Chapter 10: THE DARK ENTITY

Lyra's words hung in the air like a death sentence.

Dorian's eyes locked onto hers:

"What entity could be terrifying enough to make Thane Blackwood warn us?"

Lyra's voice barely above whisper:

"Xarath, the Devourer of Worlds – a being from darkest realms, feared even by Korvus's masters."

Queen Lirien crossed her arms, resolve etched on her face:

"We've faced dark magic, but never an otherworldly horror. Can our combined strength defeat this Xarath?"

Kaelin Darkhunter drew a deep breath:

"We must try. Thane Blackwood believes Xarath's power is tied to Korvus's ritual. Disrupt the ritual, weaken Xarath."

Dorian grasped the battle plan:

"Here's our revised strategy:

1. Lyra disrupts the ritual from within (with Thane Blackwood's help).

2. My team confronts Korvus directly.

3. Queen Lirien's archers and Kaelin's warriors breach the stronghold from outside.

4. We all target Xarath once the ritual falters."

The Black System silently updated their mission odds:

**MISSION SUCCESS RATE: 32%**

Dorian steeled himself for the impending battle:

"Shall we proceed to Korvus's stronghold and face whatever darkness awaits?

The leaders nodded in unison, resolve burning in their eyes.

Queen Lirien spoke up:

"Let us move out. Moonwhisper Elves, prepare to deploy from rooftops. Wyvern Clan, ready breach teams."

Kaelin Darkhunter drew her sword again:

"For our clans, for Tenebrous – let us march into darkness!"

The combined forces moved stealthily towards Korvus's stronghold as night descended.

Lyra fell into step beside Dorian:

"Thane Blackwood will open the secret passage once he sees your team engage Korvus. I'll disrupt the ritual from within."

Dorian nodded grimly:

"Signal us when Xarath weakens. We'll target it together."

They reached the stronghold walls. Queen Lirien's archers took positions on rooftops, arrows nocked.

Kaelin's warriors readied themselves at the eastern gate.

Dorian led his team towards the main entrance:

"Time to face Korvus... and Xarath."

The doors burst open. Torches flickered inside, casting eerie shadows.

Korvus stood atop a dark altar, eyes blazing with malevolence:

"Fools. Xarath will consume your souls."

The ritual began, darkness swirling around them...

The air grew colder as Korvus chanted in a forgotten language. 

Dorian charged forward, sword flashing in torchlight:

"For Eldrida and Tenebrous – you will fall, Korvus!"

His team followed close behind: 

- Kaelin's brother, Arin Darkhunter, wielded dual axes

- Queen Lirien's nephew, Althaeon Moonwhisper, cast supporting magic

Korvus sneered, summoning dark tendrils to restrain them.

Meanwhile, behind the scenes:

- Lyra sneaked through secret passages with Thane Blackwood

- Queen Lirien's archers fired arrows at Korvus's minions

- Kaelin's warriors breached the eastern gate, clashing with enemy forces

The ritual reached its climax – Xarath's presence distorted reality:

*A dark vortex erupted behind Korvus*

*The air split with eerie, otherworldly screams*

Dorian felt his soul trembling with fear:

"Xarath... it's coming."

Thane Blackwood's urgent whisper reached Lyra, who then shouted aloud for all to hear:

"DISRUPT THE RITUAL – XARATH IS ALMOST FREE!"