The air in the citadel turned oppressive as the Lycan King's forces surged into the chamber, their snarls echoing off the crystalline walls. Shadow beasts darted through the rubble, their forms flickering like phantoms as they attacked with relentless ferocity. "Protect the Heart!" Cassian roared, his blade slicing through a lunging beast.
Aurora stood near the pedestal, the Heart of Solara clutched tightly in her hands. Its once-brilliant light flickered uncertainly, dimming as the Lycan King stepped into the chamber. His crimson eyes locked onto Aurora, and his chilling presence sent a ripple of dread through her.
"You've done well to bring it this far," he sneered, his voice a mixture of mockery and menace. "But the Heart of Solara was never meant for you."
Aurora raised the artifact higher, feeling its power surge faintly within her grasp. "You'll never have it," she said, her voice shaking but resolute.
The Lycan King's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Do you think you can protect it from me, child? The Pact bends to my will. The Heart is merely the final piece."
Before Aurora could react, he extended a clawed hand, summoning a wave of shadow energy that struck her like a physical blow. She stumbled, the Heart slipping from her grasp and rolling across the chamber floor.
Cassian lunged to intercept the Lycan King, but the dark energy surrounding him was too strong. With a flick of his wrist, the Lycan King sent Cassian sprawling, his body hitting the wall with a sickening thud. "Cassian!" Aurora cried, her voice filled with panic.
The Lycan King approached the Heart, his presence commanding as he knelt to pick it up. The artifact pulsed weakly in his hands, its silvery glow tainted by streaks of black as he poured his dark energy into it. "The Heart will amplify the Pact's power," the Lycan King said, his voice reverent yet menacing. "And with it, I will reshape this world into my image."
Aurora struggled to her feet, reaching for the energy within the Pact to stop him. But her connection wavered, the strain of the battle leaving her depleted.
The chamber shuddered violently as the Heart began to react to the Lycan King's corruption. Crystalline shards fell from the ceiling, and cracks spread across the floor.noveldrama
Anica pulled Aurora back, shouting, "We can't fight him here! The entire structure is coming down!"
Aurora's gaze locked on the Heart, its light dimming as the Lycan King's power overwhelmed it. Her chest tightened with helplessness as the group retreated, leaving the citadel to the King's growing darkness.