The storm finally broke.
Kael stood at the shattered gates of Grevath Keep, his crimson hair whipping in the wind, black lightning crawling along the blade of his greatsword. The clash with the Veilborn had left the earth split and charred, the bodies of lesser foes scattered where his fury had carved through them. He drew a steady breath, the weight of the battle heavy on his shoulders but not enough to break him. His eyes still burned like coals in the dark.
From beyond the ruined walls came the sound of footsteps — not enemy boots, but a rhythm he recognized.
"Kael!"
The shout cut through the smoke. Emerging from the haze was Aric, his armor battered and dented, but his eyes unbroken. Behind him strode Seliora, robes torn, staff glowing faintly with runes that pulsed with exhaustion. At her side was Darius, dragging his heavy shield behind him like a stubborn anchor, bloodied yet still alive.
For the first time in weeks, Kael's companions stood before him again.
Relief cracked through the iron control Kael usually wore. He sheathed his sword and stepped forward, his voice low but fierce:
"You made it."
Aric smirked despite the blood on his lips. "Of course we did. Someone has to keep you from burning the world down."
Seliora gave a weary smile, though her eyes softened as they lingered on him. "We felt your presence in the storm. You've grown stronger, Kael."
His crimson gaze flicked over them, reading the battles etched into their faces. He saw the fatigue, the scars, the price of survival. Yet they were here. Together again.
But the moment of reprieve did not last. A low rumble echoed through the ruins, and from the shadows of the broken keep came a new tide of figures — remnants of the Black Host, armored in twisted iron, their eyes empty sockets glowing with voidlight.
Darius raised his shield, planting his boots in the soil. "No more running. We finish this here."
Kael's hand tightened on his blade, lightning sparking down its length. He looked at his companions — brothers and sister in war — and nodded once.
"Then we fight as one."
The Host surged forward, black banners flaring against the stormwinds. The four of them stood shoulder to shoulder, their voices unspoken but their bond undeniable.
Kael lifted his sword, the red aura around him blazing brighter than ever before.
The convergence was complete.