The sky above the battlefield grew darker. Thunder roared relentlessly, as if nature itself was trying to warn them of something drawing near. Zara stood firm with the Soul Relic in her hand, while Ayla stood beside her, eyes locked on the looming shadow approaching them.
"He's getting closer…" Ayla said. "Nyx can sense the energy of the Relic."
Zara swallowed hard. "Do we fight him now?"
Ayla shook her head. "Not yet. You haven't fully mastered the Relic."
Zara nodded. Together, they retreated to an ancient temple hidden at the edge of the dimension. Shrouded in violet mist, it could only be accessed by those who had awakened their inner sight. Inside, the temple guardians awaited—including someone dear to Zara—Kael, a calm and composed young man who had guided her since the beginning of her journey.
Kael greeted her with a gentle smile. "You found the Relic. I'm proud of you."
Zara offered a small smile. "Thanks, Kael. I wouldn't have made it here without your help."
But Ayla—oddly—seemed tense. She looked at Kael like something was off.
"Kael," Ayla said quietly, "how did you know she found the Relic… when we haven't sent any signal yet?"
Kael froze for a moment, but quickly regained composure. "I… I felt it. The Relic has a powerful energy. All guardians can sense it."
Ayla stepped closer, her voice steady. "That kind of energy can only be felt if you have a direct link to the Relic. Or… if you once tried to steal it."
Zara's eyes widened. "Ayla, what are you saying?"
Ayla looked at her with quiet sorrow. "I hoped I was wrong, Zara. But all this time, there's been a traitor among us. Someone who opened the dimensional gates… and let Nyx in."
Zara turned to Kael. "It can't be him… no way."
But Kael lowered his head. Silent.
Ayla took a deep breath. "Kael… who are you, really?"
Kael finally looked up. "I… was once a guardian, like you. But I discovered something. Something this world tried to hide. The truth—that balance is an illusion. That true power belongs to those brave enough to take it."
Zara felt her world shake. "You… you opened the gates between dimensions? You released Nyx?!"
Kael gave a bitter smile. "I never meant to unleash him. But he knew I was closest to the Relic. And now, you hold it… Zara, you have no idea how much power lies in that thing."
Ayla stepped in front of Zara protectively. "You're not getting the Relic, Kael. It no longer belongs to you."
Kael raised his hand—and from behind him, shadow creatures emerged. Once only lurking in darkness, now they bowed to him.
"If you won't give it willingly…" he said, stepping forward, "…then I'll take it by force."
Zara gripped the Relic tightly. Her eyes no longer trembled in fear—they burned with fury.
"You betrayed my trust, Kael. But you will never steal my destiny."