Midnight was more than just a time—it was a curse. The old ruins of Black Hollow loomed under the sickly glow of a waning moon, twisted by centuries of betrayal and blood. The wind whispered secrets no one wanted to hear, carrying the scent of damp earth and decay.
Kael moved silently beside me, his senses sharp, every muscle coiled like a predator ready to strike. Behind us, Beta Reid and a handful of the fiercest warriors followed closely, weapons drawn but eyes scanning every shadow.
"This place…" I whispered, voice low. "It feels wrong."
Kael's gaze was fixed ahead. "It's where the Moon Goddess punished the first traitors. Varek knows this. He's chosen the perfect place for his sick game."
A chill ran down my spine. The ruins were more than just stones—they were memories soaked in pain and rage. I felt the weight of those ancient curses pressing down on us.
Suddenly, a flicker of movement. Shadows darted between broken pillars.
"Rogues," Reid hissed.
Without hesitation, Kael signaled. We split into two groups—one to flank, one to hold the center. I stayed with Kael, heart pounding, fingers itching to unleash the magic simmering inside me.
A low growl echoed from the darkness. Then another.
We weren't just facing rogues.
We were facing beasts.
From the shadows, twisted wolves—bigger, uglier, eyes glowing with unnatural fire—leapt forward. Their snarls ripped through the silence.
Kael's sword flashed like lightning, cutting through fur and muscle. I raised my hands, summoning the energy I'd barely mastered.
"Aria, wait!" Kael shouted, but the first wolf was already lunging at me.
I let the magic flow—blue flames licking from my fingertips. The beast yelped, staggering back into the shadows.
The fight was brutal. Every second was a dance between survival and fury. I felt the power inside me surge, wild but focused. Kael fought like a man possessed, his roars shaking the air.
Then, through the chaos, I saw him.
Varek.
Standing atop the tallest ruin, watching with cold amusement.
His eyes locked on mine, and in that moment, I knew.
This battle was far from over.