The Dragon's curse

As Rex looms menacingly over the castle, a thunderous roar shakes the air, sending tremors through the ground. The sight of the dragon sends a surge of hope through me, even as my blood continues to drip onto the floor.

Just then, Xander bursts into the room, his eyes widening at the chaotic scene before him. Zayden and Einri are locked in combat, Zayden skillfully cutting through the vines that lash out at him, each swing of his sword infused with determination.

But in the corner, I'm a helpless witness, bound and bleeding, my heart pounding with a mix of fear and frustration.

"Zoe!" Xander calls, rushing toward me.

.

I turn my face away, disgusted. I can't bear to see him right now.

"Zoe, please. I'm here to help you," he whispers urgently, desperation lacing his voice.

But I shake my head, refusing to look at him. "You don't get to help me," I reply, bitterness choking my words.

Just then, a loud cry echoes through the room, drawing our attention. Zayden, once fierce and determined, now hangs helplessly in the air, blood trickling down his side. A vine, thick and dark, constricts around his torso, a thorn piercing his skin, lifting him off the ground as Einri's magic glows ominously.

"Zayden!" I cry out, my heart aching for him.

Xander's expression shifts from concern for me to a fierce resolve.

"We have to help him," he says, glancing between me and the scene unfolding before us.

"I cannot trust you anymore," I yell.

"Either you trust me or you don't. But you know it will cost you Zayden, so decide," he insists.

No matter how hard it is to believe him at this point, I cannot let Zayden pay the price for tagging along with me.

I nod, my instincts kicking in despite the pain. "But how? We can't take on Einri alone."

As if in response, Rex lets out another mighty roar, shaking the very walls of the castle. The sound stirs something deep within me—a reminder of the power we can wield when we stand together.

"Wait," I say, a plan forming in my mind. "If we can distract Einri, Zayden might be able to break free."

Xander looks at me, determination sparking in his eyes. "I'll create a diversion. You just stay safe."

I nod again, the gravity of the situation pressing down on me. Together, we might have a chance.

As Xander prepares to confront Einri, I focus on Rex, channelling my energy to guide him. The dragon's massive form shifts, ready to unleash its fury.

"Rex!" I call out mentally, feeling the connection between us strengthen. "Now's our moment!"

With that, I watch as Xander charges forward, shouting at Einri to draw his attention. The vines holding Zayden tighten, but with Rex ready to strike, we might turn the tide.