The ground beneath Elara's boots trembled as a massive shadow fell over the entrance of the ice cavern. Standing over ten feet tall, the Frost-Giant emerged from the blizzard, its skin made of translucent blue ice and its eyes burning like cold white stars. In its hand, it gripped a club carved from the bone of an ancient sea creature.
"The Star-Child is not welcome here," the Giant boomed, its voice causing icicles to shatter from the ceiling.
Kaelen stepped forward, his sword glowing with a faint blue aura. "We aren't here for a fight, beast. We only seek the shard of the second crystal."
The Giant let out a thunderous laugh. "The shard is part of my heart now. To take it, you must prove your spirit is stronger than the eternal winter."
Elara stepped past Kaelen, her palm glowing fiercely. She could feel the second crystal calling out from inside the Giant's chest. "I will not let my world freeze in darkness," she said, her voice steady. "If a test of spirit is what you want, then watch me."