The abyss roared, swallowing flame and smoke alike. Kael's blade flared with shard‑light, striking against Marlic's spear, but each clash drained his strength.
Marlic pressed harder, fury blazing. His spear lashed, shadow tearing through Kael's defenses. Sparks scattered, shard‑light dimmed.
Kael staggered, blood dripping from his wounds. His breath came ragged, but his eyes still burned with defiance. "Hope… endures…"
Marlic snarled, voice echoing across the valley. "Endures? Then endure this!"
He struck with crushing force. The spear pierced Kael's chest, driving him to his knees. Blood spilled, shard‑light flickering weakly.
The alliance cried out, torches faltering, shields cracking. Elira screamed, shards blazing in her hands.
Marlic loomed over Kael, ember eyes blazing. "You are nothing. One blade cannot defy abyss. Tonight, hope dies with you."
Kael's grip faltered, his blade slipping from his hand. His body trembled, life fading. For a moment, it seemed dawn itself was broken.