As the dust settled, the group approached the pedestal and retrieved the Aether Core piece. But before they could celebrate, a voice echoed through the chamber.


    “Well done,” the voice said, dripping with sarcasm. “But I’ll be taking that.”


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    Elliot turned to see a figure step out of the shadows—a man clad in dark robes, his face obscured by a hood. Behind him stood a group of cloaked figures, their weapons drawn.


    “Who are you?” Kael demanded, his bow at the ready.


    The man chuckled. “You can call me Malakar. And you’ve just made my job much easier.”


    Elliot’s heart sank. They had walked right into a trap.