The Abyss's Bargain

Kaida's pulse raced as the memory of the creature's defeat lingered in her mind. The Abyss had responded to her call with unparalleled intensity, leaving her shaken by the extent of its power. The faint echoes of Kael's voice—the brother she sought—still whispered through her thoughts, haunting her every step.

The group moved cautiously, the ruins of the Oblivion Spire growing more treacherous as the rain turned the ground into a slippery mire. Ardyn walked slightly ahead, his movements confident yet guarded. Ryven flanked Kaida, his protective instincts evident in every glance he cast her way.

"Kaida," Ryven said softly, breaking the tense silence, "I don't trust him."

"Neither do I," Kaida replied, her voice firm. "But for now, we don't have a choice. If he knows something about Kael, I need to hear it."

Ardyn glanced over his shoulder, a smirk playing on his lips. "You do know I can hear you, right? It's adorable how subtle you think you are."

Ryven scowled, his hand tightening on the hilt of his sword. "You'll be lucky if you leave this alive."

Ardyn laughed. "Charming. But your threats are unnecessary. I'm here to help."

Kaida stopped abruptly, turning to face Ardyn. "Enough. If you have information, share it now. What do you know about Kael?"

Ardyn's expression sobered, the levity disappearing from his face. "He's alive," he said simply.

The words hit Kaida like a lightning bolt. Her breath caught, and for a moment, she felt the overwhelming weight of relief.

"But," Ardyn continued, "he's not the same person you remember."

Kaida's relief evaporated, replaced by a gnawing dread. "What do you mean?"

Ardyn hesitated, his gaze dropping to the ground. "The Abyss doesn't just take. It changes. Shapes. Molds. Kael isn't just lost within it—he's become part of it."

Kaida shook her head, refusing to believe it. "No. He's strong. He wouldn't let it consume him."

Ardyn's green eyes locked onto hers, their intensity unnerving. "You think you're the only one who's strong? The only one who can resist its pull? Kael fought harder than anyone I've ever seen. But the Abyss isn't something you fight. It's something you endure."

Ryven stepped forward, his anger barely contained. "If this is some sick game, you're going to regret it."

Ardyn raised a hand, stopping him. "It's no game. I wish it were." He turned back to Kaida. "If you want to save him, you'll need to strike a bargain with the Abyss."

Kaida's stomach churned. "What kind of bargain?"

Ardyn smiled faintly, but there was no humor in it. "The kind that requires sacrifice."

Before Kaida could respond, the ground beneath them trembled violently. A fissure opened nearby, and from it emerged another creature—this one smaller than the last but no less menacing. Its form shimmered like liquid shadow, and its eyes burned with an unnatural light.

Ryven drew his sword, stepping in front of Kaida. "We'll deal with this first."

The battle was swift but brutal. The creature's agility made it difficult to pin down, and its attacks were unnervingly precise. Ardyn moved like a phantom, his daggers flashing as he struck at its vulnerable points. Ryven fought with raw power, his strikes forcing the creature to retreat.

Kaida, however, hesitated. The Abyss's power surged within her, eager to be unleashed, but she was reluctant to use it again so soon. The memory of its whispers, its pull, was too fresh.

"Kaida!" Ryven shouted, snapping her out of her thoughts. The creature lunged toward her, its claws aimed directly at her chest.

Instinct took over. Kaida raised her hands, releasing a burst of silvery energy that collided with the creature and sent it flying. The blast left her drained, but the creature was defeated.

As the dust settled, Ardyn approached her, his expression unreadable. "You can't keep holding back," he said. "If you're serious about saving Kael, you'll need to embrace what you've become."

Kaida glared at him. "And what exactly have I become?"

Ardyn tilted his head, his smirk returning. "A weapon. Whether you like it or not."

Kaida's anger flared, but before she could respond, the Abyss within her stirred again. This time, it was different. The whispers grew louder, more distinct.

"Kaida."

She froze. The voice was unmistakable. It wasn't just the Abyss. It was Kael.

"Did you hear that?" she asked, her voice barely a whisper.

Ryven and Ardyn exchanged confused looks. "Hear what?" Ryven asked.

Kaida turned away, her heart pounding. The Abyss wasn't just calling to her—it was guiding her. And somewhere within its depths, her brother was waiting.

But at what cost?