The aftermath of the orcish battle left the valley quiet, the mist curling around rocks and trees like lingering spirits. Kael led the trio to a vantage point overlooking distant mountains, the wind whipping past them, carrying both the scent of pine and the faint, ominous hint of war.
Selara's wings flexed, her golden eyes narrowing. "Varyon's influence… it's spreading faster than we thought. Orcs, corrupted fae, shadows… he's gathering forces."
Nyxara crossed her arms, smirking, yet tension lingered in her gaze. "So, the big bad is getting ready. Good. I like a challenge. Makes things more… interesting."
Aurielle floated beside Kael, serene but grave. "Interesting… yes. But dangerous beyond what you've faced. The forces aligning against you are not mere mercenaries. They are instruments of chaos and power. Kael, you will need more than skill and strength. Strategy, alliances, and your bloodline's awakening will determine the outcome."
Kael's gaze swept the horizon, golden eyes catching faint traces of dark energy moving far off in the distance. The knowledge that Varyon's army was forming, that elites and shadow warriors would soon descend, pressed heavily against him. Yet he remained calm, stoic, and unreadable.
Selara leaned against him, teasing, yet her voice carried warmth. "You know, even when the world is falling apart, you manage to stay mysterious. It's infuriating… and kind of impressive."
Nyxara's laughter rang through the air. "Yeah, and don't forget we're here to annoy you every step of the way." She bounced lightly, wings fluttering with playful energy.
Aurielle smiled, serene. "Playfulness and trust are your anchor. Even when darkness gathers, these bonds will sustain you."
Kael finally spoke, his voice low but resolute. "We prepare. The storm is coming, and we face it together. No hesitation. No weakness."
The sun dipped behind the mountains, casting the valley in twilight. Shadows lengthened, dancing along the rocks and trees, whispering faintly of future battles. Kael's stoicism masked the tension beneath, but the warmth of his companions—Selara's teasing, Nyxara's daring, Aurielle's calm—tethered him to the moment.
In the distance, faint glimmers of movement hinted at armies gathering, dark banners unfurling under an unseen hand. Varyon's influence stretched across the lands, subtle yet undeniable, and the Primordial bloodline within Kael stirred in response.
Selara's fingers brushed against his arm, soft and grounding. "Whatever comes, Kael… we're with you."
Nyxara smirked, teasing, "Even if you refuse to smile, we'll make you notice us."
Aurielle's hands glowed faintly, protective magic weaving around them. "Together, we are stronger than any shadow, any army, or any storm."
Kael's golden eyes scanned the horizon one last time, seeing the faint outlines of Varyon's approaching forces. The coming storm was real, terrifying, and relentless—but for the first time, Kael felt prepared. Not because of his strength alone, but because of the bonds he had allowed himself to form, playful, intimate, and loyal.
The wind carried their laughter, their whispers, and their shared determination into the fading light. The storm approached, but Kael and his companions would face it together—and when the battle came, the world would remember the name of the Primordial once more.