Chapter 34 - The Night of Reckoning

The facility stood on the outskirts of Velmora, surrounded by stone walls and reinforced gates. Guards patrolled the perimeter, unaware of the fate awaiting them.

Under the cover of darkness, Kael and Selene moved into position.

Selene struck first.

With silent precision, she eliminated the outer guards—daggers slicing throats before they could react. She set fire to the supply shed, sending a pillar of smoke into the sky. The commotion drew the attention of the remaining sentries, pulling them away from their posts.

Inside, alarms rang.

Kael slipped through the chaos, moving like a shadow. The interior was lined with cages—twisted, half-formed creatures writhing inside. Failed experiments.

A researcher turned, eyes wide.

"Who—"

Kael's dagger silenced him.

He moved deeper, finding the lab where the crystals were kept. Inside, researchers worked frantically, unaware of his presence.

Until it was too late.

Blood splattered the walls as Kael cut through them. He grabbed the glowing crystals—small, jagged, pulsating with energy.

Then he set the explosives.

Outside, Selene cut down the last guard just as Kael emerged.

"It's done," he said.

A deafening explosion ripped through the night, engulfing the facility in flames.

Screams echoed as the fire consumed everything.

Before they could leave, Kael sensed something—a squad approaching.

"Looks like they sent reinforcements," he muttered.

Selene stepped forward. "I'll handle the small fry."

Kael's gaze shifted to the squad leader—a knight.

"I'll take care of him," he said.

The battle wasn't over yet.