Chapter Eleven: Betrayal and Loss

As Morgath retreated through the portal, Aldric felt a wave of relief wash over him. He had managed to repel the dark sorcerer, but he knew this was only a temporary victory. They had the second key, but the battle was far from over.

Elysia and Thane approached, both looking shaken but determined. "That was too close," Elysia said, sheathing her sword. "We need to move quickly and find the remaining keys before Morgath regroups."

Thane nodded in agreement. "Every moment we delay gives him a chance to gain the upper hand. We must leave this place and figure out our next move."

As they prepared to leave the temple, Lira approached Aldric, her face pale and her eyes wide with fear. "Aldric, we have a problem. I just received a message from one of my contacts. Morgath's forces have attacked Thaloria's capital."

Aldric's heart sank. "What? When?"

"Just before we arrived here," Lira replied, her voice trembling. "They took advantage of our absence. The city is under siege, and the royal family has been captured."

Elysia's face turned ashen. "My father... my brother... we have to go back and help them."

Thane placed a comforting hand on her shoulder. "We will, Elysia. But we must be strategic. Charging in without a plan could lead to disaster."

Aldric felt a deep sense of dread. His home was in danger, and his friends and family were at the mercy of Morgath's forces. The weight of the prophecy pressed down on him even harder. He had to find a way to save his kingdom and stop Morgath, but the path forward was fraught with peril.

"Let's get out of here first," Aldric said, his voice steady despite the turmoil inside him. "We need to regroup and come up with a plan."

They made their way out of the Sunken City, the weight of the bad news heavy on their shoulders. As they journeyed back through the Evernight Forest, Aldric couldn't shake the feeling of impending doom. He knew that Morgath's attack on the capital was only the beginning. The dark sorcerer was growing bolder, and his reach was extending further than Aldric had anticipated.