The music and laughter filled the air, but suddenly, the atmosphere shifted. The ground began to tremble, and the sky darkened. A loud, ominous energy crackled through the air.
Lunaria's eyes widened in fear as she grabbed my arm. "What's happening?" she whispered.
I looked around, sensing the familiar yet terrifying energy of the forbidden magic. It was erupting, and it was coming from the direction of the seal.
"No," I whispered, my mind racing. "It can't be."
The master... he must have planned this. His soul must have activated the forbidden magic as he died.
Panic set in as the villagers scrambled to understand what was happening. The music stopped, and screams filled the air.
The forbidden magic swirled around us, its power growing by the second. Lunaria and I knew we had to act fast to protect our loved ones.
"Lunaria, we need to get the villagers to safety," I shouted above the growing din of the forbidden magic. "The mountain of the west is the closest place they can seek refuge."
Lunaria nodded, and together we rallied the villagers. "Everyone, follow us!" I yelled. "We need to get to the mountain of the west, now!"
The villagers, sensing the urgency, quickly fell in line. We led them in a frantic dash towards the mountain, the forbidden magic swirling around us like a living thing.
As we ran, the earth shook beneath our feet, and the air grew thick with an otherworldly energy. I could feel the magic's power coursing through me, calling to the ancient blood that flowed through my veins.
We finally reached the foot of the mountain, and I turned to the villagers. "Go, climb to the top," I urged. "The mountain's unique energy should protect you from the forbidden magic."
The villagers nodded, their faces set with determination. They began their ascent, driven by the desire to escape the chaos below.
As the last of the villagers disappeared into the mountain's folds, Lunaria turned to me. "What about us?" she asked, her eyes wide with concern.
I looked back at the village, now engulfed in the swirling energy of the forbidden magic. "We'll find a way to stop this," I promised. "But first, let's make sure our people are safe.
I turned to Lunaria. "I think I know someone who might be able to help us understand what's going on with the forbidden magic."
Lunaria's eyes narrowed. "Who?"
"The woman who helped us seal the master," I replied. "She might know more about the magic and how to control it."
Lunaria nodded. "Let's go."
We made our way back to where we last saw the woman. She was waiting for us, her eyes gleaming with a knowing light.
"Ah, Riven," she said. "I see you're having some trouble with the forbidden magic."
"You're the one who can help us," I said, desperation creeping into my voice. "Tell us what's going on and how to stop it."
The woman smiled, her eyes glinting with amusement. "Oh, Riven. You're so predictable. But very well, I'll help you. For a price."
"What do you mean by 'you know Riven's true nature'?" Lunaria asked, her voice firm. "And what do you mean by 'for a price'?"
The woman's smile grew wider. "Ah, Riven hasn't told you about his past, has he?" she said, her eyes glinting with amusement. "About his... heritage?"
I felt a surge of unease. What was she talking about?
"Tell us," Lunaria pressed, her eyes narrowing.
The woman leaned forward, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "Riven is not like other men," she said. "He has a certain... bloodline. A legacy that comes with great power and great cost."
Lunaria's eyes locked onto mine, searching for answers. I shook my head, unsure what to say.
The woman continued, "Riven's true nature is tied to the forbidden magic. And I am the one who knows the truth about his destiny."