Chapter 230: A Dangerous Promise

Talen's sword flashed in a wide arc, cleaving through the nearest Shadowborn with effortless precision. A surge of violet energy crackled from the blade, spreading through the courtyard like a shockwave. The remaining enemies staggered as the energy forced them back, their dark cloaks billowing in the night air.

Erynn's daggers were already spinning through the air. One struck a Shadowborn in the throat; the other buried itself in the chest of another before returning to her hands with a flick of her wrist. She pivoted gracefully, catching another blade aimed at Talen's back. Her emerald eyes glinted beneath the torchlight.

Solen's bow twanged sharply. A silver arrow streaked through the air, piercing the head of a Shadowborn. Without missing a beat, Solen drew another arrow and loosed it. It struck the ground near Talen's feet — and then exploded, releasing a burst of white energy that scattered the nearby enemies.

"Watch your aim," Talen growled, wiping dark blood from his face.

"You're welcome," Solen shot back.

The Shadowborn regrouped quickly. Their dark forms shimmered as they merged into a single mass of shadow. A deep, low hiss echoed through the courtyard.

Talen's grip tightened on his sword. "They're adapting."

Erynn's daggers spun between her fingers. "Then let's give them something new to adapt to."

The shadow pulsed, and three figures emerged from the dark mass. Their forms were twisted, elongated — no longer entirely human. Faint red veins glowed beneath their dark skin. Their eyes were pits of blackness.

"Ascendant…" one of them hissed. Its voice was distorted, otherworldly. "The relic… belongs to us."

Talen's gaze sharpened. "Come and take it."

The first creature lunged forward, its claws extending unnaturally long. Talen ducked beneath the strike, pivoting behind it with inhuman speed. His blade sank into its spine and released a pulse of violet energy. The creature screamed as it disintegrated into black smoke.

The other two attacked in unison.

Erynn's daggers flashed as she intercepted one. She twisted mid-air, her blades tracing silver arcs through the darkness. The creature howled as Erynn's daggers bit into its throat.

Solen's arrow slammed into the chest of the second creature, pinning it to the stone wall.

The creature's eyes burned with malevolence. "More… will come…"

Talen stepped toward it, his sword glowing with violet light. "Let them."

He drove the sword into the creature's chest. The violet energy surged through it, and the creature's body dissolved into black mist.

Talen exhaled sharply, lowering his blade.

Solen's eyes narrowed. "That was too easy."

Erynn's gaze sharpened. "They were testing us."

Talen's eyes darkened. "And they'll be back."

A slow clap echoed through the courtyard.

Talen's head snapped toward the source of the sound.

A tall figure emerged from the shadows. His crimson cloak billowed behind him as he stepped into the light. His long silver hair framed a pale, angular face. Cold blue eyes regarded Talen with quiet amusement.

"Veyne," Talen said coldly.

"Impressive," Veyne drawled. His gaze drifted toward the black mist dissipating at Talen's feet. "You've grown stronger."

Talen's eyes narrowed. "Did you come here to fight?"

Veyne's smile was thin. "Not tonight." His gaze sharpened. "I came to warn you."

Talen's grip tightened on his sword. "Warn me?"

"The Void Gate," Veyne said softly. "It's waking."

Talen's jaw clenched. "Then we'll stop it."

Veyne's smile didn't fade. "Will you?" His eyes gleamed darkly. "And when the gate calls to you… will you resist?"

Talen's gaze darkened. "You'll find out soon enough."

Veyne's smile sharpened. "I look forward to it."

He turned, his crimson cloak swirling behind him. The shadows parted as he disappeared into the night.

Solen's eyes followed Veyne's exit. "He's playing with us."

Talen's gaze remained fixed on the empty courtyard. "Let him."

Erynn's eyes narrowed. "The Void Gate… How close is it?"

Talen's expression darkened. "Closer than it's ever been."

Solen's voice was tense. "And if it opens?"

Talen's eyes glowed faintly beneath the moonlight. His hand curled around the hilt of his sword.

"Then I'll close it."

Erynn stepped toward him. "You promised you wouldn't use the relic."

"I remember." Talen's voice was calm, but his gaze burned with quiet intensity. "But if it comes down to saving this realm… or letting it fall…"

Erynn's eyes sharpened. "Talen—"

"I'll do what needs to be done."

Erynn's hand brushed against his arm. "There's another way."

Talen's gaze softened as he looked at her.

"You don't know that."

"I know you," Erynn whispered. "And I know you'll find a way."

Talen's jaw tightened. He lifted his hand, brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear.

"I hope you're right."

Solen's gaze darkened. "We don't have time for hope."

Talen's expression hardened. "Then we'll make time."

The violet light beneath his skin pulsed softly. His gaze drifted toward the distant mountains where the Void Gate's energy throbbed beneath the earth.

"I'm not losing this fight," Talen said.

Erynn's eyes softened. "We're not losing you."

Talen's hand closed around her fingers. He lifted them to his lips, pressing a soft kiss to her knuckles.

"You might not have a choice."

Erynn's expression darkened. "Then we'll fight you too."

Talen's gaze met hers — fierce, burning with quiet certainty.

"If it comes to that," Talen whispered, "I hope you do."