The sky did not heal.
It stayed broken.
That crack… still spreading slowly, like a wound that refused to close.
Aria and Rowan didn't speak for a while.
They walked.
Fast.
Silent.
The mountain behind them continued to decay, pieces falling into nothingness as the black particles spread like a disease.
Aria glanced at Rowan.
He looked normal.
Too normal.
That scared her more.
"Are you okay?" she asked.
Rowan didn't answer immediately.
"…I don't know."
That was honest.
Too honest.
Aria didn't push further.
Because she could feel it too.
Something had changed.
Not just in the world—
But in him.
Hours later…
They finally reached the edge of the kingdom.
But—
Something was wrong.
The guards at the gate were on high alert.
Weapons drawn.
Magic barriers active.
As soon as Aria and Rowan stepped closer—
"STOP RIGHT THERE!"
The guards raised their weapons instantly.
Aria frowned.
"It's us."
Recognition hit them.
Shock spread across their faces.
"Lady Aria…?"
"And… Flame Guardian Rowan…"
They lowered their weapons—but not completely.
Fear still lingered.
"Something is happening," one of them said quickly.
Aria's expression hardened.
"We know."
Inside the kingdom—
Chaos.
People running.
Mages casting protective barriers.
The sky above the capital… was not safe either.
Small cracks had already begun to form.
Just like the one in the mountains.
Rowan looked up.
"…It's spreading faster than I thought."
Aria clenched her fists.
"We don't have time."
They didn't stop.
Straight to the palace.
The throne room doors opened—
And all eyes turned toward them.
Inside stood the rulers and leaders of the realm.
And at the center—
The Dragon King.
His massive presence filled the hall even in human form.
His eyes locked onto them immediately.
"You're back."
His voice was calm.
But heavy.
Aria stepped forward.
"We have a problem."
The Dragon King gave a slight nod.
"I can see that."
Rowan stepped beside her.
"The Void… it's returning."
Silence filled the room.
The word itself felt dangerous.
The Dragon King's expression darkened slightly.
"…So it begins."
Aria didn't like that.
"You knew?"
"Not exactly," he replied.
"But I felt it."
His gaze shifted to Rowan.
And stopped.
Right on his shoulder.
On the mark.
"…And I assume," the Dragon King continued slowly, "this is connected to him."
The entire room tensed.
Rowan didn't move.
Didn't deny it.
"…Yeah."
Whispers spread.
Fear.
Doubt.
Suspicion.
Aria stepped forward immediately.
"He's not the enemy."
Her voice was sharp.
Protective.
The room went silent again.
The Dragon King studied them both.
Then asked—
"Can you control it?"
Rowan hesitated.
That was enough.
The answer was clear.
Suddenly—
A loud explosion shook the palace.
BOOM.
The ground trembled.
Screams echoed from outside.
A guard rushed in.
"Your Majesty! The outer barrier—"
"It's breaking!"
Rowan's eyes widened.
"That fast?!"
Aria drew her sword instantly.
"Already here…"
The Dragon King stood up.
Power surged through the room.
"Then we don't wait."
His eyes burned like fire.
"Prepare for battle."
But Rowan didn't move.
Not immediately.
Because he could feel it again.
That voice.
That pull.
Stronger now.
Closer.
"…Rowan."
Aria's voice brought him back.
He looked at her.
Concern.
Fear.
But also trust.
Always trust.
"…I'm here," he said.
But deep inside—
Something answered back.
Not for long.
Rowan's hand clenched slowly.
The mark on his shoulder pulsed again.
Like a heartbeat.
Like a signal.
And far beyond the sky—
Something smiled
💬 Comment line (use for engagement):
"The Void is already attacking… but is the real danger outside—or inside Rowan?"