Chapter 71: Return to the Clans The voyage back to the clans was a melancholy one. Raiden traveled in quiet, his mind repeating the events of the Forbidden Lands. The shattered seal. The Sovereign’s frightening growl. Morgana’s dubious fate. And then the vision—the dark figure with crimson eyes hinting of further destruction to come. Draco Maximus soared over the assemblage, his golden scales reflecting the waning light of the day. Kaela rode by Raiden’s side, her bow laying across her lap, her sharp eyes scanning the horizon. Behind them, Rurik carried the injured Myra, whose breathing had stabilized but remained shallow. The anxiety was tangible, and it only grew stronger when the towering gates of the Elthorn Clan’s citadel came into view. “They’ll want answers,” Kaela whispered, breaking the silence. Raiden nodded, his jaw clenching. “And they won’t like what they hear.” The council chamber was crowded with clan chiefs and their counselors, the air dense with tension

Chapter 73: The Ember Prophet Strikes The midday sun hung low in the sky, creating lengthy shadows over the Elthorn Clan’s bustling trade route. Merchants guided carts laden with goods—food, guns, and necessary supplies—along the winding path to the Duskfall station. Guards flanked the caravan, their armor sparkling as they scoured the tree line for any signs of danger. Raiden and Kaela rode ahead of the group, their presence a reassurance to the worried traders. The tension in the air was obvious, and Raiden could feel the weight of every glance directed toward the dark woodland that bordered the trail. “Something feels off,” Kaela whispered, her bow lying loosely in her grasp. Her piercing gaze raced from tree to tree. Raiden nodded. “Draco sensed movement earlier, but it was faint. Whatever it is, it’s waiting for the proper moment.” Above them, Draco circled high, his golden scales glinting in the sunlight. His deep voice rumbled in Raiden’s head. “The shadows move un

Chapter 75: Village Rescue The bitter stink of smoke and ash filled the air as Raiden and his company approached the edge of the village. The once-thriving village of Willowreach now lay in ruins, its burned remains silhouetted against the waning light of sunset. Buildings smoldered, their timbers reduced to charcoal carcasses. The silence was stifling, broken only by the faint crackle of fire and the odd groan of collapsing structures. Raiden clutched the hilt of his sword hard, the golden runes along its blade blazing brightly in reaction to the leftover evil magic filling the air. Draco swooped overhead, his gigantic wings stirring the smoke, giving glimpses of carnage below. Kaela dismounted her horse alongside him, her bow already in hand. “If there are survivors, they’ll be hiding,” she added, her voice low and strained. “The Order wouldn’t leave anyone behind unless they had a reason.” Raiden nodded, his gaze scouring the wreckage. “They wouldn’t have done this witho

Chapter 77: Infiltrating the Stronghold Kaela adjusted her tremble, her voice barely a whisper. “Well-guarded, but not impossible. Looks like they’re expecting trouble, though.” Raiden nodded, his golden eyes narrowing. “They know we’re close. We’ll have to proceed carefully.” Draco’s voice rumbled softly in Raiden’s head, his presence remote but attentive. “The shadows inside that place are thick with corruption. The Prophet’s power has distorted the very air around it. Be fast, Raiden, and do not linger.” Raiden glanced at Kaela. “We stick to the plan. In and out. Find out what the Prophet’s planned and go back before they discover we’re here.” Kaela grinned slightly, nocking an arrow. “Subtlety’s not your strong suit, but I’ll keep you out of trouble.” The couple crept closer to the stronghold, using the uneven terrain and thick underbrush for protection. The guards walked in predictable patterns, their torches generating pockets of shadow between their pathways.

Chapter 79: The Obsidian Vault Revealed Raiden and Kaela trekked through the deep jungle as the first rays of light crept through the canopy. The air was heavy with rain, the remains of the previous night’s conflict still clinging to them like an unwanted shadow. Draco swooped overhead, his massive wings silent yet powerful, a continuous confirmation of their relationship. Kaela broke the silence first, her voice low. “That shard... it’s dangerous, Raiden. I felt it when you took it up. It’s throbbing with something unnatural.” Raiden nodded, his golden gaze locked on the thin trail ahead. “It’s more than dangerous. Draco thinks it’s a part of the void’s essence. If we can grasp it, we could find a means to neutralize the Prophet’s magic.” Kaela stopped, her brow wrinkled. “And what if it’s a trap? What if trying to understand it merely corrupts us, the way it’s corrupted them?” Raiden turned to her, his expression steely. “Then we have to be stronger than they were.