Eclipsed

Chapter 9

The Tyrant’s Blood

Ren’s breath was shallow as he entered the massive cavern. His senses were heightened, every noise amplifying in the stillness of the dark, humid space. The only sounds were the occasional drips of water echoing from the cave walls and the growls of creatures hidden deep within. But Ren had one goal in mind: the Mal’gorath master who awaited him.

He moved carefully, each footfall deliberate and quiet, as he navigated the rocky terrain. The path twisted and turned until, ahead, the cave opened into a large, dimly lit chamber. At the center of it stood a figure—tall, imposing, and exuding an aura of power. A figure that seemed almost part of the darkness itself.

Ren’s eyes narrowed as he saw the creature. It was humanoid, but far from human. Muscular and covered in dark, leathery scales, with a face twisted into something half-animal, half-human. His eyes glowed faintly red, radiating an unnerving presence.

The beast’s voice was low and grating, as if it had not spoken in years. "So, you’ve finally come. I was wondering when the spawn of Yoruzen would arrive."

Ren froze at the mention of his father's name. The words seemed to hang in the air, thick and suffocating.

“Yoruzen?” Ren’s voice was low, disbelief mixing with the rage boiling in his chest.

The creature chuckled darkly, revealing rows of sharp, jagged teeth. “You’re his son, aren’t you? The spitting image of the tyrant. Yoruzen was a fool, but he knew how to command. Too bad he’s dead.”

Ren’s heart hammered against his chest. He knew who Yoruzen was—the name had haunted him for years. The tyrant who had brought devastation to countless lands. The tyrant whose blood flowed through his own veins.

He grit his teeth, trying to suppress the wave of emotions that threatened to flood him. He couldn’t let this creature get to him. Not now.

“You’re lying,” Ren spat, his voice trembling with barely contained fury. “You think you can manipulate me with his name? I’ll take you down just like I did with the others.”

The creature’s smirk widened. “You truly think you’re strong enough to defeat me, boy? You, who still carries the stink of his father’s legacy?”

Ren’s fists clenched as he took a step forward, his stance tightening with the same resolve that had carried him through so many battles. “Enough talk. Let’s see if you can back up your words.”

The beast—a Mal’gorath disciple known as Karnazoth—shifted his weight, eyes narrowing. With a sudden, deafening roar, he lunged toward Ren, his massive claws slashing through the air. Ren dodged instinctively, feeling the air vibrate with the power behind the beast’s attack. His muscles were burning, but his focus never wavered.

Karnazoth quickly adjusted, swinging again, his claws slicing through the air with terrifying precision. Ren barely managed to block the strike with his sword, the force of the blow nearly knocking him off his feet. The cave floor cracked beneath him as he stumbled, but he quickly regained his footing.

Karnazoth’s eyes glinted with amusement. “You’re fast, boy. But you’re still weak.”

Ren didn’t respond—he couldn’t afford to. His mind raced as he assessed the situation. Karnazoth was strong—stronger than anything he had fought before. His attacks were ruthless and relentless, and Ren could feel the weight of each blow, even when he blocked it. His sword was already beginning to feel heavy in his hands.

“You’re not as fast as you think,” Ren muttered, tightening his grip on the hilt of his blade. He had to end this fight quickly—he couldn’t keep up with Karnazoth’s raw power for long.