The Veiled King's eyes glowed like molten silver as he stepped forward, the ground beneath him cracking and curling like dark veins. His voice echoed, low and rumbling.
"You think defeating a shadow will end this? You misunderstand the nature of power, Nkosana. Shadows are born from light—and so too is your doom."
Nkosana tightened his grip on his sword, the dual flames flickering with newfound strength. "Then I'll burn brighter."
With a wave of his hand, the Veiled King summoned a storm of whispers—phantoms of lost souls swirling in a haunting dance. They lunged, their wails twisting into maddening chaos, aimed to tear at Nkosana's mind.
But Nkosana stood firm, summoning his own will like an unbreakable shield. The First Flame mark flared brightly, pushing back the voices until silence reigned.
Lira and Kaede finally broke through the energy barrier, rushing to his side, weapons ready.
"We're not done yet," Kaede hissed.
Nkosana nodded, eyes fixed on the Veiled King. "Let's finish this—together."
The final battle for the fate of realms was upon them.
—