The forest felt heavier, as if the trees themselves whispered secrets best left unheard. Kaien moved with purpose, his sword at his side, eyes sharp like the abyssal void within him.
Iria and Solryn flanked him silently, their elemental powers simmering beneath the surface, ready to ignite.
"Do you feel it?" Iria whispered, voice tight. "The Veil's grip is tightening. We're walking into a trap."
Kaien nodded. "The Ardent Veil knows Elias is gone. They smell weakness."
Solryn's breath frosted the air. "And their leader… Alteron. He's more dangerous than we thought. I heard rumors—he's obsessed with a power beyond his reach."
Kaien's gaze hardened. "The Commandment of Love. The one who controls Alteron."
A cold shiver ran down Iria's spine. "They say Alteron isn't the master. He's a vessel, willing and eager to be consumed."
As they pushed deeper into the Veil's territory, strange symbols marked the trees—hearts pierced by jagged swords, glowing faintly in the dusk.
Suddenly, the ground trembled.
From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in dark robes, eyes blazing with unnatural light.
"Kaien," the figure hissed, "you chase ghosts while the truth consumes your soul."
Kaien drew his sword, the Abyss awakening in its blade.
"Show yourself."
The figure smiled, a twisted imitation of love and pain. "You are not ready. But you will be… for the day of reckoning is near."
Before Kaien could react, the figure vanished into a swirl of dark petals—symbols of corrupted love.
Kaien looked to Iria and Solryn. "This fight… it's far from over."