The Nightveil descended into the catacombs like a storm—dozens, then hundreds of soldiers flooding the tunnels.
The ground trembled.
The air crackled with dark power.
Kael drew his blade.
Althea lifted her hands.
The battle erupted.
Kael moved like a shadow—a blur of steel and fire, cutting through the enemy ranks with deadly precision. Althea unleashed waves of emotional force—fear, confusion, sorrow—turning enemy soldiers against their own motives.
The artifact pulsed brighter, reacting to the chaos.
But the Nightveil leader appeared again stronger, shadows swirling around him like living serpents.
"You can't win," he hissed.Kael stood beside Althea.
"Watch us," he growled.The leader struck .A blast of obsidian energy flying toward Althea.
Kael saw it first.
"Althea!"
He leapt in front of her.
The energy hit him full force.He collapsed.
"No!" she screamed, catching him as he fell.
His skin was cold.
His heartbeat faint.The leader smiled beneath his mask. "One down."Althea's grief ignited into fury.And the artifact answered.