three charged together.

Zeph darted through the air, slicing enemies apart with blades of wind.

Lyra moved like a shadow, striking before her opponents even saw her.

Kael raised his hammer.

Golden fire wrapped around it, while blue winds circled the flames.

When he swung—

A blazing cyclone erupted from the weapon, sweeping dozens of Hollowborn into the sky before exploding in a shower of sparks.

Everyone stopped to watch.

"He combined the powers..." the elder breathed.

"The Crowns are beginning to unite."

Above them, Varkor narrowed his eyes.

"So... you've awakened a second gift."

He stretched out his hand.

The clouds turned black.

Lightning crackled across the sky.

Then, from the center of the storm, a colossal fortress emerged.

It floated in the air, built from obsidian stone and wrapped in chains of shadow.

The people of Aetheris gasped.

"The Dread Fortress..."

"It vanished centuries ago!"

Varkor laughed.

"The Hollow King sends his regards."

The fortress fired a massive beam of dark energy toward the city.

Kael stared in horror.

"It's going to destroy everything!"

The silver-haired elder stepped forward.

"No..."

He turned to Kael.

"There is only one way to stop it."

"What do I do?"

"The Sky Crystal..."

He pointed to the highest tower in Aetheris.

"It powers the city's shield."

"But only the bearer of the Second Crown can awaken it."

Kael nodded.

"I'll do it."

"I'll buy you time," Zeph said with a grin.

"And I'll make sure no one reaches you," Lyra added.

Kael sprinted toward the towering palace.

Behind him, the battle for Aetheris grew fiercer.

At the top of the highest tower, a glowing crystal floated in a ring of ancient runes.

As Kael placed his hand upon it, the crystal blazed with blue and gold light.

The entire city began to glow.

A massive shield spread across the sky—

Just as the fortress's beam struck.

The collision lit up the heavens like a second sun.

For a heartbeat, it seemed the shield would hold.

Then...

A loud crack echoed through the city.

A single fracture appeared in the crystal.

And from within it came a chilling whisper:

"The Third Crown... is already falling into darkness."