12.

The legions of the Abyss moved like a dark tide across the shadowy plains, their disciplined formations marching toward the northern outpost where the Shadow Realm's forces had gathered. The rhythmic beat of war drums echoed across the landscape, a slow and deliberate pulse that reverberated through the ranks. Lucian rode at the head of his army, the weight of his decisions heavy on his shoulders as he steeled himself for the coming conflict.

Every step brought them closer to the inevitable clash with the Shadow Realm, but Lucian's thoughts remained split between the battle ahead and the larger, looming threat of the Celestials. Their presence was like a shadow over his mind, a constant reminder that the war he was fighting was only a prelude to something far worse. Yet, he could not allow himself to be distracted. The Shadow Realm was a threat that demanded his immediate attention, and he had to be prepared to strike with precision and strength.

Beside him, Tharok rode with his usual imposing presence, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of the enemy. The Warlord had been uncharacteristically silent since they had set out, his focus entirely on the coming battle. Lucian could sense the anticipation rolling off him, the hunger for combat simmering beneath the surface.

"They'll be waiting for us," Tharok growled after a long silence, his deep voice carrying easily over the din of marching soldiers. "The Shadow Realm knows we're coming."

Lucian nodded, his gaze fixed on the distant line of dark hills where the outpost was located. "Let them wait. We'll break them."

Tharok's grin was sharp and predatory. "That's the spirit, my Lord. We'll give them the war they wanted."

But even as Tharok spoke with confidence, Lucian couldn't shake the feeling that something was off. The Shadow Realm's attack on the outpost had been bold, perhaps too bold. It felt like they were goading him into a response, trying to lure him into a trap. Lucian had anticipated as much, but the true nature of their plan remained elusive.

"We need to be cautious," Lucian said, his voice measured. "The Shadow Realm doesn't attack without a strategy. They'll have something waiting for us."

Tharok shrugged, clearly unconcerned. "Let them have their traps. We'll crush them either way."

Lucian knew that Tharok's confidence wasn't misplaced—he had every reason to believe in the strength of the Abyssal legions. But Lucian's instincts told him that the Shadow Realm wouldn't rely on brute force alone. There was something else at play, something he hadn't yet uncovered.

As they approached the northern outpost, the first signs of battle became visible. The dark, stone walls of the outpost were scarred with deep gashes, evidence of the violent clash that had taken place earlier. The ground was littered with debris, and the bodies of fallen soldiers—both from the Abyss and the Shadow Realm—were scattered across the battlefield. The air was thick with the smell of blood and ash.

Lucian dismounted from his horse as they reached the outpost gates, his eyes sweeping over the scene. The soldiers who had defended the outpost stood at attention, their faces grim but determined. Among them, Seraphis moved with her usual grace, her cloak billowing behind her as she approached Lucian.

"My Lord," Seraphis said, bowing her head slightly. "The Shadow Realm's forces are camped just beyond the ridge. They're preparing for a second wave."

Lucian's eyes narrowed. "And what of the ambush? How many did we lose?"

Seraphis's expression darkened. "We took heavy casualties, but we held the line. Their initial attack was brutal, but I suspect they're waiting for reinforcements. They want to overwhelm us with numbers."

Lucian's mind raced. He had expected as much, but he needed to know more. "What of the Fire Realm? Are they involved?"

Seraphis shook her head. "There's been no sign of them yet. But it's only a matter of time. The Fire Realm is watching closely. If we falter here, they'll join the fight."

Lucian cursed under his breath. The Fire Realm's silence was unnerving, and he knew that their involvement could tip the balance of the entire conflict. He needed to make a decisive move, one that would show both the Shadow Realm and the Fire Realm that the Abyss was not a force to be trifled with.

"Prepare our forces for an immediate assault," Lucian ordered. "We'll hit the Shadow Realm before they have a chance to regroup."

Tharok's eyes gleamed with anticipation. "Finally. It's time to show them what the Abyss is capable of."

Seraphis nodded, her expression unreadable. "I'll lead the scouts to gather more information. We need to know exactly what they're planning."

Lucian watched as his advisors dispersed, each moving with purpose as the Abyssal legions began to mobilize. The tension in the air was thick, every soldier poised for the coming battle. But even as the preparations were made, Lucian couldn't shake the nagging feeling that something was wrong.

The Shadow Realm wouldn't have attacked the outpost unless they were certain they could win. That much was clear. But what wasn't clear was their true objective. Were they simply trying to provoke a response, or was there something else at stake?

You doubt yourself, the voice of the Abyssal Lord whispered, its tone laced with disdain. You hesitate, and they will strike you down. Show them your strength, and they will cower before you.

Lucian's hands clenched into fists, his jaw tightening as he fought to keep the voice at bay. He couldn't allow himself to act rashly, not now. The power of the Abyss was vast, but it had to be wielded with control, not recklessness.

Suddenly, a sharp cry rang out from the ridge above, and Lucian's head snapped up. The scouts had returned, but their expressions were grim, their movements hurried.

"My Lord!" one of the scouts called out, his voice strained with urgency. "The Shadow Realm's forces… they're not alone!"

Lucian's heart skipped a beat. "What do you mean?"

The scout shook his head, his eyes wide with fear. "They've summoned something… something from beyond. It's not of this world."

Lucian's blood ran cold. He had expected a trap, but this was something far worse. The Shadow Realm had called upon forces from the Abyss itself, summoning a creature that was beyond even their own control.

As the ground beneath them began to tremble, Lucian's eyes widened in realization. The true battle wasn't with the Shadow Realm's armies—it was with the entity they had summoned.

The Abyss answers only to you, the voice of the Abyssal Lord whispered, its tone almost gleeful. If you do not control it, it will destroy everything.

Lucian's heart pounded in his chest as he turned to Tharok and Seraphis, his voice hard and commanding. "Prepare the legions. We're facing something far worse than we anticipated."

Tharok's eyes narrowed, his grip tightening on his battle-axe. "What are we dealing with?"

Lucian's gaze flicked toward the horizon, where the dark clouds of the Abyss began to swirl ominously. "A creature of the Abyss. Something ancient. Something powerful."

Seraphis's expression remained unreadable, but Lucian could sense the tension in her. "How do we stop it?"

Lucian took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the Abyss pressing down on him. The creature they were about to face was unlike anything he had encountered before. It was raw power, a force of destruction that could tear through armies without hesitation.

But Lucian knew one thing for certain: if he didn't act, if he didn't take control, the Abyss itself would consume them all.

"We don't stop it," Lucian said, his voice cold and resolute. "We control it."