Far beyond the borders of the Dragon Kingdom, Dwarf flew until his wings ached. He crossed mountains and storms, searching for a place where the sun never touched. At last, he found it: a hollow cavern split deep into the bones of the earth, where the air was heavy and the stone wept black water.
Here, shadows curled like living things. They welcomed him, wrapping around his scales as though recognizing their master. In the heart of the cavern, he discovered a pit of cursed fire—flame that burned not red or gold, but violet-black, cold and hungry.
Dwarf lowered his head into the pit, letting the flame wash over him. It did not hurt. Instead, it filled him, whispering power into his veins. His scales darkened, his wings thickened, and his eyes blazed crimson.
"This is my kingdom," he declared to the empty cavern. "And it will grow until all bow to the Shadow King."
The cavern shook, and from the cursed fire, forms began to rise.
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