THE LAST BLOOD SOVEREIGN

CHAPTER 22: THE WHISPERING MOUNTAINS

 

The giant silver eagle soared above the clouds.

Below, forests stretched endlessly across the continent, broken only by winding rivers and ancient ruins forgotten by time.

Kael sat near the front of the eagle's back, the cold wind brushing against his face.

For the first time in days, there was no battle.

Only silence.

He looked at the crimson mark on his palm.

Three glowing rings now surrounded the original symbol.

Each ring pulsed gently, as though responding to the heartbeat of the world itself.

"You've been staring at that mark for an hour."

Kael turned.

Selene had walked over, carrying a rolled parchment.

"I was thinking."

"Dangerous habit," Caelan called from behind them with a grin.

Elara smirked.

"I told you he'd say that."

Even Kael laughed.

It was the first genuine laugh he had shared since leaving Black Hollow.

The tension on the eagle eased for a moment.

Then Selene unrolled the parchment.

It was an old map.

"The Whispering Mountains aren't just mountains."

"They're a labyrinth."

She pointed toward a jagged range marked with faded crimson ink.

"Thousands of years ago, the Third Blood Sovereign built a fortress inside these peaks."

"Entire armies entered."

"Almost none returned."

Kael studied the map carefully.

"So the shrine is hidden inside the fortress?"

Selene nodded.

"If the records are correct."

"But something worries me."

"What?"

She traced a finger over another symbol.

"The fortress was protected by three trials."

"Strength."

"Wisdom."

"Sacrifice."

Caelan frowned.

"Sounds cheerful."

Elara rolled her eyes.

"You complain too much."

"I complain because I survive."

Before their conversation could continue—

The silver eagle suddenly shrieked.

Its enormous wings faltered.

"What happened?" Kael asked.

The beast's eyes widened with fear.

Then...

The clouds above them split apart.

A spear of black lightning shot downward.

BOOM!

The explosion rocked the eagle violently.

Everyone nearly lost their footing.

"Ambush!" Selene shouted.

Six figures emerged from the storm clouds.

Each rode a massive black wyvern.

Their armor bore the imperial crest.

One of them removed his helmet.

His face was young.

Too young.

He couldn't have been older than twenty.

Yet his aura rivaled Lucien's.

"So..."

"The Blood Sovereign travels with quite the escort."

Selene's expression darkened.

"I know him."

Caelan looked surprised.

"You do?"

She nodded slowly.

"His name is Prince Kaelor Malachar."

Kael stared at her.

"Prince?"

"The Emperor's eldest son."

The young prince smiled politely.

"I see my reputation still precedes me."

He looked directly at Kael.

"I've wanted to meet you for a very long time."

Kael stood.

"So you're here to kill me."

Kaelor sighed.

"Must everything begin with violence?"

Then his expression turned cold.

"Unfortunately..."

"Yes."

He raised one hand.

The six wyverns roared together.

Black magic circles spread beneath them.

Storm clouds swirled violently.

Kaelor's golden eyes suddenly shifted to crimson.

"My father ordered me to bring back your head."

He slowly drew a long black spear.

Its blade crackled with crimson lightning.

"But..."

"If you surrender peacefully..."

"I promise to make it painless."

Kael stepped forward, his crimson sword materializing in his hand.

"I have a better idea."

Kaelor raised an eyebrow.

"You surrender."

For a heartbeat...

Silence.

Then Kaelor laughed.

A genuine laugh.

"I like you."

"It's a shame one of us has to die."

The prince pointed his spear toward Kael.

"Imperial Sky Guard!"

"Attack!"

The six wyverns dove through the clouds.

Lightning exploded around them.

The silver eagle banked sharply to avoid the first assault.

The battle...

Would be fought in the sky.

Far below, hidden among the snow-covered peaks of the Whispering Mountains, an ancient pair of crimson eyes slowly opened.

A deep voice echoed through the forgotten fortress.

"The heir approaches..."

"And so does the blood of the traitor."

The Third Blood Sovereign had awakened.