The Rising Storm

Location: Tavara Coastline, Naval Command Deck

Thunder cracked overhead as Damien stood beneath the steel canopy, arms crossed, the ocean's cold spray misting across his coat. His eyes never left the horizon where the fleet of black-sailed ships approached—silent, yet brimming with a sinister purpose.

"Three miles and closing," a naval officer reported. "No flags. No signals."

"They want war," Damien muttered.

Behind him, Admiral Rowan, a veteran of two continental wars, stepped forward. "Your call, Commander Kane."

Damien's jaw tightened. "Target their lead vessel. Fire a warning shot. If they respond with aggression—we obliterate them."

The deck vibrated as the artillery systems roared to life. A thunderous shot lit up the sky and struck the water yards from the enemy's foremost ship.

For a moment, the ocean stilled.

Then came the answer—cannon fire.

"Open fire," Damien said coldly.

---

Location: Northern Tavara – Royal Archives

Victor remained inside the sacred vault, the orb of memories humming beside him. His hands, glowing faintly with the sigils of the Kane bloodline, trembled under the strain of absorbing centuries of ancestral pain.

"I see now," he murmured. "Why the crown always chose war over peace."

Lucas stood nearby, concern etched on his face. "Is that our path too?"

Victor's gaze turned fierce. "No. But we'll need to fight to secure peace."

He stepped back from the orb, eyes blazing. "Send a message to Damien. I'm coming."

---

Location: West Tavara – Nora's Estate

The winds had picked up, trees swaying violently under the storm's arrival. Nora's estate bustled with activity as her elite team prepared for departure.

Nora, in tactical gear, loaded her encrypted comms system. "Tell Damien we're mobilizing west flank support. Victor's extraction must not fail."

Jalen handed her a tablet. "Intercepted communication suggests the invaders are using diversion tactics. Someone is targeting the Citadel."

Nora's expression hardened. "Then Elara is in danger."

She opened a private comms link. "Elara, if you hear this—hold your ground. Reinforcements are on the way. And if anything happens… burn them all."

---

Location: Highland Peaks – Secret Monastery

Elara stood in the courtyard, her robes fluttering wildly in the storm wind. Around her, shadows danced—mercenaries trained in the forbidden Echo martial disciplines, their movements silent and coordinated.

She raised her hand, the flame sigil on her palm glowing white.

"I warned you," she said, her voice calm but heavy with power. "This land doesn't welcome intruders."

One of the mercs lunged.

Too slow.

Elara vanished, reappearing behind him in a flicker of light. Her hand brushed his neck.

A pulse of force. The man collapsed without a sound.

The rest surrounded her.

Elara smiled. "Let's see how much I remember."

---

Location: Tavara Coast – Warship Atlas

The enemy fleet had drawn closer, but Damien's forces held strong. Fires raged across the water as ships collided in bursts of flame and steel.

"Enemy flagship approaching," shouted an officer. "They're breaking formation!"

Damien pulled a high-caliber rifle from its lock and stepped onto the open deck, rain pelting his skin.

"Get me close enough to board."

Rowan stared. "You're going over?"

Damien nodded. "I want answers."