Over the next few days, more people arrived at the healing hall with similar symptoms—dark markings, unexplained pain, and a strange coldness that seemed to seep into their bones. Elara quickly realized this was no ordinary illness—it was a corruption spreading through Tidehaven, carried by some kind of dark magic.
She sent word to the Council of Balance, and within a week, Miha arrived with a team of mages. Miha had become one of Eldoria's most respected leaders, her sharp mind and practical approach making her invaluable in times of crisis.
"This is serious," Miha said, examining Kael's markings. "The corruption is feeding on fear and division—exactly what the old Shadow Syndicate used to thrive on. If it spreads beyond Tidehaven, it could turn people against each other."
Elara nodded. "I've been trying to treat it with every method I know," she said. "Herbs, magic, medicine—but nothing works for long. The corruption always comes back stronger."
Kael sat up, his face determined despite his weakness. "I know where it came from," he said. "There's a temple in the Northern Peaks—built by the same people who created the Shadow Syndicate. They believed balance was a lie, that power should belong to those strong enough to take it. The temple holds a relic that can control this corruption—or unleash it on all of Eldoria."