Chapter 43: TEMPLE OF TRIALS
The clash of fragments sent a shockwave through the ancient chamber, hurling both Reed and Prince Tarrant backward as the crimson artifact pulsed with wild, untamed energy. Stone cracked beneath Reed’s body as he slammed against a pillar, the impact driving the air from his lungs in a violent exhale. Blood trickled down his temple, warm and thick.
Through the dust and chaos, Reed glimpsed Tarrant rising to his feet with unnatural grace, golden light from the Monarch fragment enveloping him like a second skin. Behind them, the battle between Reed’s warriors and Tarrant’s forces had devolved into desperate slaughter.
"My lord!"
A familiar voice cut through the din—Shia, his shadow-touched assassin, who had slipped into the temple unnoticed during the confrontation. She materialized from darkness itself, her obsidian daggers slick with fresh blood. Reed had assigned her to track the expedition separately, a contingency he was now grateful for.
"The temple’s collapsing," she hissed, eyes darting to where Tarrant stood preparing another assault. "We must retreat."
Before Reed could respond, a tremor more violent than the others split the floor between them and Prince Tarrant. The very foundation of the temple seemed to heave in protest at the convergence of fragment powers. With an ear-splitting crack, a chasm opened, swallowing the altar and the crimson fragment into darkness.
Tarrant’s inhuman scream of rage echoed off the walls as the chamber began to collapse. Stone fell like rain, crushing combatants from both sides indiscriminately.
"This way!" Shia grabbed Reed’s arm, pulling him toward a previously hidden passage that had been revealed by the shifting architecture. Behind them, Vex and Kalia—the only survivors of Reed’s original team—fought desperately to follow.
The last thing Reed saw before the passage sealed behind them was Prince Tarrant standing amid the collapse, golden light erupting from his fragment as he attempted to hold back the destruction through sheer force of will.
Darkness enveloped them, absolute and suffocating. Reed felt the stone beneath his feet vibrate with the distant rumble of the collapsing main chamber. His blue fragment cast the only light, its ethereal glow revealing the bloodied faces of his remaining companions.
"The others?" Reed asked, though he already knew the answer.