SHATTERED FORTRESS
Silence descended abruptly, an eerie, suffocating stillness that pressed against Kael’s chest as he hung suspended within the molten heart of the Primordial Shadow. Shadows writhed around him, but for the first time, the pulse of the darkness faltered, and he could feel… a hesitation.
Amber eyes glowed fiercely as Kael flexed claws, wolf form straining against the crushing energy. It’s unstable. There’s a weakness—something it’s hiding in its own fury.
Above, Nara’s silver fire spiraled wildly, lattice pulsing in a desperate rhythm. Lyra’s golden aura shimmered erratically, shielding them from tendrils that had begun retreating slightly. Riven crouched low, claws scraping the molten fissure, watching, waiting.
“It’s weakening,” Nara gasped, sweat and ash streaking he
