Justin approached Lila and Alden, his boots crunching against the frost-rimed ground. She stood a short distance away, her back to him, her brown hair tousled and matted with blood.
Before her, the fiery figure of Alden Starfire shimmered faintly, Starlance in hand.
Justin hesitated, unwilling to interrupt, but Alden glanced at him and offered a tight-lipped smile. “Come closer, Justin, Wielder of the Sapphire Star. I would like to speak with you both before my time is done.”
Justin stepped forward, his cane steadying him as he moved. The fires that once burned Vorthryn’s massive form had died away, and now her corpse radiated a chill. It was surprisingly intact, given the beating she had taken. Lila’s gaze didn’t waver from Alden’s face as she spoke softly.
“Thank you, Alden,” she said, her voice trembling. “I…I don’t know how we could have done it without you.”
Alden smiled, fading slightly before coming back into focus, as if he were fighting to remain. "It is I who owe you thanks. You gave me the chance to bring Vorthryn to justice at last. My dear Elara's legacy has been cleansed, and for that, I am forever grateful.”
Lila nodded, her lips pressed tightly.
Alden turned his gaze to Justin. “And you,” he said, his tone taking on a gravity that made Justin straighten. “You wield the Sapphire Star."
"It helped win the battle," Justin said.
"Indeed," Alden said. "More than that, Elara has found you worthy. Wear it with honor. But be wary. The spirits of previous wielders of the Star are still bound to it, and not all of them can be trusted."
"Like who?" Justin asked.
"It’s a mystery that remains unsolved. The wielders of the Star reach back to the realm of myth, back to even the time of the Godswar. Their whispered memories may shine with insight, but caution is key. Listen to their advice, yet tread with care."
Justin swallowed. "I will." He had even more questions. "I haven't heard anything yet."
"It may take time for the Star's magic to intertwine with your core. It is a mighty artifact, the only one of its kind."
"It says it allows for travel between World Gates," Justin said. "What does that mean?"
"My time is limited, Justin Talemaker, so I urge you to seek answers to that question on your own. Just know there are many who would covet its power."
"Like Valdrik."
"Aye, and ones even more powerful than he. Trust in yourself, Justin, and you will find the strength to rise to any challenge.”
Justin nodded, unsure of what else to say. He gestured at the Starlance in Alden's hand. “It’s a shame she can’t keep that. It feels wrong for you to go and for this weapon to go with you.”
Alden chuckled deeply. “Do not mourn its loss. Starlance's true power lies not in its presence, but in the spirit it represents." His gaze shifted to Lila. "That spirit, Lila, is yours. Something tells me that both of you will see and hold wonders beyond even this."
Lila’s lips parted as if to respond, but before she could speak, Alden’s form wavered and his fiery glow dimmed.
“My time here is nearly over," he said, his voice soft but resolute. “Go forth, and let your deeds write the stories of tomorrow.”
As Alden began to fade, Justin noticed the faint shimmer of tears in Lila’s eyes. She straightened, raising one of her throwing knives in salute. “Thank you."
And then Alden was gone, the light of Starlance fading until nothing was left. It was as if the spirit had never been.
The two stood in silence for a moment before Justin touched Lila gently on the shoulder. “We should go. The Baron and his merry band are probably picking through the hoard already.”
Lila nodded, her face still taut with emotion. “Kargan and Eldrin hung back at least,” she said, pointing to the edge of the battlefield where the two waited.
They moved quickly, joining their companions before taking the trail that led up to the plateau. The journey was quiet, the only sounds being the crunch of their boots on the rocky ground.
When they reached the top, they stopped short. Before them stood not just the drake's hoard, but a tall, ghostly figure guarding it. He was tall and lean, his flowing brown robes humble, and a pointed hat atop his head. To Justin's eye, this was a classic Wizard, with sharp features and piercing eyes glowing with ethereal light, like twin stars caught in the void.
At first, Justin didn't know who this was until he recalled the Vault description, which felt like ages ago. This was none other than Sikander, the Wizard who had bound Vorthyrn to this island in the first place, creating this very Vault.
“I am Sikander, a Temporal Wizard,” the figure declared. “Two centuries ago, my party and I sought to destroy Vorthyrn and reclaim the Sapphire Star of Eyrth. We faced her in this very glacier, and one by one, my comrades fell to her wrath. Alone, wounded, and knowing defeat was inevitable, I invoked the Legendary Spell—the Cant of Temporal Binding. My magic intertwined with that of the Sapphire Star, creating the Vault you have just bested."
Justin figured a "Temporal Wizard" was an advanced class, a type of Wizard that specialized in magic related to time.
Sikander paused, his spectral form shimmering faintly as if the memory itself drained him. “With my magic, I shackled Vorthyrn to this island. The cost was my Core and my mortal life. I deemed it a lesser evil, binding the Northern Terror to spare the world of her wrath. But as the years passed, her power grew. The fetters of time and magic weakened. At any moment, she could have broken free. Perhaps even in mere days. If this had been allowed to happen, her vengeance would have been unthinkable.”
Sikander the Temporal Wizard extended his arms, palms upward, as though presenting himself. “And now, with this task accomplished, my spirit is free to ascend to the Ether Realm. And you have my eternal gratitude.”
Justin exchanged a glance with Lila, unsure whether to bow, speak, or simply stand there. Sikander continued, his gaze sweeping over the group.
“The treasures of this Vault are yours by right,” he said. “It is my duty to dispense them fairly. Every member of your party shall receive Gold-Tier Leggings promised by the trials of this Vault. Not only that, you shall receive a permanent Rare boon to aid you on your path. More than that, a Platinum-Tier weapon, assuming you have not received it yet. The ultimate prize for which I lost my own life—the Sapphire Star of Eyrth—has already been justly claimed by the Socialite, Justin Talemaker."
Justin shifted on his feet as the others looked at him. Yes, the Star was his, but it made him that much more of a target. For now, he was interested in his leg piece, an armor slot that had long eluded him. For the first time, he would be completely decked out with enchanted gear.
Sikander began with Valdrik and his party. A pair of deep blue pants floated toward the Baron, lined with frost-touched threads that sparkled in the cavern’s light.
“To Dragomir Valdrik, the Lexicant,” Sikander intoned, “I grant the Iceguard Trousers. These shall fortify your Endurance by +4 and grant you 50% resistance to ice magic."
The Baron accepted them with a nod, his gray eyes gleaming as he ran his fingers over the enchanted fabric. From the way he immediately stored them using a quickly uttered Cant of Repository, Justin guessed the gear he was currently wearing was superior.
Rothian was next. A wide belt, ornate and inscribed with fiery runes, appeared from the hoard and drifted toward him.
“To Rothian the Pyromancer, I present the Flameweaver’s Cinch. It enhances your Intellect by +4 and reduces the cooldown of all lesser and minor-tier fire spells by 30%."
Rothian grinned as he buckled the belt over his robes, the flames at his staff’s tip burning just a bit brighter.
Wolfram received a pair of dark, supple breeches. “To Wolfram, I grant the Shadewalker Breeches. They enhance your Coordination by +4 while bolstering your stealth abilities.”
Wolfram grunted his thanks, slipping into the pants with practiced efficiency, clearly not being one for modesty.
Gareth was gifted a pair of sleek black leathers, which he received with deathly silence. “To Gareth the Shadowblade, I present the Duskwraith Leggings. They increase your Power and Endurance by +2 and allow you to use Cloak of Shadows twice per day instead of once.”
The assassin accepted his reward without a word; his dead-eyed stare was unsettling.
Next came Ryak, who was presented with a pair of sturdy leather breeches adorned with small golden rivets.
“To Ryak, I grant the Frostkeeper's Breeches. These enhance your Perception and Endurance by +2 and double the amount of Frost Shields you can cast per day.”
Ryak accepted them with a curt nod.
Sikander turned to Eldrin, directing a pair of finely crafted leather pants in his direction. “To Eldrin the Ranger, I grant the Pathfinder’s Leathers. These grant a +2 boost to both Endurance and Coordination. While you wear these, they will upgrade your Pathfinder’s Pace boon to Pathfinder’s Stride, improving your party’s speed and efficiency in the wild.”
Eldrin’s eyes lit up as he accepted the gift. Justin couldn’t help but grin. The upgrade would give them a vital edge when getting away from the Baron, who was now frowning.
“To Lila the Bard,” Sikander continued, floating a pair of colorful, flowing pants in her direction, “I present the Dervish Trousers. These enhance your Coordination and Charisma by +2 and grant you the boon, Dancer’s Grace, while worn. This will improve your accuracy with thrown weapons while on the move, while preventing dizziness.”
Lila accepted them with a gracious smile. “Thank you, Sikander."
Kargan was next, receiving heavy fur-lined pants that shimmered faintly with icy energy.
“To Kargan the Blood Warden, I grant the Frost Eater Legguards. While they provide a mere +2 boost to Endurance, they more than make up for it with their Frost Eater enchantment, which absorbs all ice magic as health.”
The orc's amber eyes widened upon accepting the legguards with a solemn nod. “My thanks."
Finally, Sikander turned to Justin. A pair of sleek black trousers materialized from the hoard, their fabric shining faintly like polished obsidian.
“To Justin the Socialite,” Sikander declared, “I grant the Trousers of Quickened Stride. These grant a +2 boost to Endurance and Coordination and increase your combat speed by 10%.”
Justin smiled as he took the pants, running a hand over their impossibly smooth fabric. “I look forward to breaking these in,” he said, tipping his top hat.
Sikander inclined his head slightly, a faint smile gracing his spectral face. “In addition to their individual enchantments, all these items bear utility enchantments to protect you from the harsh cold of the North.”
As the group examined their new gear, Sikander raised a hand again. “The spirits of Elara and Alden Starfire, not to mention myself, thank you for your brave deeds. For your resolve and daring, the Vault of the Star of Elara sees fit to grant you each a Rare Boon: Draconic Bounty."
A blue System notification flashed across Justin's interface.
[You have received the Rare Boon: Draconic Bounty!]
This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it
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Draconic Bounty: Draw strength from your wealth as dragons and drakes do from their hoards. For every wealth threshold you attain, you gain up to six base points in each of your Core Attributes. Lose the points if your wealth drops below the threshold, but regain them automatically once the wealth returns.
Draconic Thresholds:
1. 1 Gold Crown: Draconic Glimmer
* Your wealth begins to shimmer with potential, granting +1 to your Core Attributes.
2. 10 Gold Crowns: Draconic Shine
* Your growing hoard imbues you with strength, granting +2 to your Core Attributes.
3. 1 Platinum Shard: Draconic Luster
* The brilliance of true treasure enhances your resolve, granting +3 to your Core Attributes.
4. 10 Platinum Shards: Draconic Radiance
* Your hoard gleams with undeniable power, granting +4 to your Core Attributes.
5. 1 Mythril Talent: Draconic Majesty
* The weight of your wealth commands respect, granting +5 to your Core Attributes.
6. 10 Mythril Talents: Draconic Dominion
* Your hoard transcends the material, granting you supreme authority and +6 to your Core Attributes.
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As Justin read the thresholds, his mind raced with potential. He had collected 60 crowns already, and that number was bound to increase.
[Your Draconic Bounty resonates with your hoard, granting +2 to your Charisma!]
Justin smiled. What was more, once he unlocked an advanced class, he would gain the same amount in his second Core Attribute, whatever it turned out to be. And the fact that it counted as being added to his base Charisma meant the Amulet of Equilibrium would consider it in future calculations.
It was a nice boon indeed, though he would have to weigh carefully if losing the Attribute Points was worth it if he needed to make a big purchase. At least he would get back the points if he gained the money back.
To his surprise, there was a denomination above even a platinum shard, apparently called a Mythril Talent. In his head canon, one copper translated to about $1 of his own currency: a pint of ale went for about five coppers at any local tavern, about what he could get it for at any dive bar in his hometown. If that conversion held true, then one "Mythril Talent" would be worth about one billion dollars. The fact that this boon would scale as high as ten of those seemed insurmountable, but he supposed there might be the equivalent of multi-billionaires here on Eyrth.
Sikander waited silently, what felt like a dramatic pause for the big prize: the Platinum-Tier weapon. Looking around, it seemed Justin was the only one who had already received his.
Sikander extended his arms, and the treasure within the Vault responded. A shimmering light found an object that floated toward the Baron, a scepter forged from silver and inlaid with glowing sapphire runes. A sphere of flawless crystal crowned its top, encasing a swirling storm of blue and white light.
“To Dragomir Valdrik, the Lexicant,” Sikander intoned, “I grant the Scepter of the Silver Tongue. It fortifies your Charisma and Intellect by +4, reduces the cooldown between your cants, and grants you access to the Cant of Ice Form when wielded."
The Baron’s gray eyes shone as he took the staff. “A fine addition to my growing collection,” he said, his tone even.
That was when another staff floated toward Rothian from the hoard. It seemed to be carved from obsidian, its surface etched with red runes that flickered like embers. At its tip burned a smokeless flame that danced hypnotically. Justin detected the scent of laden ash as it passed overhead. Rothian grasped it with a pudgy hand, his eyes wide with glee.
“To Rothian the Pyromancer, I present the Infernal Conduit. Forged in the Great Volcano of Tezcal, it was one of Vorthyrn's most prized possessions, once wielded by the Pyromancer-Queen Ixchel. This staff shall enhance your Intellect and Perception by +4 each, reduce the cooldown of all your fire spells, and grant them additional explosive potential.”
Rothian accepted the staff with both hands, his grin wide as flames licked along its edges. “A worthy weapon for a worthy pyromancer,” he said, testing its balance.
Justin rolled his eyes.
Next, Sikander gestured, and the same quiver of black javelins Wolfram had tried to abscond with earlier rose into the air and alighted in his outstretched hands. As Wolfram took one out to inspect it, Justin noticed that they were not solid but semi-translucent.
“To Wolfram the Ranger, I grant the Phantom Quiver and its attendant javelins. When cored, it will enhance your Coordination by +6 and ensure your javelins always return to you, unseen and unstoppable, while piercing armor of Gold quality or less.”
Wolfram grunted his thanks as he slung the quiver across his back.
Sikander turned to Gareth, and a sleek katana materialized and floated toward him, seemingly forged from pure shadow. The hilt was wrapped in black silk, while the guard bore the intricate design of a crescent moon.
“To Gareth the Shadowblade, I present Midnight Fang, forged in the shadowed tunnels of Tenebralis during the Godswar. A weapon meant for a common enforcer in those days, in these days of lessened magic, it is a weapon meant for a king among cutthroats. It fortifies your Power by +6 and Coordination by +2, extends your stealth abilities, and grants you access to Cloak of Shadows twice per day."
Gareth stepped forward, taking the katana with both hands. He gave no words, but the cold glint in his eyes as he sheathed it spoke volumes.
The next object to appear was a towering shard of what seemed to be enchanted ice. Its surface was smooth and reflective, like a frozen mirror, and a cluster of jagged frost crystals crowned its top. It floated toward Ryak, who gripped it with long, pale fingers.
"To Ryak the Cryomancer, I grant Glacier’s Grasp. It shall enhance your Perception by +6 and Intellect by +2, amplify the power of your frost magic, and sap the strength of your enemies.”
Ryak bowed slightly, taking the staff in one hand and tapping its icy tip against the ground. Frost spread beneath the weapon's base.
Sikander turned to Eldrin, sending a bow crafted from silvery-white wood floating toward his outstretched hands. Vines of gold and green were carved along its length, merging into intricate, leaf-like designs near the grip. The string, impossibly thin, glimmered with a soft emerald glow.
“To Eldrin the Ranger, I present the Bow of the Eclipse Weaver. Its string may appear fragile, but it is crafted from the silk of the Eclipse Weaver, an arachnid from the shadowed jungles of Veralith. It will enhance your Coordination by +4 and your Intellect by +2. Furthermore, the string will lace your arrows with the Eclipse Weaver's venom, inflicting the Darkness effect.”
Eldrin’s eyes widened as he took the bow, tracing the intricate carvings along its length with a smile. “This will serve me well."
A heavy staff floated toward Kargan. It was carved from dark ebony, its surface polished to a mirror-like sheen. A crimson gemstone the size of a fist crowned the top, encased in a web of black iron. Faint veins of red light ran through the wood.
Sikander addressed Kargan. “To Kargan the Blood Warden, I grant the Crimson Bastion. It will bolster your Endurance by +6 and your Intellect by +2, fortify your wards and shields, and amplify your blood magic to sustain your allies.”
Kargan’s tusks protruded in an orcish smile as he nodded his thanks, gripping the staff with both hands. “A weapon worthy of a Blood Warden."
Twelve curved knives next flew toward Lila. Their blades were slender and razor-sharp, whistling almost musically as they flew, one after the other, sounding something like the chromatic scale. The handles were crafted from polished ivory, fitted with silver caps shaped like musical notes. Their collective hum receded as they gathered themselves in a quiver of supple black leather laced with twelve musical notes, which Lila placed at her side.
“To Lila the Bard, I present the Chromatic Knives. They will enhance your Charisma and Coordination by +2 each and will naturally return to you once all have been thrown. These twelve blades are attuned to the chromatic scale, each resonating with one of the twelve musical notes when lobbed. When thrown in harmony with your Bardic songs, they will amplify both the power of your melodies and the impact of your strikes.”
Lila’s grin widened as she accepted the knives, their iridescent blades glinting with a subtle magical glow. She deftly retrieved three, juggling them in an effortless arc that chimed out a triumphant major chord. With a satisfied smile, she sheathed them again. “These are going to be so much fun!”
Indeed, Justin was interested in how the blades would interact with Lila's songs. Plus, since they would return on their own, it negated her need for her Amulet of Everblade, received way back in the Vault of the Guardian Pass. With twelve knives, her options only expanded, and she'd be hard-pressed to run out of blades.
Finally, Sikander turned to Justin. Instead of a weapon, a glass vial floated toward him. He took it in his hand, examining it. The vial was crafted from polished glass, with a stopper made of what Justin could only assume was drake bone. The liquid within was a swirling mist, shifting and shimmering like gold under sunlight.
“To Justin the Socialite, who has already gained the Cane of the Drake, I instead grant the Essence of the Hoard. Apply this scent once daily, and it will enhance your Charm and Intellect by +1 while aiding in the acquisition of further wealth."
Justin caught the vial, raising an eyebrow. “Cologne? I suppose I should be flattered.”
Sikander’s faint smile suggested amusement. “A fitting reward for one who thrives on influence.”
Justin set his mind upon the object, the Vault's magic supplying its use without the need for a scryer's lens.
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Essence of the Hoard (Cologne)
Effect: When applied, this cologne grants a +1 boost to Charisma and Intellect for 24 hours, enveloping you in an aura of wealth and power. While worn, it increases the likelihood of finding rare treasures in Vaults and enhances your bargaining skills.
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Justin's eyes widened. Another boost to Charisma was always welcome. Plus, putting on a splash just before entering a Vault or doing a bit of haggling would be wise. He would have to use it judiciously. Cologne could last a long time, but not if he used it every day.
As Sikander stepped back, his gaze swept over the assembled party. “Each of these Platinum-tier weapons is imbued with enchantments worthy of your deeds. Treasure them, for they will aid you well in the trials to come.”
The room fell silent as each member took stock of his or her new equipment.
"There is one final gift before my spirit can ascend to the Ether Realm," Sikander intoned, his voice echoing with a lingering note of finality. "While this gift may not hold equal value to all, it shall be of immense use to those who have prevailed against Vorthyrn despite the odds stacked against them due to their low level. Lo! There is magic enough left in this Vault to supply each of you with a Crystal of Expansion. This relic will allow you to upgrade your packs to Gold quality. Once enhanced, these packs shall vastly increase their storage capacity and significantly reduce the weight of the items within. Though their storage is not infinite, this boon will make the burden of carrying unused gear much lighter."
With a wave of Sikander's spectral hand, the air shimmered with faint, golden light. Nine crystalline shards materialized, glowing softly with inner radiance. Each shard was elongated, almost teardrop-shaped. The crystals floated forward and came to rest before each party member.
The moment it touched Justin's palm, it dissolved into a shimmering golden mist and was absorbed by his body. A faint warmth spread through him, settling in the pack slung over his shoulder.
[The Crystal of Expansion has upgraded your pack to Gold Quality. You can now store 100% more material!]
Instantly, the straps on his shoulders felt lighter, as though a massive weight had been lifted. He gave the pack a quick tug, marveling at how much more comfortable it felt. Somehow, he had crammed an absurd number of items into it—including the bulky Cane of Valoria—and now, it seemed as though the pack was eager to accommodate even more.
More than that, the once well-worn leather seemed to shimmer as if freshly polished. Gone were the scuffs and scratches that had marked it from countless adventures. In their place was a supple, flawless sheen that spoke of unparalleled craftsmanship. The gold filigree along the edges added an air of opulence.
Justin smiled as he inspected his newly enhanced pack. "All that’s missing is the LV icon. This thing could pass for haute couture."
"Perfect for the Gentleman on the go," Eldrin said with a smile.
Sikander regarded the party before him. "Once again, the Frozen North thanks you for your brave deeds. Fare thee well, Brave Adventurers!"
With a bow, Sikander faded into the Ether, and the Voice of the System spoke.
[The Vault honors your triumph! Now go forth with courage in your hearts, strength in your limbs, and wisdom in your minds.]
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The Trial of the Vault of the Star of Elara is complete!
Experience Gained: 25,000
940 Golden Crowns, 24 Silvers, and 98 Coppers have been added to your inventory!
Your inventory stands at 1 Platinum Shard, 30 Silver Marks, and 24 Copper Pieces!
Your Draconic Shine has ascended to Draconic Luster, granting you +3 in Charisma!
Your base Charisma is now 40.
Your experience stands at 25,827/4,600. Level-up available!]
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Justin's eyes popped at that ridiculous number, even as the wealth of the hoard instantly disappeared before him.
25,000 experience points?
It was staggering. He couldn’t be sure, but it was probably more experience in one fell swoop than he had gained thus far.
He glanced over at Lila, whose wide-eyed expression mirrored his own shock. Even Eldrin and Kargan, usually stoic, appeared flabbergasted.
"That's a Level 36 Vault for you, I guess," Justin muttered.
The Baron, however, seemed entirely unfazed. His party had already gathered around him, their attention fixed on something ahead. Following their gaze, Justin looked up. An ethereal bridge had appeared, leading from the plateau to a previously hidden tunnel. Beyond its shimmering expanse, daylight beckoned.
Then, the System delivered a new notification, its text floating before his eyes.
[Dragomir Valdrik, Rothian Nightflame, Gareth Everett, and Wolfram Gravesong have left the party. Ryak of the Yarith Iceborne is now the Party Leader.]
Ryak moved first, stepping forward with purpose. His new Glacier’s Grasp staff left a light fog in his wake. He came to stand by Justin and the others. “We had better go.”
“Wait a second,” Lila said sharply, her tone brimming with suspicion. “You chose to side with the Baron. Why should we trust you?”
Ryak didn’t flinch. “I am a member of your party, am I not? I remain committed to the terms of our original bargain. You will not survive the North without an able guide. I joined the Baron because he seemed the most serious about destroying the drake.”
Lila folded her arms, clearly unconvinced. “That doesn’t mean you’re not still on his side. What’s stopping you from leaving the party and turning against us?”
Justin stepped in. “He’s still bound to the agreement. The contract has a clause—no one can leave a party to avoid its terms. It applies to everyone who was a member at the time the contract was made.”
Lila scowled but relented with a begrudging nod. “Fine. I’ll take your word for it.”
Eldrin broke the tension, stepping toward the bridge. “Ryak’s right. We need to move.”
Kargan’s gruff voice cut in. “Where’s Gareth?”
The Baron turned, clearly as surprised as the rest of them. His gaze swept the group, then the area beyond. “Gareth? Where did you go?"
Lila’s expression darkened. “He’s going to try to kill us somehow.”
Justin shook his head. “He can’t. Not unless my new skill is completely worthless.”
But Eldrin’s expression turned grim. “No. He’s going for the boat. He must have used his Cloak of Shadows skill to slip away while we were distracted.”
“Let’s go,” Ryak said, already heading toward the bridge. “There’s no time to waste.”
Justin hesitated, glancing back at Valdrik. The Baron simply smiled, a smug curl of his lips. “You’ll never reach it in time,” he said lightly. “Enjoy your stay on the island. Don’t worry—it’ll only be for a couple of weeks.”
“You’ll be sorry for this!” Lila hissed.
“Justin, Lila!” Eldrin called from ahead. Ryak and Kargan were already crossing the bridge, their forms half-shrouded in its ethereal glow.
There was no time for words. Justin tightened the straps of his pack and broke into a sprint, with Lila close behind.