Chapter 7: To the Gates of Hell
Dawn broke upon a land scarred by battle's wrath. Though Radiance's forces had turned the tide, losses weighed heavy on Seraphina's heart as she walked the wounded to Grace's care.
Nightmares assailed of fields aflame and comrades fallen, fueling her resolve to defeat Malachi utterly before more suffered. That evening in the palace, Solomon appeared grave. Our victory has bought time, yet Shadowfall's heart remains untouched. I fear more must be done.
Valiant stepped forth. Let me accompany our champion on a covert mission. With stealth and skill, perhaps we can glean Shadowfall's secrets, aiding our next strike. Grace nodded solemnly. And I shall tend any injuries, for the light of our Creator's cause demands all healers' gifts.
Seraphina faced Leonidas on his obsidian throne. Sire, grant us leave to infiltrate Shadowfall. With virtues as our armor and the truth of El Shaddai as our lantern, perhaps its mysteries can be unraveled, aiding Etherea's liberation.
The king studied them thoughtfully. Shadowfall's evil runs deep... Yet our cause would be strengthened by the wisdom gained. Go with God's blessing and return victorious.
They embarked under the cover of night. Waste stretched lifeless and frigid as Seraphina's trio picked their way through clattering bones and frost-rimmed souls weeping in the wind. Jagged spires loomed amid the whirling snow, promising terrors within.
A patrol of Demonic Oni passed, clutching torches radiating malice; they melted into the mists unnoticed. Within ominous archways, they glimpsed warped servants with animal-like features scrambling in service to some fell purpose. Seraphina shuddered yet held fast, guiding her comrades undetected through labyrinthine corridors.
A vast library lair opened, its archives promising answers. They delved through scriptures scrawled in murky tongues, recounting fallen sorceries and horrors long banished from the light.
A noise from beyond—they hid amid shelves as lumbering shapes dragged moaning burdens past. Once the coast cleared, they resumed reading until a volume fell open, depicting Malachi's rise.
His early life revealed a tortured soul seduced by "The Shadow Lord" yet clinging to remnants of light. Perhaps redemption could reclaim even one so fallen...
Their debate was cut short by an unearthly keenness as patrols swarmed the library. A gruesome battle ensued until at last they fled, emerging amid howling waste once more.
With mysteries gleaned yet tolls heavy, they began the trek home. But grace bore them through perils as truths unveiled illuminated hope where once there had been only fear and doubt. For wherever evil takes root, the light of God's seed may also be planted, in time, through compassion.