The Pact of the Stars

The main hall of the Glitch Fortress was a sanctuary of hacked power, with holographic maps projected in the air, illuminating the space with an ethereal blue glow that contrasted with the blood-red sky visible through the obsidian windows. The air inside was fresh, contrasting with the sulfur outside, and the polished stone floor reflected the pulsing runes of the outer walls. Athos, with arms crossed and the Tear of Eryndor hanging from his neck, observed Elyndrael, who was injured, with flaming cuts on her arms and slightly drooping eyes from exhaustion. Drakonath, in her form of stunning beauty, with black hair cascading like liquid obsidian and golden eyes glowing like living embers, stood beside Athos, her black scale armor shimmering subtly. Lysara and Veyra, the two elves who had accompanied Athos from the beginning, remained silent in the background, recognizing Elyndrael as the legendary exiled princess of Eryndor—a figure from ancient tales of the elves’ fall. They exchanged glances, deciding to observe the conversation, respecting the weight of the moment.Athos broke the silence, his voice casual but piercing. “Who are you, exactly? And why were you spying on my kingdom like a bot in stealth mode?”Elyndrael, still standing with dignity despite her wounds, responded coldly, her voice formal and monotone, without inflection, like an echo from a lost era. “I am Elyndrael, descendant of the kings of Eryndor. I observed you because your presence disturbs the balance of this cursed place.” Her thoughts were a whirlwind of distrust: This Athos is an enigma—he creates life where there is death, but his power seems to come from another world, as if he cheats reality itself. And this dragon… she betrayed my people in the war. How can I trust them?Drakonath, crossing her arms, intervened, her voice melodic but laden with authority. “Your lineage is ancient, elf, but that doesn’t give you the right to lurk. What do you seek here?”Elyndrael fixed her violet eyes on Drakonath, arcane energy pulsing around her. “You, of all, question intentions? It was you who turned your back on us in the First Great War, when the demons attacked Eryndor. My people begged for the guardians’ help, but you and your kind refused, claiming neutrality. Thousands died because of that ‘neutrality’.” Her thoughts echoed distrust: She is a traitor, and Athos controls her like a tool. What does he want from me?Drakonath lowered her eyes for a moment, her voice softening. “That war was bigger than elves or dragons. The Corruptor manipulated everyone. We guardians chose not to interfere to preserve cosmic balance. But regret follows me like a shadow.”Athos, observing the clash, decided to intervene. “Enough ancient drama. System: activate Past Vision.” His hacked interface flashed, and a subtle wave of energy enveloped Elyndrael, revealing flashes of her past to Athos—the glory of Eryndor, the demon invasion, the flight to exile, the solitary despair over centuries. He saw the prophecy guiding her, the desire to restore the remaining elves. “I understand now,” Athos said, his voice more serious. “You’re a survivor, looking for a way to revive your people. But spying isn’t the way.”Elyndrael stepped back slightly, surprised. “You… saw my past? How?” Her thoughts swirled: He reads minds like a god? This ability is dangerous—he could manipulate me like the others. But… there’s sincerity in his eyes.Athos raised a hand, the Tear glowing. “I can offer what you desire. A pact: join me. I use my power to locate and protect the remaining elves, restoring Eryndor through my kingdom. In exchange, your loyalty and ancestral knowledge. No tricks—you gain strength for your vengeance against the Corruptor.”Elyndrael hesitated, her violet eyes fixed on Athos. He attends to my desire for restoration… but can I trust him? After a moment, she nodded. “I accept the pact. But if you betray me, you’ll pay dearly.” With the pact sealed, Athos manipulated the interface: “System: transfer power—infuse Alpha Essence.” A wave of energy from the Tear enveloped Elyndrael, healing her wounds and amplifying her ancestral magic, making her feel a strength she hadn’t had since the war.Turning to Drakonath, Elyndrael extended her hand. “If Athos trusts you, I’ll make peace. The past is ashes—let’s build upon it.” Drakonath shook her hand, her golden eyes softening. “So be it. Your people deserved more. I’ll make amends.”Athos, satisfied, said: “Now, show me the remnants that are in the Desolate Kingdom. Let’s integrate them all into my empire.”Lysara and Veyra, still silent, exchanged glances of reverence—Elyndrael was a living legend, and now, part of Athos’s kingdom.