The storm howled across the wastelands as Damen and Zyra pressed forward through the treacherous terrain, their cloaks whipping around them. The sky above churned with unnatural energy, as if the heavens themselves were protesting the war brewing in the shadows. Every step they took carried the weight of uncertainty, but neither could afford to hesitate. The Elders awaited them beyond the cliffs, and with each passing moment, their window of opportunity narrowed.
An Oath in Blood
As they reached the edge of the shattered valley, Damen paused. He pulled out a worn map, its edges frayed from years of use, and traced the path leading toward the hidden enclave of the Elders.
"We need to keep moving," Zyra urged, her voice steady despite the fatigue in her limbs. "The Shadow King's forces won't be far behind."
Damen nodded but hesitated. "There's something I need to know first."
Zyra turned to him, her violet eyes flickering with concern. "What is it?"
He hesitated before drawing his dagger and slicing a thin line across his palm. The blood welled up, dark and glistening in the dim light. "Swear to me, Zyra. Swear that no matter what happens, you won't let them take me alive."
She stared at him, stunned. "Damen, don't—"
"Swear it."
A long silence stretched between them, broken only by the distant rumble of thunder. Then, slowly, Zyra lifted her own blade and mirrored his action, their blood mingling as she clasped his hand. "I swear."
Their oath was sealed.
The Shadow King's Hunt
Miles away, within the obsidian halls of the Shadow King's fortress, Valen stood before his master, his expression unreadable.
"They head for the Elders," Valen reported, his voice betraying none of the turmoil within him.
The Shadow King turned from his throne, his dark robes swirling around him like living tendrils. "Good. Then it is time to tighten the noose."
He lifted a hand, and a ripple of energy coursed through the air. From the darkness, monstrous creatures slithered forth—warped figures of flesh and shadow, their eyes glowing with an unnatural hunger.
"They will not reach the Elders," the Shadow King murmured. "Not before they taste despair."
Valen clenched his fists, but he bowed nonetheless. "As you command."
A Betrayal Unfolds
As Damen and Zyra navigated the treacherous cliffs, they were unaware of the silent figure watching from above. Cassian, the assassin who had once been Damen's closest ally, crouched among the jagged rocks, his orders clear.
Kill Zyra. Capture Damen.
He adjusted his grip on his blade, his mind warring against itself. He had betrayed Damen before, but something about this felt... different. Watching them struggle, fight, survive—it stirred something within him.
For the first time in years, Cassian hesitated.
The moment of calm shattered as an explosion rocked the cliffs, sending a hail of debris raining down upon Damen and Zyra. A massive, twisted beast emerged from the fog, its eyes burning with malice.
"Run!" Damen shouted, pushing Zyra forward just as the monster lunged.
From above, Cassian gritted his teeth and made a choice.
He leaped.
The storm raged on, and as steel met flesh, the battle for survival began.