It's been several days since Castle Nathria opened up, and most World of Warcraft: Shadowlands players are enjoying the expansion's first raid. Although several bosses may be challenging, many groups have already made it to the final showdown against Sire Denathrius. And while heroes ultimately triumph, what happens afterwards is rather unexpected. STORY SPOILERS AHEAD
As one of the Eternal Ones, Sire Denathrius was responsible for originally creating the Venthyr covenant and Revendreth, where the most wicked souls go to be redeemed. But since players have previously killed first-raid bosses who then disappear from the story like Xavius, many expected Denathrius to meet the same forgotten end once defeated. Thankfully, Castle Nathria ends with an epilogue that provides both a short-term solution and leaves many hints for the future.
After being beaten by players, Denathrius doesn't die, but is absorbed into his sword, Remornia. Despite trying to flee, Prince Renethal immediately binds the blade before it can escape Castle Nathria. Stating that the Venthyr covenant won't be able to contain Denathrius forever, players are then tasked with bringing Remornia to Sinfall where an in-game cinematic starts.
The naaru Z'rali previously rescued by players in the Sanguine Depths pledges to use her light to keep Denathrius prisoner. With the bindings in place, Denathrius screams that the Venthyr can't do this to their master and he will eventually break free. Prince Renethal ends the cinematic musing that Denathrius should remember this lesson: a complete reversal of their previous encounter in the Revendreth storyline.
Despite Denathrius' dark actions, Prince Renethal and the other rebel Venthyr believe that he can still be redeemed, given enough time. Though World of Warcraft players won't be seeing the Sire anytime soon, there's a strong possibility he returns in a future patch before Shadowlands wraps up. At the moment, it's more likely Denathrius remains an antagonist, but perhaps he may have a change of heart after enough rehabilitation in his current state.
However, Z'rali's role brings some dire consequences into consideration. Players learn the cosmic forces of Light have previously invaded the Shadowlands in retribution for Denathrius' experiments which resulted in the Ember Ward's current desert-like state. Furthermore, Z'rali herself seemed almost eager to inflict torture upon Denathrius now that he could do little to resist. Factoring in previous actions like an unknown Naaru stirring the Draenei to convert or kill the Mag'har Orcs on Draenor, and it seems clearer than ever that an upcoming expansion will be against the Light.
For now, the initial Shadowlands story has finally concluded, but players can still work on the time-locked covenant campaigns as well as gearing up their characters through higher difficulties of Castle Nathria and Mythic Plus dungeons.
World of Warcraft: Shadowlands is available now on PC.