The FORGOTTEN Kingdom

ed into a mask of steely resolve. The figures in the shadows stepped forward, revealing themselves

l and slender, his voice dripping with smug authority. "You've traveled a long wa

ke a move just yet. "Who are you?" she demanded, her

a dying line. Your family's connection to this cursed place is no secret to t

hide their connection to Valmor, and yet here he was, naming her lineage like it was common k

said, her grip tightening o

seek what lies within that box," he gestured toward the intricately carved chest on the altar be

We're not giving you anything. And I dou

e. "You think I need to bargain with you? This city is alrea

or spoke of confidence that went beyond

Elara said, standing her ground. "The power i

rogance slipping for just a moment. "It

f steel echoed through the temple as they drew their swords.

ve," Fen muttered, st

. There wasn't enough time to fight their way out and

pounded as she ducked beneath a swinging blade, rolling to the side and coming up in a defensive stance. She moved w

is wasn't a group of common thugs-they were well-trained, discipline

of the men with a powerful strike.

the altar, narrowly dodging another attacker as she reached the base of the stone pl

ct was alive. For a moment, time seemed to slow. Elara could feel the weight of history in he

struggling to keep Maren's men at bay, blood alrea

he box, its weight heavier than

en was

pping her arm like iron. "You think you can just tak

her footing faltering on the uneven stone floor. Maren twisted her arm, forcing her to

the room fell

ergy, and the very ground beneath their feet began to shake. Maren's eyes

easing Elara and stumbling

he ancient mechanism built into the temple had bee

Maren's men, looked up in al

ted from the box. The temple began to crumble, stone blocks falling from the ceili

for the exit. Fen was right behind her, dodging fal

oor gave way, and the temple began to collapse into the earth. Elara and Fen barely managed to leap acro

and sweat. The city of Valmor, once silent and for

ll racing. Whatever ancient power they had disturb

weren't

Maren emerged, bloodied but a

ce hoarse but laced with venom. "I wil

mbling beneath her. "You'

of Valmor, the ancient box now in their possession