The Frostians

Chapter 15

### Chapter 15: The Light of Alfheim

The key glowed faintly in Kristian’s hand as he and Alysandra stood at the base of the mountain, the vast wilderness of Midgard sprawling behind them. Their journey had brought them through battles, ancient temples, and encounters with creatures of legend, but now they faced the ultimate test: traveling to Alfheim, the realm of light.

The air around them felt charged, as if the realms themselves were watching, anticipating what was to come.

Kristian looked at Alysandra, whose wings glimmered faintly in the low light of the early dawn. "Ready for this?"

Alysandra tightened her grip on her Valkyrie sword, the cool confidence of a warrior in her stance. "Always. Let's not keep Alfheim waiting."

Kristian held the key aloft, and as he channeled his energy into it, the air around them began to shimmer. Slowly, a portal formed before them, swirling with ethereal light, its edges crackling with raw power. The sight was both mesmerizing and foreboding, a doorway to another realm, one that could provide the answers they needed or lead them into further danger.

With a final nod to each other, they stepped through.

The transition between realms was instantaneous, and the world around them shifted in a brilliant burst of light. The colors of Alfheim were vibrant and otherworldly, the air itself shimmering with a strange, beautiful energy. They stood at the edge of a massive forest, its trees towering high above them, their leaves glowing with a soft, radiant light. The sky was a deep azure, with streaks of gold and silver shimmering through the clouds.

Kristian's eyes widened at the sheer beauty of the place. It was unlike anything he had seen in Midgard or even Usgard. Alfheim felt alive in a way that was almost overwhelming, as though the very air pulsed with magic.

"This is… incredible," Kristian said, his voice filled with awe.

Alysandra, however, was more focused. Her eyes scanned the landscape, searching for any sign of danger or potential obstacles. "We need to find the light," she said, her tone more businesslike. "The witch said it’s the only way to recharge the key and get back."

Kristian nodded, his warrior instincts kicking in. "Right. Let’s move."

They began to make their way through the glowing forest, the ground beneath their feet soft and covered in a thick layer of moss that seemed to hum with energy. As they moved deeper into Alfheim, the air grew warmer, and the light from the trees seemed to intensify, casting long shadows that danced across the forest floor.

But it wasn’t long before they encountered their first obstacle.

A low growl echoed through the trees, and from the shadows emerged a group of creatures—sleek, agile beings with skin that shimmered like molten silver. Their eyes glowed a brilliant blue, and their movements were fluid, almost predatory.

"Draugr?" Kristian muttered, readying his frost axe.

Alysandra shook her head. "No. These are something else."

The creatures moved with an eerie grace, circling around them, their eyes never leaving the pair. There was a cold intelligence in their gaze, something far more dangerous than the mindless Draugr or Hel-Walkers they had faced before.

"They’re not going to let us pass without a fight," Alysandra said, her wings spreading wide as she readied herself for battle.

"Good," Kristian replied, the cold fire of battle sparking in his veins. "Let’s give them one."

The fight began in an instant. The creatures attacked with blinding speed, their bodies moving like liquid metal as they darted toward Kristian and Alysandra. But Kristian was ready, his frost axe swinging in wide arcs as he met their charge head-on. His blows landed with a resounding crack, ice spreading across their shimmering forms as they staggered back.