🔥 Chapter 11 — Hunt for the Shadow General
The victory at the Frozen Bastion had bought them time, but the northern highlands were far from safe. Kael and Rhyne rode along the ridge, Ember coiling along Kael's arm in a low, steady glow. The wind carried a biting chill, and the pulse from the Harrowed King's crack throbbed stronger than ever.
"Every victory draws them closer," Rhyne said, scanning the valleys below. "The King's generals are moving. One of them—stronger than the Frost Warden—is already advancing toward the central highlands."
Kael clenched his fists, the fire in his veins flaring slightly. "Then we don't wait for him to come to us. We find him first."
Rhyne nodded, grim. "This one is cunning. He doesn't strike like the Lieutenant or the Warden. He uses shadows… deception… ambush. We must be careful."
As they descended into a narrow valley, Kael felt the Ember pulse violently. Shadows clung unnaturally to the rocks, moving against the wind. Kael's instincts screamed—they were being watched.
From the darkness, figures emerged—tall, armored warriors, entirely black, with glowing red eyes. But these were different: they moved silently, surrounding Kael and Rhyne, cutting off the valley's exits.
Rhyne drew his blade, silver light flaring against the black. "Shadow Scouts. They are testing you, Kael. Learn from them."
Kael focused, flames arcing in response, striking with precision. The scouts dissolved under Emberfire, but they were not the real enemy. From above, the air shimmered—and a cloaked figure dropped onto the rocks, landing without sound.
Kael's pulse quickened. This was the Shadow General, one of the Harrowed King's elite, whose attacks were whispered about in legends. Shadows twisted around him like smoke, armor shifting constantly, impossible to predict.
The Ember roared in Kael's veins, urging him forward. Rhyne's voice cut through the tension. "Kael! Remember—control the fire, strike at the core, and don't be drawn into the shadows!"
Kael nodded, stepping forward, fire blazing. The Shadow General's eyes glowed with malevolence.
The hunt had begun.