The Shadow Guardian remained on one knee.

Its enormous head was bowed before Seraphina, while its crimson eyes had softened into a faint golden glow.

No one dared to move.

The wind whispered through the Silverpine Forest, carrying with it an eerie silence.

Darius was the first to recover from the shock.

"No..."

His voice trembled with disbelief.

"This can't be happening."

He tightened his grip on the black crystal.

"The Guardian obeys no one!"

Oracle Selene stepped forward, her eyes shining with awe.

"You are mistaken."

She looked at Seraphina.

"It obeys the blood of the First Light."

Seraphina stared at the towering creature before her.

"I don't understand."...