THE ASSASSIN'S FLAME

CHAPTER ELEVEN

The statue remained silent.

Alethea's group held their breath.

Then, the statue spoke, "Correct! The second riddle awaits."

The group exhaled in relief.

"Here's the next riddle," the statue said:

"In the heart of darkness, a light shines bright,
A beacon guiding those through endless night.
What am I?"

Meanwhile, in the sandy desert, Sir Malakai's group approached a pyramid.

"Traps ahead," Varda warned.

Thrain nodded. "We'll need to work together."

Elara added, "And find the gem before the others."

Cormac examined the pyramid's entrance. "I see pressure plates and poison darts."

Kieran suggested, "Let's divide into pairs. One triggers the traps, while the other finds a safe path."

As they entered the pyramid, deadly traps sprang to life.

Sir Malakai sneered. "Valtoria's power will guide me."

The teams' fates hung in the balance.

Would Alethea's group solve the second riddle?

Could Sir Malakai's team navigate the treacherous pyramid?

The audience held its collective breath.

Alethea's group focused on the second riddle:

"In the heart of darkness, a light shines bright,
A beacon guiding those through endless night.
What am I?"

Lyrien suggested, "Is it a star?"

The statue replied, "Correct! You have solved the second riddle."

The group breathed a sigh of relief.

The statue presented the third riddle:

"I flow like water, yet freeze in time,
Transforming form, to a rigid crime.
What am I?"

Galen ventured, "Is it ice?"

The statue replied, "Incorrect. The Shadow Serpents attack!"

Two serpents emerged, their jaws wide open.

Alethea and Lysander blocked the attack simultaneously, their movements swift and precise. Alethea's palm and Lysander's sword deflected the serpents' strikes in perfect sync.

The audience gasped in awe.

"Unbelievable!" the King of Maronia exclaimed.

"By the gods!" Lieutenant Ace whispered.

Prince Kieran and Princess Elianne exchanged amazed glances.

Rykeria's eyes widened. "Incredible!"

The Queen of Maronia leaned forward, her eyes fixed on Alethea. "Who is this young woman?"

The host stuttered, "I-I've never seen anyone block the Shadow Serpents so... so effortlessly!"

Galen ventured again, "Is it frost?"

The statue replied, "Incorrect. The Shadow Serpents intensify!"

The serpents grew larger, their attacks more ferocious.

Alethea and Lysander blocked the attacks in rapid succession, their movements a blur.

Thorne suggested, "Is it bone?"