Another battle was brewing.
While the Kardel and Rhiki faced the remnants of the Dark Fate above them, Auren knelt beside the crater, opening his worn satchel with steady hands. There was no panic in his eyes—only resolve. The gaze that stared down at Queen Elarya was not that of a boy, but a hardened warrior. Sharp, calm, and unwavering.
"Kardel. Rhiki..." Auren called quietly.
His voice, though low, carried authority. Something in it made both elven warriors freeze. Their fury stilled—not from force, but confusion. The child they had accompanied to this place had vanished. In his place is the presence of someone else. Something else.
Someone... older. Sharper. Unexplainable.
Without hesitation and fear from the unknown enemies, Auren reached into his pack and pulled out a single, glowing vial—the high-grade healing potion he'd been saving for himself. The silvery liquid shimmered faintly, like moonlight dancing in a bottle.
