The underground throne room trembled.
Aira stood at the entrance, Kael by her side.
The shadows around them pulsed like living things.
The figure on the throne stirred.
Eyes glowing red, aura dark and terrifying.
"I am the First Crown," he said slowly.
"You took what was mine… now it will be returned."
Kael raised his sword.
"Stay behind her! Don't underestimate him!"
Aira didn't move.
Her eyes narrowed, calm, fearless.
The shadows on the walls twisted violently, forming monstrous shapes.
The First Crown laughed, a chilling sound that shook the ground.
"Do you really think you can control me?"
Aira stepped forward.
"No… I don't control you," she said.
"But I can stand with them."
The shadows around her rose.
Not afraid, not submissive—ready to fight alongside her.
The First Crown slammed his hand down.
The ground cracked.
Shadows collided—chaos erupted in the underground hall.
Kael fought bravely, cutting through the dark minions, but more kept coming.
Aira raised both hands.
A surge of light mixed with shadow burst from her crown.
It pushed back the darkness, forcing the First Crown to step back.
"You… you cannot defeat me!" he roared.
"You were made from my own power!"
Aira tilted her head, a small smile on her lips.
"Exactly. That's why I can end this."
She closed her eyes.
For a moment, the whole world seemed to hold its breath.
When she opened them—
Her eyes glowed with both shadow and light.
The shadows at her side surged forward, forming a living barrier.
The First Crown stumbled back, unprepared for this unity.
Kael whispered:
"I've never seen power like this…"
Aira didn't answer.
She focused, stepping forward with certainty.
The First Crown raised a hand, preparing a final strike.
But before he could act, Aira raised her crown high.
A beam of shadow-light shot forward—pure, controlled, unstoppable.
The First Crown screamed as the energy struck him.
The throne cracked, chains shattered, and darkness recoiled.
When the light faded—
The First Crown was gone.
The shadows settled calmly at Aira's feet, loyal, obedient, but not fearful.
Kael exhaled, still in shock.
"She… she really did it."
Aira lowered her crown, her face serene.
"The past is over," she said softly.
"But the future… that's ours to protect."