Grim found himself observing a vast chamber carved from what appeared to be living coral, its walls pulsed with bioluminescent veins that cast blue and gold light into the chamber every time it pulsed.
At the center stood two figures—a man who looked remarkably like Grim but younger, with the same dark hair and strong jawline. Across from him loomed a dragon, its scales shimmering between blue to silver to gold.
"The preparations are nearly complete, Axem," the dragon spoke, its voice resonating through the chamber like distant thunder. "The four keys have been forged from my crown's essence. Each will carry a fragment of what I am."
The young man—Axem—nodded solemnly. "And you're certain this is the only way, Emperor? The sacrifice required..."
