The night felt different.
Not dark—
But watching.
Aira stood alone in the palace garden.
The shadows were quiet now.
Too quiet.
Like they were waiting.
Suddenly—
A low sound came from beneath the ground.
Aira froze.
It wasn't a tremble this time.
It was a voice.
"Come… below…"
Aira's eyes narrowed.
Kael rushed toward her.
"You felt that too?"
Aira nodded slowly.
"It's not the shadows…"
She whispered—
"It's something deeper."
The ground cracked open.
Right in front of them.
A hidden passage revealed itself—
Leading underground.
Dark.
Endless.
Kael stepped forward.
"This is a trap."
Aira looked into the darkness.
"No…"
She said calmly—
"It's a calling."
Without fear—
She stepped inside.
Kael followed immediately.
The air below was cold.
Heavy.
Ancient.
The walls were covered with symbols—
Not of the shadow kingdom…
But something older.
Forgotten.
"Who built this place?" Kael asked.
Aira touched the wall.
Her hand trembled.
"I think…"
"They built me."
Suddenly—
The path lit up.
Dark flames appeared on both sides.
At the end of the tunnel—
A giant door stood.
Covered in black chains.
The voice returned.
Stronger now.
"You finally came… Crown Bearer."
Kael raised his sword.
"Show yourself!"
The chains on the door began to break.
One by one.
CLANG… CLANG…
Aira stepped forward.
Her heart racing—
But her face calm.
The door opened slowly.
Inside—
There was no monster.
No army.
Only a throne.
Made of stone and shadow.
And on it—
A figure.
Sleeping.
Aira whispered—
"Who is that…?"
The figure's eyes suddenly opened.
Glowing red.
"You…"
He said—
"You are late."
Kael moved in front of Aira.
"Stay back!"
But Aira didn't move.
She stared at him.
Like she knew him.
"Who are you?" she asked.
The figure smiled slightly.
"I am…"
He paused—
"The first Crown."
Silence.
Aira's breath stopped.
"Impossible…"
He stood up slowly.
The shadows around him bent—
Like they feared him.
"You took my power…"
He said coldly—
"Now I will take it back."
The ground shook violently.
Kael shouted—
"AIRA RUN!"
But Aira didn't run.
Instead—
She stepped forward.
And the shadows around her rose—
Not in fear—
But in challenge.