The first wave of creatures surged forward, a mass of twisting limbs and malevolent eyes. The Shadow Shard's influence had warped these beings into grotesque abominations, each radiating an aura of despair and hatred. Their guttural roars echoed through the valley, shattering the serenity that had once blanketed the sacred place.
Kade stood at the forefront, his blade shimmering with a faint blue light as he activated the runes etched along its edge. The ground beneath him cracked with the force of his first strike, sending a shockwave that tore through the advancing horde. Beside him, Morgana raised her staff, weaving intricate patterns of light and shadow that erupted into blinding explosions, incinerating the creatures caught within their radius.
