The forest gave way to a secluded glade, a circle of weathered stones carved with runes that glowed softly in the dim air. The atmosphere was heavy with magical power, the smell of charred herbs and cold magic burning their nostrils. Kael advanced slowly, scanning for signs of movement. Someone—something—was performing a ritual here, and it was connected to Azrak.
"Rina," Kael breathed, voice low, "these symbols… they're controlling him. They're binding him to the ritual."
Rina's claws flexed as she dropped into a crouch, eyes scanning the clearing. "Then we put an end to it. Quick and neat. No errors."
Thargrim snarled, lifting his axe. "Aye, nothing like destroying a ritual to pieces. Let's go."
Elira's hands shone softly, protective wards encasing the party. "Watch out. Spells like this. they're not just magical. They're hazardous. One misstep, and we lose him. or ourselves."
In the shadows, figures hooded and unseen crept forward, chanting low and guttural tones. Tamed monsters lurked behind them, red-glowing eyes that watched and waited. The party shared quick, worried glances. They were out-numbered, but not out-classed. Coordination, timing, and bravery would determine the day.
Kael charged ahead, blade flashing as he cleaved the first rank of guards. Rina's energy shots shredded conquered creatures, sending the hooded ones fleeing. Thargrim crushed stone and bodies both, opening the way for the party to move into the center of the ritual.
The runes burst with light as Kael and Rina attacked, and the incantation stuttered. The ritual energy turned and coiled, lashing out in anger. A magical shockwave slammed into the party, sending Kael crashing to the floor. Agony threaded through his chest, but he stood again, grinding his teeth.
Elira concentrated, spinning defensive wards and patching wounds during combat. "We need to shatter it! Now!"
Lyrielle's arrows hit with precise accuracy, cutting through magical pathways and shattering the remaining hooded men. The power of the ritual started to disintegrate, the runes fading and shattering.
Yet as power wavered, a familiar presence emerged—Azrak. Red eyes, the slightest hint of doubt, the unmistakable presence of one caught between control and liberty. Kael's heart surged. "Azrak!
He paused, troubled, the residue of the ritual still tugging at him. And then, in an explosion of speed impossible to understand, he darted past Kael and the others. The clearing became chaos as the figures left behind scattered, disappearing into the trees.
Kael tried to reach, but too late. Azrak vanished into the fog, leaving behind only the distant sound of his footsteps. The ritual was broken, the runes smashed, but a presence lingered—of business left undone, of trust at breaking point, and of the foe still on the loose.
Rina gasped harshly, swabbing blood from her claws. "We nearly got him… and he fled again."
Thargrim slammed his axe into the dirt, frustration and resolve mixed in his roar. "Damn shadows… they think they can hide forever. We'll find him, one way or another."
Elira's glow dimmed slightly as she surveyed the clearing. "We've disrupted the ritual, but they'll adapt. And next time… Azrak will be even harder to reach."
Kael knelt before the broken sigil, gazing out at it. "We've derailed this step, but the road that lies before. it is hardly concluded. We track him down, however it must be done."
The forest was quiet, but the residual magic of the ritual hummed weakly, a testament to the energy yet to be unleashed in the darkness. Azrak's destiny teetered, and the party realized that the ultimate battle—and potentially salvation—was nigh.