The voice that spoke from the shadows was like nothing Lyra had ever heard before. It was low and menacing, with a power that seemed to reverberate deep within her bones.
"You fools," it hissed again. "You think you can defeat me? I am the Shadow King, and I will reclaim my power."
As the voice spoke, Xandros's body began to change. His eyes turned a deep, malevolent green, and his skin took on a dark, shadowy hue. Lyra could feel the darkness emanating from him, a palpable force that seemed to reach out and wrap itself around her.
Arin took a step forward, his eyes locked on Xandros. "We need to perform the ritual," he said. "We can't let the Shadow King take full control."
Kaida nodded, her sword at the ready. "I'll keep him contained," she said. "You start the ritual."
Lyra nodded, her heart pounding in her chest. She knew that this was their only chance to save Xandros and defeat the Shadow King. Together, they began the ritual, chanting ancient words and weaving a complex pattern of magic.
As they worked, the Shadow King's power surged against them, trying to break free. Lyra felt her magic straining, pushing against the darkness. She knew that they were close, but she also knew that they couldn't hold out for much longer.
The Shadow King's voice laughed, a cold, mirthless sound. "You think you can defeat me?" it repeated. "I will show you true power."
With a burst of energy, the Shadow King broke free of Kaida's containment. Lyra felt a surge of fear as the darkness surged towards them, threatening to consume everything in its path...