Chapter 81: Into the Eye of the Storm

The battle in New Haven raged on, the defenders straining against the unending tide of shadowy entities. The air was thick with the acrid smell of burning wood and the chilling wails of the spectral invaders. Though George and his team fought valiantly, it was clear that they were running out of time.

Akari stood inside the mansion, her hands hovering over the pulsating shard on the table. Its glow had intensified, the dark energy within resonating with the storm outside. Beside her, Marcy and John worked tirelessly to prepare more makeshift weapons for the defenders.

"This shard isn't just reacting to the storm," Akari murmured, her eyes narrowing as she focused her magic on the artifact. "It's guiding it."

"What do you mean?" John asked, his voice tense as he handed her another bundle of blessed stakes.