The sky was bleeding.
Elara stood on the cliffs above the harbor, watching the crimson clouds crawl across the horizon like wounds in the flesh of the world. The sun was a dim red orb, struggling to pierce the ash that filled the air. The sea was black and still, as if even the waves had given up hope.
She'd been standing here for hours. Days. She'd lost track of time. The sword was in her hand, blazing with light that seemed weaker now. Tired. The blade had been fighting for so long. Just like her.
Kaelen appeared beside her. His hand found hers. His fingers were cold.
"The scouts are back. The darkness is spreading faster now. It's consuming everything in its path."
"How long?"
"A week. Maybe less."
She closed her eyes.
"A week," she repeated. "That's all we have."
---
The coun
