Chapter 231: The Gathering Storm

Talen stood at the edge of the mountain pass, his cloak billowing around him as the cold wind howled through the narrow gap. The dark sky overhead churned with ominous clouds, flickering with pulses of violet energy. A low, constant hum vibrated beneath his feet — the heartbeat of the Void Gate, growing stronger with each passing hour.

Erynn stood beside him, her gaze fixed on the distant horizon. Her emerald eyes narrowed as she watched the gathering storm. A thin scarlet line cut across the clouds, glowing faintly in the dark sky.

"That's not natural," Erynn murmured.

"No," Talen said. His hand tightened on the hilt of his sword. "It's a signal."

"For what?"

Talen's eyes darkened. "For them."

Behind them, Solen approached, his bow slung over his shoulder. His sharp gaze swept across the jagged cliffs and the dark shapes shifting beneath the storm clouds. His silver hair was slick with rain, but his expression was cold and steady.

"They're gathering," Solen said grimly. "Thousands of them."

Talen's jaw tightened. "How long until they reach the gate?"

"Hours," Solen replied. His eyes sharpened. "Maybe less."

Talen's gaze drifted toward the horizon. Beyond the mountains, the ancient ruins of the Void Gate pulsed faintly beneath the earth. He could feel its power, thrumming beneath his skin like a dark current.

Erynn's hand brushed against his. "We don't have to face them alone."

Talen turned toward her. Her gaze was steady, but there was a flicker of fear beneath the determination in her eyes.

"I called for the remaining Ascendants," Solen said. "They'll come."

Talen's lips curled into a thin smile. "Let's hope they're fast."

A dark shadow streaked across the sky. A deep, unnatural howl echoed through the mountains. Talen's eyes snapped toward the ridge as the first wave of Shadowborn crested the mountaintop.

"Too late," Solen said.

The creatures poured down the cliffs like black smoke, their eyes burning with cold, predatory hunger. Twisted claws and jagged limbs glistened beneath the dim light of the storm.

Talen's sword flared with violet energy as he stepped forward. "Form up!"

Solen's bow flashed in his hands. A silver arrow streaked through the air, striking the lead creature in the throat. It dissolved into smoke before hitting the ground.

Erynn's daggers spun in her hands. "We'll hold the line."

Talen's eyes burned with cold fire. "No," he said. "We don't hold."

He stepped forward, raising his sword. The violet light beneath his skin pulsed.

"We break them."

The first wave of creatures descended upon them. Talen's blade lashed out, cutting through the darkness with ruthless precision. The violet energy surged through his weapon, burning away the black mist as the creatures screamed and dissolved.

Erynn darted forward, her daggers flashing. She twisted through the shadows, striking with deadly accuracy. Every creature that came near her collapsed into ash.

Solen loosed arrow after arrow, each shot finding its mark. The silver energy of his bow left burning trails in the air as the creatures dissolved beneath his assault.

A dark figure emerged from the mist — tall, armored, with crimson eyes burning beneath a shadowed hood. Its twisted blade pulsed with dark energy as it strode toward Talen.

"Talen of the Ascendants," it said coldly. "The gate calls to you."

Talen's eyes flashed with violet light. "Then let it call."

The creature lunged. Talen's sword met its dark blade with a clash that sent sparks through the air. The shockwave tore through the ground beneath them.

The creature's blade twisted toward Talen's chest. He sidestepped, bringing his sword down in a sweeping arc. The violet energy flared as the creature's blade shattered beneath the impact.

The creature staggered back. Its crimson eyes narrowed.

"You cannot stop it," it hissed. "The gate will open."

Talen's blade pressed against the creature's throat.

"Try me."

He drove the sword forward. The creature dissolved into dark smoke.

Talen turned, breathing hard. More creatures were cresting the ridge. A tide of shadows was pouring down the cliffs — too many to fight.

Solen's gaze sharpened. "We're not going to hold this position."

"We don't need to," Talen said. His eyes narrowed toward the distant gate. "We just need to reach the gate."

Erynn's eyes widened. "You're not suggesting—"

Talen's gaze burned with violet light. "I can close it."

Solen's expression darkened. "If you use the relic's power—"

Talen's jaw tightened. "I know."

Erynn stepped toward him. "Talen—"

He turned toward her. "It's the only way."

She gripped his arm. "Not if it kills you."

Talen's eyes softened. He brushed a hand against her cheek.

"I have to try."

Erynn's gaze burned with quiet desperation. "We'll find another way—"

Talen leaned closer, his forehead pressing against hers.

"If there was another way," he whispered, "I would have found it by now."

Erynn's breath caught. Her hand tightened on his sleeve.

"I'm not letting you go," she said fiercely.

Talen's lips curled into a faint smile. "Then hold on."

Behind them, a new sound echoed through the mountains — the sound of marching footsteps. Armor clinked. Weapons hummed with energy.

Talen's eyes sharpened. "Reinforcements?"

Solen's gaze narrowed toward the ridge. His eyes widened.

Figures emerged from the mist. Not Shadowborn — Ascendants.

Dozens of them.

Kara stepped to the front of the line, her crimson blade resting against her shoulder. Her dark hair was swept back, and her violet eyes burned with fierce intensity.

"Talen," Kara said, smiling faintly. "Need a hand?"

Talen's expression hardened. "Took you long enough."

Kara's smile sharpened. "Well, we had to make a dramatic entrance."

The Ascendants drew their weapons as the wave of Shadowborn surged forward. Kara's eyes gleamed.

"Shall we?"

Talen raised his sword. "Don't hold back."

Kara's smile widened. "Wouldn't dream of it."

The Ascendants charged.

Talen's sword flared with violet light as he surged forward, cutting through the shadows. Erynn's daggers spun through the air beside him, striking down the creatures with ruthless efficiency.

Kara's crimson blade swept through the darkness, cutting through the tide of enemies like paper.

The battle exploded across the mountainside — blades clashing, arrows flying, energy crackling through the air. The violet glow of the relic pulsed beneath Talen's skin as the dark tide pressed forward.

Solen loosed an arrow toward the ridge. "They just keep coming!"

Talen's eyes narrowed. "Then we don't stop."

He stepped toward the edge of the battlefield, his gaze fixed on the distant pulse of the Void Gate.

Erynn's hand brushed against his.

"You're not going alone," she whispered.

Talen's gaze softened.

"Then let's finish this," he said.

Erynn's smile was fierce.

"Together."