The Dragon's Chosen

Selya led the group through the winding paths of Duskwyld Forest, her steps silent despite the tangled roots beneath her feet. The mist grew heavier the deeper they ventured, curling around them like unseen hands.

Eira kept her eyes on Selya's back, distrust simmering beneath her calm exterior. This new ally was skilled too skilled. And she hadn't missed the way Selya's gaze lingered on the medallions.

"You sure you know where you're going?" Ryven asked, his voice low.

Selya didn't look back. "I know the forest better than anyone. If you want to survive, keep up."

Kael moved closer to Eira, his voice barely above a whisper. "Something isn't right about her."

"I know," Eira murmured. "But we need her to find the medallion."

Ahead, the mist parted to reveal a stone gate, ancient and crumbling, covered in twisted vines. Strange symbols glowed faintly along its arch.

"The entrance to the Heart of Duskwyld," Selya said, resting a hand on the gate. "The medallion lies beyond this trial."

Valeria crossed her arms. "What's the catch?"

Selya gave a cold smile. "The forest doesn't give its treasure freely. Only those it deems worthy can pass."

Without waiting, Eira stepped forward, placing her palm against the gate. Magic flared beneath her touch, and the ground trembled.

The vines slithered back, revealing a dark passage.

"You're brave," Selya said quietly. "Or foolish."

Eira ignored her and entered the tunnel, the others following closely behind. As soon as they crossed the threshold, the gate sealed shut behind them.

A sudden chill filled the air. Shadows moved, and whispers crept through the walls.

"This place… it's testing us," Seren said softly, her magic flaring faintly.

The ground beneath them shifted, and they were pulled into a large chamber bathed in silver light. At the center stood a pedestal, the sixth medallion hovering above it.

But as Eira stepped toward it, the air shimmered illusions sprang to life, each one pulling at their deepest fears.

Eira froze as an image of her mother appeared, her face twisted with sorrow. "You failed me," the illusion hissed.

Kael clenched his fists, seeing his fallen comrades. Valeria's mask cracked as she faced the phantom of a younger girl, tears in her eyes.

"You can't trust her," the illusion whispered to Eira, and she turned to see Selya her form flickering with shadowed magic.

The realization hit her like a blow. Selya wasn't just a guide she was bound to the forest's magic.

"You're not telling us everything," Eira said sharply.

Selya's eyes narrowed. "And if I'm not?"

The illusions grew stronger, wrapping around their minds. If they faltered, the forest would consume them.

Eira gritted her teeth, summoning her magic. "We fight together or we die here."

Kael broke free from his illusion first, his sword cutting through the magic. Ryven followed, hurling a dagger into the shadows.

Selya hesitated until the illusion of her lost village crumbled before her. With a snarl, she loosed an arrow, piercing the heart of the magic.

The chamber trembled, and the illusions shattered.

Eira seized the medallion, its silver light pulsing against her palm. The magic binding the trial faded but Selya's cold expression remained.

"You knew this would happen," Eira said, stepping closer.

Selya didn't deny it. "The forest wanted to see if you'd break. If you had, I would have taken the medallion myself."

Kael's blade hovered near her throat. "You're walking a thin line."

Selya smirked. "I'm still useful to you. And we both want Malgrin's downfall."

Eira's heart pounded, torn between trust and suspicion. Selya had proven her strength but her loyalty remained a dangerous mystery.

And deep in the forest, a darker force stirred one that even Selya feared.