The city of Lytheria was waking to a stolen sunrise. Shadows twisted unnaturally over the cobblestone streets, and whispers of fear filled the air. In the marketplace, merchants shouted, but no one listened—something had shifted in the heart of the city.
Kael, a lone warrior with eyes like molten silver, leapt across rooftops. His target: an underground syndicate trading forbidden emotional magic. But tonight, he wasn't after gold or power—he was hunting her.
Lira, the healer with hair like spun moonlight, moved silently among the panicked citizens. Her hands glowed faintly, restoring hope to the frightened. Yet, she could feel it—a dark pulse growing stronger, a magic that wasn't hers, and it was coming for Kael.
Their first encounter was violent and explosive. Sparks of anger, fear, and something more dangerous—desire—flared between them as swords clashed. Lira's magic surged instinctively, healing Kael from a deadly strike, binding their fates together.
"You're supposed to be dead," Lira hissed, stepping back.
"I was supposed to kill you," Kael growled, brushing dust from his armor.
But before either could strike again, a wave of darkness swept over the city, swallowing screams and hopes alike. The ground trembled. A shadowed figure appeared atop the tallest tower—their true enemy, awakening after centuries of silence.
Kael and Lira stared at each other, realization dawning. They were no longer just hunter and healer—they were the only hope against a darkness that could consume not just their city, but the world itself.
And somewhere deep within that chaos, hearts once sworn to hate began to beat for each other.