Steel clashed in the underground chamber.
Draven did not deny it.
"Yes," he said calmly, deflecting Elaria's flame with a strange black crystal. "I orchestrated the attack."
"Why?" she demanded.
"Because Aranthia needs strength. Not a sentimental girl guided by emotion."
Shadowfire roared in response.
Draven smirked. "You think I serve the old king? No. I serve something older."
The ground trembled.
Dark symbols lit up beneath his feet.
"The true master of Shadowfire awakens soon."
Before she could strike him down, he shattered a smoke crystal.
When it cleared—
He was gone.
Elaria stood alone in the darkness.
And for the first time…
She felt fear.