The Dark Confluence

Zythara–The Abyssal Terror lurked in the dark abyss, looking carefully through the Shadow mirror, watching Starael meditate as he attempted to regain his energy and composure. A sinister connection had formed between Starael and the Abyss, allowing Zythara to intrude upon Starael's thoughts. Her demanding voice echoed within his mind, incessantly urging him and demanding, "Chaos, I need Chaos, Kill, Kill, Chaos."

The relentless mental onslaught pushed Starael to the brink, and he succumbed to the dark impulses, venting his wrath upon the unsuspecting people of Sibiah. The city plunged into chaos as Starael's dark and malevolent powers ran rampant. Zythara reveled in the mayhem her influence had caused.

Meanwhile, Lucian desperately attempted to reason with Starael, striving to pull him back from the hold and precipice of darkness. However, Zythara, realizing her hold on Starael was slipping, struck back with her formidable powers and gained control of Starael again, she also granted Starael another Abyssal gift – the power of Abyssal Teleportation due to his service to her. Starael vanished into the shadows, leaving Zythara to unleash a chilling laugh, an inharmonious and strident blend of evil laughter and screams echoing through the abyss.

Lucian, having witnessed Starael's sudden disappearance, could not shake off the puzzling encounters with him. He knew something was terribly wrong with Starael. Meanwhile, Archwizard Crowley and his small group of wizards and guards were busy attending to the injured citizens in the aftermath of the chaos. Lord Malkin, the Archwizard, began examining the lifeless bodies scattered across the scene. Something about the way they looked triggered a familiar memory.

As Archwizard Crowley pondered the nature of the powers wielded by the elusive individual who had now vanished, he became certain it was an Eldritch power—a dark and forbidden force of immense danger. While his thoughts were consumed by these revelations, he noticed Lucian standing nearby, deep in thoughts, and starting to walk away. The Archwizard, still piecing together the puzzle, continued to closely examine the eerie aftermath of the destructive rampage.

Lucian continued walking, his senses still alert from the earlier encounter with Starael. Suddenly, he felt a hand touching him, and his reflexes prepared him to defend himself, thinking Starael had returned for another confrontation. To his surprise, it was Brendan who stood before him, guiding his face with his hands while looking down, clearly fearful. Brendan urgently said, "It's me, it's me."

Lucian, still on edge, responded with a stern expression, tone, and body language, "Don't you ever approach me like that again." Brendan quickly apologized, understanding the seriousness of the situation.

As they continued walking, Brendan explained, "While I was heading back to my abode, I heard troubling sounds of chaos and decided to return. I found dead bodies and injured people. What went down?"

Lucian, maintaining his composure, replied, "It's Starael." Brendan furrowed his brows, not recognizing the name. He asked with curiosity, "Who is Starael?"

Lucian's response sent a shiver down Brendan's spine, and he broke into a cold sweat. Lucian noticed Brendan's reaction, encouraged him to stay composed, and asserted,Lucian continued "I must find the sacred book of arcane magic, and I must do so quickly."

In her concealed chamber, Princess Felissa sat on her royal bed. She observed Alanis his mind occupied with thoughts pacing restlessly back and forth, unable to contain his anxiety. Curious, Felissa inquired, "Alanis, why are you so restless?"

Alanis responded in a jittery voice, "Princess, the thought of something happening to you today... If anything had gone wrong while you were out in the city, I would have been held accountable. The Queen would have ordered my execution by now"

Felissa reassured him with a smile, "But I'm not hurt, am I?"

Alanis quickly replied, "No, Your Highness."

"Then keep calm," Felissa continued. "I'm perfectly fine. No one is going to be punished or beheaded","you can Leave "

With a mildly relieved expression, Alanis obeyed the princess's request to leave her alone. As he exited the chamber, Princess Felissa reclined on her bed, her thoughts drifting back to the captivating moment she had shared with the hero who had rescued her from near-death.

Having observed the grim scene of the lifeless bodies for a while, Lord Malkin decided it was time to report the disturbing events that had unfolded in the streets of Sibiah to the queen. With a heavy heart, he made his way back to the palace to inform Queen Amarissa of the chaotic and deadly situation that had occurred in the city that day.

Upon reaching the palace, he made his way with purpose towards the chambers of the Queen. As he stood before the ornate doors that guarded her presence, his arrival was duly announced by the vigilant Queen's guard. In response, the Queen sent one of her maids to instruct the guards to grant him entry.

Entering the Queen's chambers, he performed a respectful bow, briefly lowering his head as he addressed her with the words, "Your Majesty." Without delay, he delved into a detailed account of the unsettling events that had unfolded within the city.

Listening intently to the words of the Archwizard, the Queen pondered a question that had initially crossed her mind when the town guard had first delivered the distressing news: "Who could this dark mage possibly be?" Lord Malkin, with a sense of certainty, responded, "One thing I know is that he is not from here."

The Queen sighed deeply, a reflection of the weight of her duty and responsibility, and instructed Lord Malkin to personally investigate this matter. With utmost respect, he replied, "Yes, Your Majesty." Mindful of not causing panic and undue alarm, Lord Malkin purposely withheld the revelation regarding the mysterious individual's dark and Malevolent powers.

Respecting the Queen's desire for solitude to contemplate the unfolding crisis, Lord Malkin excused himself. As he withdrew, the Queen was left alone with her thoughts, a deep sense of concern and seriousness weighing upon her heart. In her thoughts, she could not help but reflect on the history of her lineage. She knew that this kingdom had weathered many storms, remaining steadfast through the reigns and rule of her Great-grandfather, Grandfather, and Father. With unshakable determination, she resolved, "In the days of my reign and rule, the fall of Sibiah shall never come to pass."