One evening, as they were planning their next move, a figure appeared at the gates of their temporary base. He was worn and weary but carried an air of authority. Nyx's heart skipped a beat as she recognized him—Varyn, the former right-hand man of the Demon King who had mysteriously vanished years ago.

"Princess Nyx," Varyn said, kneeling before her. "I have come to serve you and atone for my past. I have vital information about the Demon King's plans."

Nyx glanced at Aric and Magnus, who exchanged wary looks. "Why should we trust you?" Magnus asked, his voice cold.

Varyn lowered his head. "I understand your hesitation. I have much to atone for, but I swear my loyalty to you, Princess Nyx. Let my actions prove my intentions."

After a tense silence, Nyx nodded. "We will give you a chance, Varyn. But know that we will be watching you closely."

as they gathered to discuss their next mission, Varyn was suddenly stabbed from behind. Nyx gasped in horror as she saw Aric standing over Varyn's fallen body, a sinister grin on his face.

"You traitor!" Nyx cried out, drawing her weapon.

Before she could react, Magnus stepped forward, trapping Nyx in a magical barrier. "I'm sorry, Nyx," he said, his voice cold. "But this has been a long time coming."

Nyx's mind raced, trying to understand. "Why? Why would you do this?"

Magnus's expression was one of pity and regret. "We are not who you think we are. The real Aric and Magnus were replaced the night your palace was attacked. We are two of the pillars, sent to ensure your downfall."

Nyx struggled against the barrier, feeling helpless as Aric and Magnus prepared to finish what they had started. Suddenly, the doors burst open, and a familiar figure charged in—kyros.

"Leave her alone!" Kyros shouted, throwing himself into the fray with reckless abandon.

Aric and Magnus turned their attention to kyros, who fought valiantly despite being outmatched. He managed to wound Aric before Magnus retaliated with a powerful spell, knocking him to the ground.

Kyros looked up at Nyx, his eyes filled with determination. "You have to go on, Nyx. You have to stop them."

"No!" Nyx cried, tears streaming down her face as she pounded on the barrier. "I won't lose you too!"

( Flashback )

One quiet evening, Nyx sat by the campfire, deep in thought. The flames danced, casting flickering shadows across her face. Kyros approached, his footsteps soft against the grass.

This content has been unlawfully taken from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"May I join you?" he asked.

Nyx looked up and nodded, offering a small smile. "Of course, kyros."

He settled beside her, the firelight reflecting in his eyes. For a moment, they sat in silence, the weight of their journey hanging between them.

"You've been a great help to us, Kyros," Nyx said finally. "I don't think we could have made it this far without you."

Kyros shook his head. "It's I who should be thanking you, Nyx. You gave me a chance when no one else would."

With a final surge of strength, Kyros broke the barrier around Nyx, allowing her to escape. She rushed to Varyn's side, managing to lift him with Kyros's help.

"We need to get out of here!" Kyros shouted.

Drakonis, sensing the danger, swooped down and landed beside them. "Climb on, quickly!" the dragon urged.

Nyx, Kyros, and the wounded Varyn scrambled onto Drakonis's back. As Aric and Magnus closed in, Drakonis roared and took to the skies, his powerful wings beating rapidly.

As they flew over the dense forests and mountains of Sylvaris, Drakonis suddenly began to glow with an ethereal light. Nyx felt a surge of magic through their bond.

"Drakonis, what's happening?" Nyx asked, her voice a mix of awe and concern.

Drakonis's deep, resonant voice echoed in her mind. "We must leave this realm for a time. There is a place, another dimension, where we can find answers and allies. Hold on tightly, Princess."

Drakonis soared higher into the sky, the glow intensifying. He opened his massive jaws, and a swirling vortex of light and energy began to form in front of them. The portal expanded rapidly, creating a gateway to another dimension.

Nyx tightened her grip on Drakonis and Varyn. "Are you sure about this, Drakonis?"

"There is no other choice. Trust me, Nyx," the dragon replied.

With a final beat of his powerful wings, Drakonis dove into the portal. The world around them shifted, colors blending and swirling in a mesmerizing display of light and magic. Nyx felt a strange sensation of weightlessness as they passed through the dimensional barrier.

While in the dimensional barrier Nyx asked kyros "why did you do that you dummy they could have killed you. "

" Dying protecting you would be pleasure to your loyal servant princess "kyros replied.

" Shut up you don't have to die on me I have already seen many people whom I loved die and betray me I don't want to loose you now "

"But I didn't wanted you to die either princess "

"But you didn't had to be so reckless, moron"

"Hey princess we are going to arrive in the astral realm get ready " Drakonis said.

"I'll kill you later rest now kyros"

They emerged in a realm unlike any Nyx had ever seen. The sky was a deep, iridescent blue, with stars that shimmered and shifted patterns. Floating islands dotted the horizon, each one a unique landscape of lush forests, crystalline lakes, and ancient ruins.

Nyx marveled at the sight, her previous worries momentarily forgotten. "Where are we?"

"This is the Astral Realm," Drakonis explained. "A place where powerful beings and ancient magic reside. We can find refuge here and perhaps the answers we seek."

Drakonis landed gracefully on a nearby island, and Nyx carefully dismounted, laying Varyn on the soft grass. She checked his vitals and was relieved to find him stable, though still unconscious.

As Nyx looked around, she noticed that the air was filled with a gentle, musical hum, as if the very atmosphere was alive with magic. She felt a strange sense of peace and curiosity wash over her.

"Drakonis, what should we do now?" she asked, her voice filled with determination.

"We must seek out the Astral Council," Drakonis replied. "They are the guardians of this realm and possess knowledge that could aid us in our fight against the Demon King and his pillars."

Nyx nodded, her resolve strengthening. "Then let's find them. We don't have time to waste."

As they began their journey through the Astral Realm, Nyx couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The landscape was beautiful but eerie, with plants and creatures that seemed to shimmer and change shape as they moved.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the mist, cloaked in shimmering robes that seemed to blend with the surroundings. The figure lowered its hood, revealing a face of ageless beauty and wisdom.

"Welcome to the Astral Realm, Princess Nyx," the figure said, their voice melodic and soothing. "I am Elyndra, a member of the Astral Council. We have been expecting you."

Nyx felt a surge of hope. "You know why we're here?"

Elyndra nodded. "Yes, and we will do everything in our power to assist you. But first, you must understand the true nature of the pillars and the darkness that threatens both your world and ours."

With Elyndra leading the way, Nyx, Drakonis, kyros, and the still-unconscious Varyn embarked on a new journey through the Astral Realm. As they delved deeper into this mystical dimension, they encountered beings of immense power and wisdom, each offering pieces of the puzzle that could lead to the downfall of the Demon King.

Nyx learned of ancient prophecies, hidden relics, and the intertwined fates of their worlds. With each revelation, her resolve grew stronger, her purpose clearer.

The fight against the pillars and the Demon King was far from over, but in this new realm, Nyx found the strength to continue her quest. Together, they would uncover the secrets needed to save both.