The silver roots of the Worldtree trembled as Kaelen pressed his hands to its bark. The Sundered Crown, wreathed in emerald flame, lay at his feet. Behind him, the Shadow Host surged forward, their twisted forms seeking to consume all light.
Kaelen did not hesitate. He grasped the Crown and set it upon his brow. Power seared through him, lancing his veins with the fire of the First Kings. The Host recoiled, shrieking as golden light erupted from his hands. He raised them, and the Worldtree answered—its roots burst from the ground, entangling the Shadow in an unbreakable grip.
The earth shook as the abyss split open beneath the Host, dragging them into the depths. As the shadows vanished, Kaelen swayed, his vision dimming. The Crown’s magic had taken its toll. The cost of wielding such power was his life.
Yet the Worldtree pulsed beneath his hand, recognizing his sacrifice. Its ancient magic flowed into him, binding him forever to its roots. He would not die—but nor would he leave. Kaelen had saved the world, but now he was its guardian for eternity.
Leave a Reply