Story 221: The Price of Power

Damien staggered through the ruins of Fallhollow, his hand still clenched around the scepter. Every step felt heavier, like the weight of the world pressed down on him. The scepter had drained his strength, and he could feel something dark clawing at his soul—a subtle reminder that its power came at a price. Lena walked a few paces behind, her gaze wary, as if she sensed the change in him.

“Damien, we need to talk,” Lena finally said, her voice barely audible over the wind. “This… obsession with the scepter. It’s changing you.”

He stopped, his jaw clenched. “It’s the only weapon we have against the Zombie King. Without it, we’re just dead men walking.”

“But at what cost?” Lena’s voice cracked, revealing a vulnerability she rarely showed. “I almost lost you back there, and it’s not just the hunters. The scepter is taking more from you than you realize.”