The cavern pulsed like a living heart, the broken chains thrumming with power. Only one remained, glowing faintly with silver runes, holding the Shadow King bound. Each crack along its length rang like thunder, each breath from the abyss stirring storms of shadow.
Kael knelt beside Isolde, her body wracked with fire. The Crown of Dawn blazed uncontrollably, its light spilling into the last chain. Golden fire licked her skin, veins burning with molten light.
"Kael…" Her voice was weak, trembling. "I can't hold it anymore. He's inside me. He's… winning."
Kael gripped her hand, his heart breaking at the heat of her skin. "You're stronger than him. Stronger than this crown. Hold on."
Her golden eyes lifted to his, shimmering with terror and love both. "If I can't… if he takes me… you know what you must do."
His hand tightened on the Moonsilver Sword, its runes glowing as though awaiting the choice.
---
Varrow staggered back to his feet, blood darkening his cloak, but his smile returned, cruel and triumphant.
"Do it, Prince. Drive the sword into her, as it was always meant to. End the flame, and the Shadow King remains bound."
Kael rose, fury blazing in his chest. "I'll end you first."
Varrow only laughed, shadows curling tighter around him. "Strike me down, and the chain breaks. Strike her, and you lose the only light left to you. Either way, the king rises."
The ground shook as the imprisoned form strained harder against the last chain. The entire Hollow seemed to lean toward that breaking point.
---
Lady Elira and the remaining Keepers formed a circle, their voices raised in a desperate chant, pouring their strength into the chain. The silver runes brightened faintly, but cracks continued to spread.
Elira shouted, her voice cutting through the chaos. "Kael! The sword can sever either crown or chain—but not both! Choose, before all is lost!"
Kael's world narrowed to two unbearable paths.
Strike Varrow, and the last chain would fall.
Strike Isolde, and he would lose her forever.
And all the while, the Shadow King's voice thundered through the cavern, shaking every stone.
Do it, little blade. Choose. Chain or flame. Love or kingdom. Either way, you are mine.
---
Isolde's fire flared, her scream splitting the air as the crown's light turned blinding. Her body arched, golden flames spilling into the chain.
Kael raised the Moonsilver Sword, tears burning his eyes, his heart torn in two.
"Kael!" she gasped, voice breaking. "If you love me—don't let him take me!"
The last chain groaned, splintering.
And Kael brought the sword down.
---