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With each step, the capital drew nearer, but the discomfort sticking to Lian and Aeris refused to dissipate, much like the shadows that had overcome them. The meeting with the abyss' servant had rattled them, even as Lian had freed something within himself. But at what cost to his powers, was yet to be seen.

The city's high walls came in sight then, and torches danced at intervals along its battlements. There were guards pacing its gates, reflecting warm glows from the lights inset in their armor. The sight should have brought relief, but instead it felt like a warning: the influence of the abyss wasn't confined to the wilderness; it could stretch anywhere.

Lian threw a glance at Aeris; her skin was pale, but she masked it well. They hadn't spoken much since the incident occurred. He could tell she was deeply troubled and was he, quite honestly. The power he had tapped into was still foreign, and the warning of the servant lingered in his mind. What if the abyss came for him again this time, and he couldn't resist?

Soft groans came from the gates as they drew near, while the guards at their posts hardly gave them more than a cursory glance before waving them through. The capital city was a maze of stone streets and towering structures, but dead in the center lay the palace-their destination. It was within those walls that they did hope to find the only person who might explain events to them, someone familiar with both the light and the abyss.

They wove their way in silence through the thronging streets, before Aeris spoke up. "What if… what if we can't stop it?"

Lian didn't answer right away. He'd had that question a hundred times. "We'll find a way. We don't have a choice."

Aeris frowned. Her brow furrowed. "Lian, what happened back there… when you let the abyss in, but also the light… that was—

"Dangerous," Lian finished for her. "I know. But I couldn't fight it anymore. The more I resist, the more it pulls. Maybe if I can balance it, control it, then—"

"Then you're playing with forces that no one should," Aeris interrupted, her voice rising. "You're not just risking yourself—you're risking everything. I can feel the darkness in you, Lian. It's growing."

Lian's jaw clenched. He knew she was right, but what choice did he have? Every time they encountered the abyss, it grew stronger. If he didn't find a way to use that power against it, they'd lose.

"We'll figure it out," he said, though his voice lacked conviction.

As they came in view of the palace's gates, a group of robed figures-priests in service to the Order of the Light-confronted them. In advance, word had been sent ahead by Aeris, and they would be escorting them to see the one who could help.

The tall head priest, with his silver hair and deep-set eyes, stepped forward; his eyes momentarily stayed on Lian and flickered in recognition.

"You are the one who wields the Eye of the Abyss," the priest said in a low, measured tone. "We have been expecting you."

Lian's stomach screwed tight at the man's words. "You know about the Eye?"

The priest nodded. "Few are those who can harness both the light and the darkness. It is a rare gift, but also a terrible curse."

Aeris stepped forward, her voice pleading. "We need your help. Lian… he's been using the power of the abyss to fight it, but it's starting to consume him. There has to be a way to stop it.

The priest regarded them a moment, then nodded to one of his companions. "Take them to the sanctuary. The High Seer will want to speak with them."

There was a silent milling of thoughts within Lian's mind as he was escorted through the grand halls of the palace. The High Seer… just the title itself sent a shiver of uncertainty down his spine. He didn't trust the Order of the Light-not fully. They were too unyielding, too sure of their path. But if they had answers, he would have to take the risk.

The sanctuary was a large chamber, its walls lined by ancient texts and small glowing crystals. At the center of it all sat an elderly woman, her eyes closed in meditation before a large, glowing orb. As they neared, she opened her eyes, catching his with a sharp, knowing glance.

"You have come a long way, Lian," the High Seer said as if her voice was incredibly clear for one of her age. "But the path you walk is dangerous."

Lian swallowed hard. "I didn't choose this."

"No," the High Seer agreed. "But you did choose to use the power. And now, the abyss has claimed a part of you."

Lian's hands clenched into fists as frustration churned in his gut. "I didn't have a choice. It was the only way to protect-"

"There is always a choice," the High Seer cut him off, her eyes flashing into his. "But now you must face the consequences of your decisions."

Aeris stepped forward, her voice soft but determined. "Please. there has to be a way to stop it. To sever the abyss' hold on him.

The High Seer's face relaxed, but only for a fraction. "There is perhaps a way. But it will not be easy, and it will come at a cost."

Lian's heart pounded. "What must I do?

The High Seer stood slowly from her chair and never released her gaze from his. "You will need to go to the Heart of the Abyss. That is the only place you will be able to break the seal. But let me warn you, Lian-once inside, the abyss will want to finally take full possession of you. She will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine.

Lian's mouth went dry. The Heart of the Abyss … it sounded like a death sentence. But if it was the only way to free himself from the darkness, he had to try.

"I'll do it," Lian said, his voice steady.

Aeris gasped, her hand reaching out to him. "Lian, no! You don't have to do this alone.

The High Seer shook her head. "The way to the Heart is his to tread alone. It is for him to fight."

Lian turned to Aeris, his heart wrenching at the fear in her eyes. "I have to do this. If I don't… the abyss will destroy all. I won't let that happen.

Tears brimming her eyes, she nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Then I'll be here when you come back."

Lian nodded, though deep down, he wasn't so certain he would return.

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TO BE CONTINUED