Marco Valenti's fists connected with Viktor's jaw, sending him crashing into the alley wall.Their mafia crews circled around, watching the brutal fight unfold.Viktor Kuznetsov – a ruthless Russian mobster – had disrespected Donatello Esposito's territory.This beating would be his warning... or his death sentence.As Marco pummeled Viktor, he felt a sudden, eerie chill run down his spine.Suddenly, Viktor head-butted Marco, splitting his left eyebrow open.Blood gushed down Marco's face as he stumbled back.As Marco blinked blood from his eyes, he saw a figure emerging from darkness.She was tall, with piercing green eyes and raven hair. Her presence seemed to freeze time – the fight forgotten.Marco's crew exchanged nervous glances. Viktor, still on the ground, whispered "Koldunya..."The woman's gaze locked onto Marco. She glided closer, her black dress billowing behind her.The woman reached out, her fingers brushing Marco's bleeding eyebrow.His skin tingled as the wound sealed

Marco stood in his New York apartment, the cloaking scar on his hand pulsing faintly.He knew what he had to do: Gather allies. Grow stronger. Return to Tenebrous.First on his list: Leo, his mafia friend brought back from death. Marco visited Leo at his home.Leo answered, eyes widening at Marco's appearance.Marco, what happened? You've been gone for weeks!Marco explained everything – Ruby, Scar, Kila, Tenebrous. Leo listened intently.I'm in, Leo said. But we'll need more help.He introduced Marco to his cousin, Sophia – who researched dark magic and mythology.Sophia was stunned by Marco's story.But she recognized the cloaking scar that was on marco hand .That symbol... it's from the Shadowborn clan, i read it in a book .Ancient warriors who wielded darkness and light.Do you think the Shadowborn still exist? Marco asked.Sophia nodded.I think my grandmother was one.I'll take you to meet her.He followed Sophia to her grandmother's mansion.Entering the mansion.Sophia cal

Sophia paced back and forth in the cold, dark dungeon cell.Ruby's magic had trapped them, draining their powers and strength.How do we get out of here? Sophia asked desperately.Lyra leaned against the wall, her eyes closed.We need something to disrupt Ruby's magic.A powerful artifact or...Nana interrupted.I have an idea.My Shadowborn blood – it might counteract Ruby's spell.Caleb shook his head.We tried blood already. Mine didn't work.Nana frowned.Shadowborn blood is different. Worth a try?Maya suggested.What about my knowledge of ancient runes? Maybe there's a hidden passage or...Ava cut in.I've searched every inch of these walls , No hidden doors, no escape route .The group fell silent , each lost in their own thoughts.Suddenly, Sophia gasped.What if... what if Marco's balanced powers could break this spell?The others stared at her.But Marco's gone, Lyra said.Defeated by Ruby.Sophia's eyes gleamed with determination.Exactly , So one of us need to escape and f

Marco stood tall, his eyes burning with determination.I'm ready. Let me retry the Trial of Strength.Aria nodded approvingly, then vanished into thin air. The Ancient One gestured to the ground, drawing the same Trial of Strength symbol as before.But this time, the task will be different, Marco Valenti. Are you prepared to face your own strength?Marco stepped onto the symbol, ready for anything. The ground gave way beneath him, and he fell into darkness once more.When he landed, he found himself in a familiar place – his childhood home. But something felt off.Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows – Marco himself, or rather, a dark mirror image of him.Defeat your darkeest past to pass the Trial of Strength, the Ancient One's voice echoed in Marco's mind.Marco's eyes narrowed, ready for battle.Come out and fight me! he shouted at his vanished dark self.But instead of his mirror image, memories began to resurface – painful ones he thought were long buried.As he walke

As Kila and Marco turned to leave, Kila suddenly tapped his shoulder.Wait, look down there , Is that not Ruby?Marco's eyes widened in shock.Ruby! What is she doing here?Kila's expression turned grave.She must have learned about the artifacts' importance to you. Someone must have told her...Marco's mind reeled. Who could have betrayed him?Before he could speak, he spotted another familiar face beside Ruby – Leo, his former friend.Leo... what is he doing with Ruby?Lyrien, the collector, approached Ruby, bowing low.Welcome Ruby , What a lovely surprise. When you sent word you wanted these artifacts, we weren't sure if you'd make an appearance yourself.Ruby shushed him, her voice low and menacing.Take me to the artifacts and Stop all this hovering.Lyrien nodded, leading Ruby away towards a private chamber.Marco and Kila exchanged worried glances.What are we going to do? Marco asked.Kila smiled mischievously.Our original plan: steal the artifact. If we're too late and