Chapter 14: The Eternal Captivity
As Aiden, Seraphine, and Zara basked in the temporary victory over Xerath, their joy was short-lived. Before their very eyes, Xerath began to regenerate, his body reforming from the dust that lay scattered on the ground. It became clear that Xerath could not be killed by mortal means; only the true power of the universe could defeat him.
With a wave of his hand, Xerath unleashed a wave of energy that engulfed Aiden, Seraphine, and Zara, rendering them powerless. He then cast a spell that placed them all in captivity, sealing them away in a dimension of his own creation where time moved differently, ensuring that they would never age or die.
Years passed, then decades, and finally centuries. Aiden, Seraphine, and Zara remained trapped in their prison, their powers useless against Xerath's magic. They watched helplessly as Xerath's influence spread, corrupting those around them and turning them into servants of his dark will.
As the years went by, hope began to fade. Many of those who had once resisted Xerath now worked for him, their wills broken by his endless power. The once vibrant land lay in ruins, its people living in fear and despair.
But amidst the darkness, a spark of hope remained. A small group of resistance fighters, led by descendants of those who had once fought alongside Aiden, Seraphine, and Zara, continued to resist Xerath's rule. They believed that one day, the heroes of old would return to free them from their prison and restore peace to the land.
And so, Aiden, Seraphine, and Zara bided their time, working out a plan to escape their captivity and defeat Xerath once and for all. They knew that it would not be easy; Xerath's powers were unmatched, and his hold over the land was absolute. But they also knew that they could not give up hope, for as long as they fought, there was a chance that peace could be restored to the land once more.