Chapter Thirteen

With a final, defiant snarl, Malora disappeared into the shadows, leaving behind only the echoes of her menacing words.

As the battle subsided, I sank to my knees, exhaustion weighing heavily on my shoulders. King Edward rushed to my side, concern etched on his face as he helped me stand. We both knew that the encounter with Malora was just the beginning of a much larger threat looming over the realms.

"We must prepare ourselves for what is to come," I said, my voice filled with determination. "Malora will not rest until she has achieved her goal of domination."

King Edward nodded gravely, his eyes scanning the darkness that surrounded us.

"We cannot face this darkness alone. We will need allies from all corners of the realms if we are to stand a chance against Malora and her malevolent forces."

I glanced at the celestial shield, still crackling with remnants of its powerful light. It had served us well in battle, but I knew it alone would not be enough to defeat Malora.

"We must see