Zolaris (Zane): At home.

The house was shrouded in the heavy silence of night, broken only by the occasional creak of settling wood and the distant howl of the wind outside.

I moved with deliberate care through the darkened hallway, the cold, pale light of the streetlamp outside barely filtering through the frost-covered windows.

The storm outside raged on, its fury muted by the thick walls but still persistent enough to make the glass panes shudder.

In the bedroom, where my unsuspecting guests lay, the only sound was the steady rhythm of their breathing, a peaceful cadence that contrasted sharply with the storm outside.

Aiden slept soundly, his head nestled against Mila’s shoulder, his expression serene and unaware of the darkness creeping into his life.

My companion, the serpent Nythrak, coiled itself around my neck like a living necklace, its cold scales brushing against my skin.

Occasionally, it would hiss softly, a quiet reminder of its presence.

I approached their bedside with the stealth of a shadow, careful to avoid the creaky floorboards that might disturb the dog curled up at their feet.

My eyes gleamed as they settled on the Frost Chain around Aiden’s neck, the gem at its center now marred by a fine crack.

A smirk tugged at my lips as I gently stroked Nythrak’s head, my fingers brushing over the smooth, cool scales. “You were right,” I murmured to the snake, though my voice never broke the silence of the room. Our connection was deeper, words unnecessary. It did crack.

Nythrak responded with a slow, deliberate tightening around my arm as it curled around it, moving away from my neck, its coils squeezing slightly before it suddenly bit down into my hand.

The bite was swift and precise, its fangs sinking deep into my hand. I felt the familiar sensation of venom entering my bloodstream, a burning cold that traveled through my veins, but it was a sensation I welcomed.

This was our ritual, a bond that strengthened me and solidified our dark pact.

I watched as the venom’s influence spread, my skin glowing faintly in the darkness. Then, with a slight tilt of my hand, I let a few drops of my venom-laden blood fall onto the cracked gem of the Frost Chain. Making it slowly get swallowed into the crack.

The effect was immediate. The once-blue gem darkened, turning a shade of murky black as if it had been poisoned.

Aiden stirred in his sleep, his peaceful expression contorting into one of discomfort.

The temperature in the room plummeted cold enough that even I could feel the chill. Frost began to creep across the walls and ceiling, delicate ice patterns forming as if the very air was freezing.

Outside, the storm intensified, and a thick layer of ice formed over the window, obscuring the faint light from outside.

"What happens now?" I asked, but my lips didn't move ever so slightly.

Nythrak hissed, the sound a mix of amusement and cruelty. The venom will weaken him. It will seep into his mind, distorting his senses, making him see illusions and hear voices that aren’t there. But more importantly, the snake’s voice lowered, almost reverent, it will hasten the breaking of the Frost Chain.

I watched as Aiden shivered, his breath coming in short, shallow gasps. Mila, still asleep, unconsciously pulled the blanket closer over herself, seeking warmth as the cold began to seep into her skin.

"And how exactly is that useful?" I pressed, my curiosity piqued.

You will be his only cure, Nythrak whispered, its tail lifting to wrap around the golden-orange gem hanging from my neck.

A small part from the Sun Fire Gem, broken but still potent, glowed faintly with a heat that countered the freezing air around it.

He will have two choices—surrender himself to you, and become a full elf, or... The snake’s voice trailed off with a hiss.

Or he will freeze to death instead of becoming a destructive monster, He finished, the words lingering in the cold air.

The corners of my lips curled into a cruel smile as I rose from the bedside.

"And how will he benefit us if he freezes to death? Isn't that the same thing as execution?"I asked as we moved towards the door.

Nythrak's voice slithered back into my mind, dripping with dark cunning. Not quite the same, Zolaris. If he freezes to death, his powers will be unleashed in a final, uncontrollable surge.

The Frost Chain will shatter completely, and the raw, untamed force of his ice magic will be ours to harness. We can draw it from his lifeless body, a gift of immense power that can be used to fuel our own designs.

The serpent's eyes gleamed with malevolent intent. But if he surrenders to you, becomes the full elf he was meant to be, he will be bound to you in ways far deeper than any chain.

His power will be yours to command, willingly given, and infinitely more potent because of it.

A slow, satisfied smile spread across my face. So either way, his power becomes mine. Whether through his final breath or his submission.

True, Nythrak hissed, pleased with my understanding. He can not escape his fate...

The snake curled around my waist slightly, tightening around me. Then, it moved up to my shoulder once more, curling around my neck, until its head was facing mine.

Nythrak paused, its eyes narrowing as it considered my question. But... the serpent began, its tone shifting to something more insidious, more calculated.

There is a greater destiny at play here, Zolaris. A prophecy older than the stars themselves.

It speaks of twined opposites—two beings of immense power, born under the same celestial event, one of fire and one of ice, destined to rule the world together.

I frowned, intrigued. And what does that have to do with me?

Nythrak continued, its voice a whisper that curled around my thoughts like smoke.

These twined opposites, when united willingly, will become unstoppable. Together, they will have the power to reshape the world, to exact vengeance upon all who have ever wronged them, to lay waste to those who dared to look down on them.

The snake's tail flicked toward Mila, its forked tongue tasting the air. If he complies willingly, if he accepts his true nature and joins you, the two of you will fulfill this prophecy. You will be the rulers of a new world, a world forged in fire and ice, where your enemies will grovel at your feet, begging for mercy they will never receive.

I felt a thrill of dark excitement at the thought. But if he freezes to death,Nythrak warned, that power would be lost, scattered to the winds like ashes.

You will have his magic, yes, but it will be a hollow victory. You will be left with raw, untamed force—destructive, yes, but lacking the control, the precision needed to truly conquer.

The corners of my lips curled into a cruel smile." So if he surrenders, we fulfill the prophecy and rule the world together. And if he refuses... we still gain his power, but lose the chance to become one of the greats."

Exactly, Nythrak hissed with satisfaction. But remember, Zolaris, the prophecy does not speak of mere power. It speaks of vengeance, of balance restored, of the ultimate revenge against those who sought to destroy you.

Together, you and Adonis can be that vengeance can bring about that balance. But only if he submits to you willingly.

I nodded, the cold in the room deepening as I contemplated the possibilities. "So, I just have to ensure that he chooses wisely."

Indeed, Nythrak agreed, its voice filled with dark amusement. And with the pretty angel at our disposal, it won’t be long before he does.

I raised an eyebrow slightly confused. "Eh? Do you mean that human girl? I mean, yeah, he sounds like he cares about her, but... you do know he's just after her heart, right?"

Nythrak trailed down to the floor and slowly circled around me, gently brushing against my boots. He won't dare. He's foolish. I sensed... a slight glimmer of love in his heart. He can't do it.

But that's when your role comes in. We need him as a full elf. Not a human, and not a block of frozen ice. Try your best. If you really want great power. Endless... power. You have to make him...

"Mine." I finished the sentence for it. My eyes narrowed with dark intentions, and snarl formed on my lips.

Yours. It repeated, its white scales glistening under the soft light.

THEODORE: The grand palace.

Nervously, I entered the huge chamber where my guest had settled. My heart pounded in my chest as I stepped forward, feeling the weight of the moment pressing down on me.

The chamber was filled with the hushed murmurs of my people, their voices, a nervous buzz that echoed off the high, dark-stone walls.

Before me, seated on a small but ornate throne that paled in comparison to the one he held in his own palace, was King Maeroth, ruler of the Sunfire Elves.

He was a figure of immense power and dread, a being whose very presence commanded reverence and fear.

His long blonde hair cascaded down his shoulders like molten gold, glowing faintly even in the dim light of the chamber. His sharp, chiseled features were the embodiment of elven perfection—eyes like burning embers set in a face that could have been sculpted from the sun itself.

King Maeroth’s attire was as magnificent as it was intimidating. He wore a robe woven from threads of flame and sunbeams, the fabric shimmering with every slight movement, reflecting hues of deep gold and fiery red.

The robe was open at the front, revealing his muscular chest and the intricate tattoos that traced the lines of his veins, glowing faintly with the power of the sun.

His legs, long and strong, were crossed casually, exposed beneath the robe, as if to remind everyone in the room that he was comfortable and in complete control.

Around the chamber, my dukes and soldiers of the Nightshade Elves—the name we had taken to differentiate ourselves from the other elven tribes, marked by our black hair and the lack of primal powers—stood in silence, their eyes fixed on the king with a mix of fear and awe.

Two of Maeroth’s own elite Sunfire warriors flanked him, their presence a reminder of the immense power at his disposal. They stood like statues, their eyes burning with the same fire that coursed through their veins.

Behind them, three others fanned the king with elaborate feathers that glowed like embers, an ancient tradition meant to honor his unmatched power.

Outside the palace, a crowd had gathered, their whispers and mutters, creating a low, constant hum that seeped through the stone walls.

The nightshade Elves were confused and anxious—why would the king of the Sunfire Elves, our ancient enemy, be here in our midst?

I approached the throne and fell to my knees, bowing my head low.

The air around King Maeroth seemed to hum with energy, and I could feel the heat of his presence even from several feet away.

“Your Majesty,” I began, my voice trembling slightly as I addressed him. “We are honored by your presence here today.”

King Maeroth did not respond immediately. He simply looked down at me, his expression one of mild curiosity, as if he were deciding whether I was worth his time.

Finally, he leaned back in his throne, his fingers tapping lazily on the armrest.

“Speak, Theodore,” he commanded, his voice smooth and unhurried. “You wouldn’t have summoned me to this... modest palace without reason.”

I took a deep breath, trying to steady myself. “Your Majesty, the situation is dire. Zolaris is back and Adonis has escaped. Both out there, free and unchecked. Their combined power is... unprecedented.

If we do not act, they could bring about the end of our world as we know it. Not even the greatest of powers would be able to stop them.”

There was a murmur of agreement from the nightshade dukes and soldiers around the room, but it quickly died down under the weight of Maeroth’s silent gaze.

“And you believe that I, with all my power, should concern myself with this?” Maeroth asked, a faint smirk playing on his lips. Though I am sure I saw a slight change in his demeanor when I mentioned the name "Zolaris."

His eyes gleamed with arrogance as if the very idea of anything being beyond his control was absurd.

I bowed lower, my forehead almost touching the cold stone floor. “Your Majesty, I beg of you. We must work together if the elven race is to survive.

The threat these two pose is greater than any we have faced before. We need your strength and guidance. And I believe you know how dangerous this situation is.”

Maeroth was silent for a long moment, his gaze fixed on the flames dancing in the brazier beside him.

Then, with a slow, deliberate movement, he leaned forward, his eyes boring into mine.

“Very well,” he said, his voice like molten gold. “I will lend you my aid, Theodore. But remember, this alliance benefits me as well. I will not tolerate failure.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty,” I said, my voice filled with relief. “I have gathered three of my strongest warriors to aid in the mission. Lythel, with the powers of lightning, his heart as kind as his wrath is fierce.

His friend, also gifted with lightning, a true comrade in arms. And lastly, Evan, who lost his eye to Adonis and seeks only revenge. He has no powers, but he fights like a beast.”

Maeroth nodded, a look of mild approval on his face. “A respectable selection. I will send two of my finest Sunfire warriors to accompany them. Together, they will succeed.”

I bowed again, gratitude and a sliver of hope filling my chest. “Thank you, Your Majesty. We will not fail you.”

As I rose and turned to leave, I caught sight of Lythel and his friend, Xanax. Standing by the door, waiting for me.

Their faces were set in grim determination, though I noticed a flicker of confusion in Lythel’s friend’s eyes.

As we exited the palace, he finally voiced his confusion. “Lythel,” he whispered, “who is Zolaris?”

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