Chapter 24: The Fang of Oblivion
January 18, 2026 at 10:14 AM
The mountain loomed before them — a colossal spire of black stone, its peak lost in swirling clouds. Lightning forked across the sky, illuminating ancient runes carved into the rock.
Flora felt the sword’s presence.
It pulsed like a heartbeat.
Aestus placed a hand on the stone. “There’s an entrance… here.”
A crack split open, revealing a narrow passageway lit by faint blue flames. Flora stepped inside, the dragon squeezing through behind them.
The tunnel opened into a vast chamber.
At its center stood a pedestal of obsidian.
And on that pedestal rested the Sword of Vengeance.
It was beautiful — and terrifying.
A blade of pure silver‑white light, its hilt wrapped in black leather, runes glowing along its edge. The air around it shimmered with raw power.
Aestus whispered, “That sword could kill Malum instantly.”
Flora stepped forward.
The whispers returned — louder now.
“Take it…”
“Claim your vengeance…”
“Burn him…”
Flora’s hand trembled.
Aestus grabbed her wrist. “Flora. Stop.”
She looked at him, eyes burning with conflict.
“I don’t want revenge,” she whispered. “I don’t.”
Aestus nodded. “Then prove it.”
Flora closed her eyes.
The whispers screamed.
She reached out — not with anger, not with hatred, but with purpose.
Her fingers wrapped around the hilt.
The chamber exploded with light.
The whispers fell silent.
And the Sword of Vengeance chose her.
