While Zethar's mission showed promise, a new crisis emerged. The Bloodthorn, emboldened by their growing following, began to challenge Atherion's reforms directly. Morgath's sermons painted the alliance as a spiritual corruption, and her followers disrupted trade caravans, claiming they carried "human taint."
Their crimson banners multiplied across the Demon Realm, and reports of secret rituals—some involving forbidden blood magic—reached Atherion's ears.
Camelia, visiting Obsidian Spire, urged Atherion to confront Morgath, but he hesitated. "The Bloodthorn are not warriors," he said. "They're believers. Force will only strengthen their resolve."
Instead, he invited Morgath to a private audience, hoping to understand her fears. The seer, her wings trembling with age, spoke of visions: a Demon Realm consumed by human greed, its gods forgotten.
"You are our God," she said, "but you walk with mortals."
