Chapter 20: The Ruins of Kaldara

The air grew thicker as the group pressed deeper into the cursed Forest of Dread. Every step forward was met with the forest's growing resistance, as though the terrain itself conspired against them. Roots snaked across their path, and the dense canopy above blocked out the sunlight, casting the world into eternal twilight. Despite the fatigue etched on their faces, Revan, Kael, and Kaelar pushed on, driven by the urgency of their mission.

Ahead lay the Ruins of Kaldara—a site steeped in Abyssal energy and the likely destination of the Eclipse Covenant. Kaelar had explained that these ruins held ancient Abyssal artifacts, powerful remnants of a forgotten era, and that the Covenant would stop at nothing to claim them. Revan's Abyss Seal pulsed faintly as they drew closer, the energy in the air resonating with the dark power coursing through his body.

---

The oppressive silence was broken by Kael's voice. "So, anyone else getting the feeling we're walking into a trap? Because this feels like a trap."

Kaelar shot him a sharp look. "It's not a trap. The Covenant isn't subtle. If they're already at the ruins, they'll make their presence known."

"That's comforting," Kael muttered. "I was worried this would be easy."

Revan ignored the banter, his focus fixed on the faint whispers in his mind. They had grown stronger with every step, a constant reminder of the Abyss' influence. He couldn't tell if they were guiding him or leading him astray, but he had no choice but to follow.

The trees began to thin, and the terrain shifted from dense forest to rocky ground. Ancient stone pillars, cracked and weathered by time, emerged from the earth like the bones of a forgotten civilization. The group slowed their pace, moving cautiously as they entered the outskirts of the ruins.

---

The ruins were a haunting sight. Massive stone structures jutted out of the ground at odd angles, their surfaces etched with faded runes that pulsed faintly with dark energy. The architecture was alien, the lines and curves defying conventional design. The air was heavy with Abyssal energy, making it difficult to breathe. Revan felt his Abyss Seal thrum in response, a strange mix of power and dread coursing through him.

Kael whistled softly. "Well, this is cheery. I can see why the Covenant's so interested in this place."

Kaelar ignored him, his attention focused on the ruins. "These runes... they're wards. Old ones. Meant to contain something."

"Contain what?" Revan asked, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

Kaelar didn't answer immediately. He knelt beside one of the stone pillars, tracing the runes with his fingers. His expression darkened as he deciphered the markings. "A fragment of the Primordial Abyss. If the Covenant finds it..."

"They'll unleash it," Revan finished, his voice grim. "We can't let that happen."

---

The group moved deeper into the ruins, their senses on high alert. The oppressive atmosphere seemed to press down on them, and every sound echoed unnaturally in the still air. Revan's Abyss Seal pulsed irregularly, reacting to the energy around them. He could feel the presence of something ancient and powerful, a force that seemed to watch their every move.

They reached a massive central chamber, its walls covered in intricate carvings that depicted scenes of chaos and destruction. At the center of the chamber stood a pedestal, its surface etched with glowing runes. Suspended above the pedestal was a shard of dark crystal, its surface swirling with shadowy energy.

Kael stared at the shard, his expression a mix of awe and fear. "That's it, isn't it? The fragment."

Kaelar nodded, his voice tense. "The Covenant must not have arrived yet. If we destroy it now—"

Before he could finish, the air around them rippled, and a group of figures emerged from the shadows. Clad in black robes adorned with crimson symbols, the members of the Eclipse Covenant spread out, their movements precise and deliberate. At their head was a tall, imposing figure with a mask that concealed their features.

"Well, well," the masked figure said, their voice smooth and cold. "It seems we have uninvited guests."

Revan drew his sword, the blade humming with dark energy. "We're here to stop you. Whatever you're planning, it ends now."

The masked figure chuckled. "You misunderstand, Shadowborne. This fragment is not yours to claim or destroy. It belongs to the Abyss, as do you."

---

The Covenant attacked without warning, their movements coordinated and ruthless. Dark energy crackled in the air as spells and weapons clashed. Revan met the first wave head-on, his sword cutting through shadow constructs with ease. Kael darted between enemies, his daggers flashing as he exploited every opening. Kaelar stood at the center of the chamber, weaving barriers and blasts of energy to protect his allies.

The masked figure observed the battle from the edge of the chamber, their posture relaxed as if they were merely watching a performance. Revan's gaze locked onto them, his Abyss Seal flaring with power. He knew instinctively that this figure was the leader, the one directing the Covenant's actions.

"Kaelar, cover me!" Revan shouted, breaking away from the fight and charging toward the masked figure.

The leader raised a hand, and a wave of dark energy surged toward Revan. He countered with his own Abyssal power, the two forces colliding in a burst of shadowy light. The impact sent shockwaves through the chamber, but Revan didn't falter. He pressed forward, his sword swinging in a deadly arc.

The leader blocked the strike with a blade of pure darkness, their movements fluid and precise. "You have potential, Shadowborne," they said, their voice tinged with amusement. "But you are unrefined. You do not yet understand the true power of the Abyss."

Revan gritted his teeth, his Abyss Seal burning as he channeled more power. "Then show me."

---

The clash between Revan and the leader intensified, their attacks shaking the chamber. Revan's strikes were relentless, each one fueled by the Abyss' power, but the leader seemed unfazed, countering with a precision that bordered on supernatural. Revan could feel the strain on his body, the Abyss demanding more and more as the battle dragged on.

Meanwhile, Kael and Kaelar fought to keep the other members of the Covenant at bay. Kael's agility and resourcefulness allowed him to hold his own, but the sheer number of enemies was overwhelming. Kaelar's energy blasts kept them at a distance, but his reserves were dwindling.

"We can't keep this up!" Kael shouted, narrowly dodging a shadowy blade. "Revan, whatever you're doing, do it faster!"

Revan ignored him, his focus entirely on the leader. He could feel the Abyss Seal pushing him to the edge, the whispers in his mind growing louder and more insistent. With a surge of determination, he unleashed a powerful burst of shadow energy, forcing the leader to retreat.

"You are strong," the leader said, their tone almost admiring. "But strength alone will not save you. The Abyss is not your ally, Shadowborne. It is your master."

Revan glared at them, his chest heaving. "I'll prove you wrong."

The leader tilted their head, as if considering his words. Then, without warning, they stepped back and raised their hand. The shard of the Primordial Abyss began to glow, its energy pulsing in sync with the leader's movements.

Revan's eyes widened. "No!"

The shard erupted in a blinding burst of darkness, the energy surging through the chamber. Revan braced himself, the Abyss Seal flaring as he tried to shield his allies. When the light faded, the chamber was empty. The Covenant had vanished, and the shard was gone.

Kael staggered to Revan's side, his face pale. "They took it. They got what they came for."

Revan clenched his fists, his Abyss Seal dimming as the energy around them settled. "This isn't over. We'll stop them, no matter what it takes."

Kaelar nodded, his expression grim. "We have to. Before they use that shard to awaken something far worse."