Varik (whispering): "You think you've won, but this is far from over."
He pulled out a small, dark object—a shard pulsating with ominous energy. Holding it up, he began to chant in an ancient tongue.
Back at the Sanctuary, Liam woke abruptly, a sense of dread washing over him.
Liam: "Mommy!"
Amelia rushed to his side.
Amelia: "What's wrong?"
He clutched her hand tightly.
Liam: "Something bad is coming."
Alarms rang out as guardians detected a breach in the barriers. Chaos erupted once more as dark tendrils of energy snaked their way toward the heart of the Sanctuary.
Elder Magnus burst into the room.
Elder Magnus: "We're under attack!"
Amelia's eyes widened.
Amelia: "But how?"
Xander joined them, his expression grim.
Xander: "It's Varik. He must have escaped."
Seraphine concentrated, her face pale.
Seraphine: "He's unleashed a corruption spell. It's feeding off the Sanctuary's magic."
The ground shook violently as structures began to crumble. Panic spread among the inhabitants.
Amelia squared her shoulders.
Amelia: "We have to stop him."
Elder Marisol shook her head.
Elder Marisol: "The spell is too powerful. If it continues, it will destroy everything."
Liam stepped forward, his small face set with determination.
Liam: "I can try to counter it."
Amelia knelt before him, fear in her eyes.
Amelia: "It's too dangerous."
He met her gaze steadily.
Liam: "If we do nothing, everyone will get hurt."
Xander placed a hand on Liam's shoulder.
Xander: "We're with you."