As they charged forward, the dark fog swirled around them, making it impossible to see more than a few feet ahead. Eryndor stumbled, his foot catching on something hidden in the fog.

  But Lyra was there to catch him, her hand grasping his arm and pulling him upright. "Stay close," she whispered. "We don't know what's out there."

  Eryndor nodded, his heart pounding in his chest. He could feel the weight of Malakai's magic bearing down on him, making it hard to breathe.

  Suddenly, a figure emerged from the fog. It was Malakai, his eyes blazing with fury.

  "You fools," he spat. "You think you can defeat me? I am the master of darkness, and I will crush you all!"

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  Eryndor drew his sword, its blade shining with a faint, magical glow. "We'll never back down," he said, his voice firm.

  Malakai sneered, raising his hands to cast a spell. But before he could unleash his magic, Aria stepped forward, her eyes flashing with magical energy.

  "I'll take care of his magic," she said, raising her hands to cast a counter spell.

  The two magical forces collided, creating a spectacular display of light and sound. Eryndor took advantage of the distraction to launch a surprise attack on Malakai.

  But the sorcerer was too powerful, and he countered Eryndor's attack with a blast of dark energy. Eryndor stumbled back, his sword flying out of his hand.

  As he fell, he saw Malakai's minions closing in, their eyes glowing with an otherworldly energy. Eryndor knew he was in grave danger.

  But then, something unexpected happened...

  What do you think happens next?