Sim-final
*Chapter 29: The Edge of Shadows*
The air was thick with a chilling silence that swallowed even the faintest whispers. Mark's heart pounded as he moved through the ruined temple, every shadow seeming to twist and breathe with unseen malice. The weight of impending doom pressed down on him, sharper and heavier than ever before.
Jun walked beside him, fragile yet resolute, his usual calm shadowed by exhaustion. Mark could see it in his eyes—the invisible cracks widening, the quiet fear he refused to voice. Yet Jun kept walking, steady and determined, a fragile light flickering bravely against the darkness.
Ahead, Dao and Lek guarded the cracked altar, their faces taut with tension. The evil that had clawed its way into their lives was closing in, a storm of shadows ready to drown them all.
Mark swallowed hard. "We don't have much time."
Jun nodded, voice soft but firm. "Whatever comes, we face it together."
The ground trembled beneath their feet as dark tendrils writhed from the broken seals, whispering ancient curses. A figure emerged from the blackness—silent, cloaked, and full of menace. The villain's presence twisted the air, a suffocating cold that clawed at their souls.
Mark stepped protectively in front of Jun. "Stay behind me."
But Jun's hand found Mark's, gripping tightly. "No. We're stronger together."
The battle erupted—light against shadow, love against despair. Every strike was laced with desperation. Mark fought with fury, but the darkness was relentless.
Jun summoned his fading strength to weave delicate wards of light, protecting them from the worst of the assault. Yet each spell cost him dearly. His breath grew ragged, sweat and blood mingling on his pale skin.
Mark's eyes never left Jun's weakening form, dread coiling tight in his chest.
Suddenly, a shadow wraith lunged at Jun, clawing at his throat. Mark's scream tore through the chaos as he threw himself forward, smashing the creature into the altar's fractured stone.
Jun collapsed, coughing blood, his face pale as death.
Mark caught him, heart breaking. "Jun! Don't do this! Stay with me!"
Jun's fingers trembled as they brushed Mark's cheek. "Mark… it's not over yet… you have to be strong
Mark refused to let go, but the shadows pressed closer, suffocating and unyielding.
"Together," Jun whispered. "Always… together."
As the darkness swallowed them, Mark vowed silently—no matter what came next, he would never let Jun's memory fade. He would fight, wait, and love beyond life itself.
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To be continued