The cold night air pressed against their skin as the group made camp near the edge of the dark forest. The weight of the temple's battle still hung heavy in their bones, but none more than Elara.
She stared into the flickering fire, her mind haunted by the vision of the gate's power—and the scars it left on her soul.
Kael sat beside her, quiet but watchful, his fingers grazing hers when he thought she wasn't looking.
"Lucien's been restless," Evelyn murmured, breaking the silence.
Elara nodded. "He's carrying a secret. Something he won't say."
Kael's eyes darkened. "I don't trust him."
Before anyone could respond, a sudden howl ripped through the forest.
"Thorne's wolves," Kael growled, rising to his feet.
The group scrambled to prepare for the attack.
From the shadows, twisted shapes lunged forward—feral creatures, their eyes blazing with cruelty.
Lucien fought fiercely, his sword slashing through the snarling beasts with desperation.
But then, amidst the chaos, a larger shadow emerged—Nyra.
She moved like smoke, swift and deadly, her gaze fixed on Lucien.
Kael shouted, "Watch out!"
But it was too late.
Nyra's blade pierced Lucien's side.
He staggered, a choked gasp escaping his lips.
Elara ran to him, kneeling beside his fallen form.
"Lucien!" she cried, tears blurring her vision.
He coughed, blood staining his fingers.
"Go… save yourselves," he whispered, voice weak but steady.
"No," Elara said firmly, gripping his hand. "We fight together."
Nyra appeared again, raising her weapon for the killing strike.
Kael intercepted, clashing swords with her in a shower of sparks.
But Nyra was relentless.
In the next moment, she spun away, and a deadly arrow flew through the air.
Lucien's eyes widened—then closed.
He collapsed, lifeless.
Elara screamed, collapsing onto his chest.
"No! Please, don't leave me!" she sobbed, her tears soaking into his cloak.
Kael and Evelyn held her as the group mourned, the fire's warmth unable to chase away the cold that had settled in their hearts.
But far from the camp, hidden beneath the thick underbrush, Lucien's fingers twitched.
His eyes fluttered open, revealing a flicker of life.
A dark figure watched silently, a sinister smile playing on her lips.
"Not yet, Lucien," she whispered.
The story was far from over.
Back at the camp, Elara clenched her fists, her sorrow deepening into resolve.
"We can't let his sacrifice be in vain," she said, voice trembling but fierce.
Kael nodded. "We prepare for the final battle. Together."
As the night deepened, the flames of hope and heartbreak burned brighter in their souls.