Chapter 6 – The Flames of Fate

The Hunter and the Hunted

The streets of Eldoria were a battlefield of fire and steel.

Riven Kael's breaths were slow and measured as he gripped his sword, its dark blade glistening under the pale light of the crescent moon. His coat, tattered from battle, swayed in the wind, and his golden eyes burned with the fire of survival.

Beside him, Lyria Vale crouched low, her daggers drawn, her violet eyes sharp with focus. The alley they hid in was narrow, but the footsteps of their pursuers were growing closer, louder, more determined.

"They've surrounded us," Lyria muttered under her breath. "The entire city is on lockdown."

Riven wiped the blood from his cheek, his expression unreadable. "They must be afraid."

A cruel laugh echoed through the night as Grand Inquisitor Veydris stepped into the torchlight, his crimson armor gleaming. He towered over the other soldiers, his greatsword resting lazily against his shoulder.

"Afraid?" Veydris' voice was smooth, laced with amusement. "No, Riven Kael. We are merely entertained."

Lyria tensed beside him. "He's stalling."

Riven understood why the moment his eyes flickered to the rooftops. Crossbowmen. At least a dozen.

The alley was a death trap.

Veydris smirked. "The Emperor would prefer you alive. I suggest you surrender."

Riven tilted his head, his grip on his sword tightening. "And if I refuse?"

The Grand Inquisitor grinned. "Then you die screaming."

Lyria cursed. "Riven—"

Too late.

The first arrow flew.

---

The Streets of Fire

Riven dodged to the side, the arrow whistling past his ear. The second and third followed, but he was already moving, his body a blur of motion.

Lyria had vanished into the shadows, her form flickering like a ghost between soldiers. Her daggers sliced through armor, through flesh, through bone.

But Veydris did not move.

Instead, the Inquisitor raised his hand. A surge of energy erupted from his palm, a shockwave that sent Riven skidding backward.

Riven gritted his teeth, forcing his body to remain standing. The air was charged, thick with magic. The soldiers didn't even flinch at the destruction—the Emperor had trained them well.

But Riven was faster.

He lunged.

His blade met Veydris' greatsword in a clash of sparks and steel.

The force of the impact cracked the ground beneath them.

"Impressive." Veydris grinned as he shoved Riven backward. "But not enough."

The next strike came too fast. Too strong.

Riven barely had time to parry before a second shockwave blasted him through the stone wall of a nearby building.

Lyria's cry was drowned by the explosion of dust and debris.

For a moment, everything was silence.

---

The Awakening of the Eclipse

Pain lanced through Riven's ribs as he struggled to his feet. The shattered remains of the wall surrounded him, the air thick with smoke.

His vision blurred.

No. Not now.

But it was already happening.

The Eclipse Seal over his left eye burned.

A whisper slithered through his mind. "Let me in…"

Riven gasped, gripping his temple. His blood felt like it was boiling, his veins pulsing with power.

And then—

Time slowed.

He could see the dust hanging in the air. The flicker of torches outside. The heartbeat of every soldier waiting beyond the rubble.

And beyond them, Veydris.

Riven stepped forward, and the ground cracked beneath him. Something ancient stirred in his blood.

Lyria burst through the smoke, her eyes wide. She knew.

"Riven, stop!"

But it was too late.

Riven moved—and the world exploded into motion.

---

A Demon's Power

The first soldier never saw him coming.

Riven's sword pierced through his armor like paper, slicing him in half in a single swing.

The others screamed.

Riven turned—his golden eyes burning, his breath calm. His body moved faster than thought, his blade a blur of shadows and death.

Steel clashed. Blood painted the cobblestones.

Lyria watched in horror. This wasn't just skill.

This was something else.

Veydris finally moved, his smirk widening. "Ah. There it is."

He lunged, greatsword flashing.

Riven parried with ease.

"You're faster," Veydris mused. "Stronger."

Their blades met again—this time, the force sent both men skidding backward.

But only one was smiling.

Veydris chuckled. "So, that's the power of the Eclipse."

Riven's breathing was ragged, his hands trembling. His body felt foreign.

His power was awakening.

And it terrified him.

---

A Choice in the Darkness

Lyria appeared at his side, her voice sharp. "Riven. We have to go. Now."

But his gaze was locked onto Veydris.

He wanted to fight.

He wanted to end this.

Lyria grabbed his arm—and for the first time, Riven felt something other than rage.

Warmth.

She wasn't just afraid of Veydris.

She was afraid of him.

Riven exhaled sharply, forcing himself to step back.

Veydris sighed. "Pity."

He raised his hand, magic crackling in his palm. "Run, then. It won't save you."

Riven turned.

And together, they vanished into the night.

---

The Sanctuary of the Fallen

The ruins were silent.

Riven sat against the cold stone, his body aching. The power inside him still burned, restless, hungry.

Lyria stood across from him, her arms crossed, her violet eyes unreadable.

She had seen too much.

Finally, she spoke. "You lost control."

Riven's jaw tightened. "I know."

Lyria took a step closer. "If you give in to that power, Riven… You won't just lose yourself." She hesitated. "You'll become the thing they say you are."

His golden eyes met hers. "And what if I already am?"

Silence stretched between them.

Then—

BOOM.

The temple door exploded inward.

Veydris stood in the doorway, his bloodied greatsword in hand.

"Found you."

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