the last city

Chapter one: echos of a shattered kingdom

Amidst the desolate wasteland that was once the vibrant Kingdom of Eldora, a lone figure emerged from the shadows. Thorne, the enigmatic leader of the Rebel Alliance, surveyed the ruins of the great city. Once towering spires, now reduced to rubble, lay scattered amidst overgrown streets.

'This place is a tomb,' Thorne growled, his voice a low rumble. 'A testament to the brutality of our enemy.'

He was joined by Ember, a fiery-haired, outspoken rebel with a determination that matched his own, and Lyra, a quiet but brilliant strategist with piercing blue eyes. Together, they watched as a patrol of raiders roamed through the streets, their harsh laughter echoing through the shattered buildings.

'They have control of everything,' Lyra murmured. 'We must find a way to resist.'

Suddenly, a faint sound caught their attention. It seemed to come from the depths of the ruined castle that once stood as the heart of Eldoria. With cautious movements, they ventured into the darkness, their weapons drawn.

As they reached the dungeons, they were met with a horrific sight. A young boy was chained to the wall, his once-bright eyes now dull and lifeless. His cotton candy blue hair hung limply over his shoulders, and he held a pacifier in his trembling hand.

'Orion!' Ember gasped, her voice filled with both pity and anger.

Orion turned his head slowly, his eyes widening slightly. He reached out a trembling hand, his lips parting in a faint whisper.

'T-Thorne?'

With trembling hands, Thorne reached out and unchained Orion. As he lifted the boy into his arms, Orion clung to him desperately, his body shaking with fear.

'Don't worry,' Thorne whispered, his voice soft despite his rugged exterior. 'We're going to get you out of here.'

As they carefully carried Orion from the dungeons, the rebels vowed to protect him and to find a way to overthrow the raiders who had reduced their kingdom to rubble.