The battlefield lay silent beneath a fractured sky, dust settling over shattered stones and lingering magic. The titan's defeat echoed through the realms, but the victory felt fragile—like a single candle flickering in a vast darkness.
Lucas knelt among the remnants of the battle, the Rainbow Orb dim and cool in his palm. His body ached with exhaustion, the weight of wielding all affinities pressing heavily on his soul. The Ruin affinity still smoldered within him, a constant reminder of the thin line he walked between salvation and destruction.
Martha sat beside him, her golden eyes reflecting both relief and worry. "The titan may be shattered, but its influence remains. Its shards have scattered, and some may still carry fragments of its corruption."
Seris cleaned her crossbow, scanning the horizon with sharp eyes. "We can't lower our guard. The enemy is wounded, yes—but far from defeated."
From the edge of the camp, Kaelen approached, his armor dented and stained. "We've received reports from the outer realms. Villages still fall, their magic drained. It's like the titan's shadow lingers, poisoning the land."
Lucas rose slowly, determination hardening his features. "Then we hunt those shards. We can't let this darkness spread."
Martha placed a hand on his arm. "You must rest. The Orb's power has taken a toll. You can't lead if you break."
Lucas shook his head. "We don't have time for rest. Every moment we hesitate, the corruption grows stronger."
A hush fell over the camp as the Orb pulsed faintly, its glow flickering like a heartbeat. Lucas felt it—an urgent call from deep within, warning of a new threat.
Suddenly, the mists parted, revealing a figure cloaked in shadows, moving with unnatural grace. The crowd tensed.
Lucas stepped forward, Orb ready. "Identify yourself."
The figure lowered its hood, revealing sharp features and eyes that burned with cold fire. "I am Selene," she said, voice smooth but edged with menace. "Once a guardian of the affinities, now their avenger."
Martha's eyes narrowed. "What do you want, Selene?"
Selene smiled, but it was a smile without warmth. "Balance must be maintained. The titan's corruption threatens all, yes—but so does your meddling, Lucas Dawson."
Lucas frowned. "I'm fighting to save the realms."
Selene's gaze pierced him. "At what cost? The Ruin affinity festers within you. You walk a path toward destruction, not salvation."
A chill ran through the camp. Selene raised a hand, and shadows curled around her like living smoke. "I am here to ensure the affinities do not fall to chaos."
The Orb pulsed violently in Lucas's hand, responding to the threat.
Seris stepped forward, crossbow aimed. "We won't let you hurt him."
Selene laughed, a sound like shattering glass. "I don't intend to hurt him—yet. But the true war has only just begun."
With a swirl of shadows, Selene vanished, leaving behind a ripple of unease.
Lucas looked at Martha and Seris. "New enemies. New dangers."
Martha nodded. "And this time, the threat comes not just from without—but from within."
As night fell over the Veilways, the camp prepared once more. The battle was won, but the war for the affinities' future had only deepened.
Lucas tightened his grip on the Rainbow Orb. Whatever came next, he knew one truth:
He couldn't face it alone.