The battlefield stretched across the lowlands like a tapestry of frost and fear. The armies of the Hollow Court had arrived faster than expected, their dark banners flapping like wings of carrion birds. Aran stood at the forefront of his assembled force, Elira at his side, her hands aglow with healing flame.
Above them, the skies churned with unnatural clouds, black and seething with arcane fire. Vaerin surveyed the enemy lines and nodded grimly. "They brought the Bone Princes. The Hollow Court means to end us here."
Aran's grip on his sword tightened. His Oathbrand burned hotter now, a sun beneath his skin. "Let them try."
With a cry that echoed like thunder, the Hollow Court advanced. War erupted in a symphony of clashing steel and fire. Aran moved like a storm—his blade a streak of gold, his heart a forge of unrelenting will. The Flame answered him now without hesitation.
Elira's magic danced behind him, weaving through the wounded, shielding their lines, purging the dark rot that poisoned the land. Each spell was a vow kept. Each wound healed, a promise renewed.
Then the Bone Princes entered the fray—three figures cloaked in bone-white robes, riding beasts shaped of shadow. Their magic twisted the battlefield, turning hope into despair. One charged Aran directly.
He met the strike head-on, flames erupting around him. Sparks flew as blade met cursed bone. The Bone Prince laughed, a sound like breaking glass.
"You fight with love," it sneered.
Aran snarled. "No. I fight with purpose."
He drove the Flame through the creature's chest, shattering its core.
As night fell, the tide began to turn. Elira stood atop the ridge, her voice rising in an incantation older than the Hollow Court itself. Her light bathed the battlefield. Warriors rallied. Shadows fled.
When the last of the Hollow Court retreated into the mountains, a ragged cheer rose from the valley. Victory—but not peace.
Aran sheathed his sword and looked to Elira, who descended toward him, her light dimmed but her spirit unbroken.
"The Flame holds," she said.
Aran nodded, exhaustion heavy in his bones. "And so do we."