Ghosts from the Past

The radiant light sliced through the violet storm like a comet, illuminating the grim battleground. Aeris shielded her eyes, the glow casting elongated shadows of jagged cliffs and shattered realities.

Kael's breath caught in his throat as the figure stepped forward—tall, regal, yet haunted, with eyes as cold and sharp as frozen steel.

"Aleron," Kael whispered, disbelief mingling with bitterness. "I never thought I'd see you here."

Aleron's gaze didn't waver. His voice was calm but carried the weight of years lost. "You left me to die, Kael. But I survived. And now, the Rift demands its due."

Aeris tightened her grip on her weapon, watching the two men like a hawk eyeing a deadly duel. The air around them buzzed with raw energy, crackling as if the very universe held its breath.

"Elara," Aleron said, turning his gaze to the trembling figure on the ground. "You carry a power far beyond your understanding. It's why the Architect fears you."

Elara's eyes flickered with a glimmer of hope before she winced, clutching her head as if battling invisible chains.

Kael stepped between Aleron and Elara. "We don't have time for old grudges. If the Architect is here, we face him together."

Aleron smirked, but before he could reply, a deafening roar shattered the tense silence. The ground beneath them cracked open, and from the depths rose monstrous creatures—twisted reflections of past nightmares, their eyes glowing with malice.

Aeris sprang into action, blades flashing like lightning, cutting through the first wave of attackers with precision and fury. The air was thick with dust and magic, the storm swirling violently overhead.

Kael met Aleron's gaze, a silent agreement passing between them. Old wounds would have to wait.

Together, they fought side by side, their movements a dance of deadly grace and raw power.

But just as they seemed to gain the upper hand, the sky darkened further, and a shadow larger than any before loomed above—the Architect himself.

His voice echoed, cold and omnipresent: "You think you can defy me? The Rift will consume you all."

A piercing scream cut through the chaos — Elara's eyes glowed fiercely, and a burst of light erupted from her chest, blinding friend and foe alike.

When the light faded, Elara was gone.

Kael fell to his knees, desperation gripping his heart. "No… Elara!"

Aleron's expression hardened. "This isn't over."

As the storm raged, a chilling whisper reached Kael's ear — a voice only he could hear, promising answers… or destruction.

"Seek me where time begins, or lose everything forever."