The journey back to Tiberios was somber and tense. The discovery of the cave and the dark ritual within it weighed heavily on Dominic’s mind. The forest, once full of natural beauty and mystery, now felt oppressive and dangerous, as though unseen eyes were watching their every move.

As they approached the city gates, the familiar sight of Tiberios—a city of stone walls and bustling streets—provided little comfort. Dominic could still feel the lingering presence of the dark magic they had encountered, a cold shadow that seemed to follow him even as they passed through the gates and into the safety of the city.

The trio made their way to the city’s central keep, a towering structure of gray stone that served as both the heart of Tiberios and the seat of its government. The guards at the entrance recognized Marcus and Selene and quickly allowed them entry. They were escorted to a large, ornately decorated chamber where a council of advisors and military leaders awaited them.

At the head of the table sat Lord Aelric, the ruler of Tiberios, a stern-looking man with a strong jawline, graying hair, and piercing blue eyes. He was dressed in a regal tunic adorned with the crest of Andaria—a golden phoenix rising from flames.

"Marcus, Selene," Lord Aelric greeted them with a nod. His gaze shifted to Dominic, curiosity flickering in his eyes. "And this must be the newcomer I’ve heard so much about. Dominic, is it?"

Dominic nodded, feeling the weight of the lord’s scrutiny. "Yes, my lord."

"Very well," Lord Aelric said, leaning forward. "You’ve returned earlier than expected. What news do you bring from Wyvern’s Rest?"

Marcus stepped forward, his expression grim. "My lord, we encountered something far more dangerous than we anticipated. A creature, twisted by dark magic, attacked the village. We managed to defeat it, but we discovered a ritual site deep in the forest—a cave with symbols and a bloodstained altar. We believe someone has been practicing dark magic, possibly using the cave as a focal point."

The room fell silent as the weight of Marcus’s words settled over the assembled council. Lord Aelric’s expression darkened, his eyes narrowing in thought.

"Dark magic…" Lord Aelric repeated slowly. "This is troubling news indeed. And you believe this is linked to the disturbances in the village?"

Selene nodded. "Yes, my lord. The cave is ancient, and the magic we sensed there was powerful. Whoever is behind this knows what they’re doing. We need to act quickly before more harm is done."

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Lord Aelric stood, pacing the length of the room as he considered their words. "If dark magic has resurfaced in Andaria, it could threaten the entire kingdom. We cannot allow this to spread. Marcus, I will authorize additional troops to be dispatched to Wyvern’s Rest. You and Selene will lead the investigation into this cave and uncover the identity of the one responsible."

Marcus bowed his head in acknowledgment. "Thank you, my lord. We’ll do everything in our power to stop this."

Lord Aelric turned his attention to Dominic, his expression softening slightly. "And you, Dominic. You are new to this world, yet you have already proven yourself to be of great value. I understand you played a significant role in defeating the creature?"

Dominic felt a surge of pride mixed with anxiety. "I did what I could, my lord. But I’m still learning. I don’t fully understand the magic inside me."

Lord Aelric nodded thoughtfully. "Your arrival in Andaria is a mystery, one that may be connected to the dark forces at work. I will have the court mage, Master Eamon, assist you in unlocking the secrets of your magic. If we are to face this threat, we need to understand every advantage we possess."

A figure seated at the far end of the table—a man dressed in flowing robes of deep blue, with a long silver beard and wise, penetrating eyes—gave a slight nod. This was Master Eamon, the court mage, and one of the most powerful spellcasters in Andaria.

"I will do my best to guide him," Eamon said, his voice deep and resonant. "Magic is a powerful tool, but it is also a dangerous one if not properly understood. Dominic, you and I will begin our training immediately."

Dominic swallowed nervously but nodded. "Thank you, Master Eamon."

Lord Aelric returned to his seat, his demeanor that of a man who carried the weight of an entire kingdom on his shoulders. "Very well. You have your orders. Marcus, Selene, I expect regular reports on your progress. And Dominic, remember that you are not alone in this. Andaria stands with you."

With that, the council was dismissed. Marcus, Selene, and Dominic left the chamber, their minds heavy with the task ahead. As they exited the keep and stepped into the bustling streets of Tiberios, Marcus turned to Dominic.

"We’ll rest for the night and regroup tomorrow," Marcus said, his voice firm but not unkind. "You’ll need your strength for what’s to come."

Selene smiled reassuringly at Dominic. "You did well today, Dominic. Don’t doubt yourself. We’ll get through this together."

Dominic nodded, feeling a mixture of gratitude and determination. He was beginning to understand the gravity of the situation, the importance of his role in the battle against the dark forces threatening Andaria. But he also knew that he had a long way to go.

As they made their way back to the barracks, Dominic couldn’t shake the feeling that the shadows of the past were closing in on them. The dark magic they had encountered was ancient and powerful, and whoever was behind it was not going to be easily defeated.

But Dominic was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead. With Marcus and Selene by his side, and the guidance of Master Eamon, he would do everything in his power to protect Andaria—and maybe, just maybe, find his way back home.