The battlefield lay silent, bathed in the dim light of a blood-red dawn. Quinn stood amidst shattered bodies and swirling shadows, his breath heavy but steady.
Velux murmured cautiously, The enemies retreat—for now. But your victory has attracted attention.
From the swirling mist emerged a figure cloaked in midnight black, steps silent as the falling ash.
Quinn tensed, instincts screaming—this was no enemy.
---
The stranger's eyes gleamed—one crimson, one obsidian—reflecting both blood and shadow.
"Quinn Talen," the voice was low, almost a whisper, "I've been watching. Your power… it is unlike anything I've seen."
Quinn's gaze narrowed. "Who are you? Friend or foe?"
The figure smiled faintly, pulling back the hood to reveal a pale face marked by a jagged scar running from temple to jawline.
"I am Kaelen. Once a shadowborn like you, now something else. I offer alliance—but not out of kindness."
---
Kaelen's eyes flashed as he stepped closer, shadows curling around him like smoke.
"I know the Voidborn better than anyone. I've seen their rise and fall. I can teach you how to control your powers before they consume you."
Quinn's heart quickened. An offer like this was rare—yet dangerous.
Velux warned softly, Trust is a luxury, Quinn. This one walks the line between salvation and ruin.
---
Before Quinn could respond, a sudden roar tore through the air—Voidborn scouts emerged from the mist, snarling and ready to strike.
Kaelen's form twisted, his shadows exploding outward in a vortex of dark energy.
"Stay close," he commanded, his voice sharp as he struck down two beasts with a sweep of shadow blades.
Quinn dove into the fray, shadows and blood magic flaring as he battled alongside Kaelen.
Their powers intertwined — shadows dancing with bloodfire, creating a deadly symphony that shredded the enemy ranks.
---
A massive Voidborn brute charged, knocking aside cultists and vampires alike.
Kaelen surged forward, summoning a storm of shadows that tore into the brute's flesh.
Quinn followed with a barrage of Bloodfang Claws, ripping deep wounds as Velux fed their combined qi.
The brute howled, staggering beneath their assault, then collapsed into a heap of fading darkness.
---
As the last beast fell, Quinn turned to Kaelen.
"You fight well… but why help me?"
Kaelen's smile was thin and unreadable.
"The Voidborn threat isn't just yours or mine. It's all our fight. But be warned—power like yours attracts more than enemies. Allies can become enemies in the blink of an eye."
---
Quinn nodded slowly, the weight of his path heavier than ever.
Velux whispered, Choose your alliances wisely, Quinn. The shadows hold many secrets—and many betrayals.
Quinn's eyes burned with determination.
"Then I'll face whatever comes. Alone, or with friends."