The distant sound of war drums echoed across the valley as the Vorthal army approached Norvayne's borders.
Kael stood atop the battlements of the castle, watching the flickering torches of his enemies drawing nearer. His soldiers moved below, preparing for the siege, their faces etched with fear and determination.
Beside him, Eiran remained calm, his violet eyes scanning the horizon. He had been invaluable in fortifying the castle's defenses with magic, and despite the growing tension between them, Kael found himself relying on the mage more than anyone else.
"Do you really think we can hold them off?" Kael asked, breaking the silence.
Eiran didn't look at him, his gaze fixed on the darkening sky. "We have to. This isn't just a battle for your kingdom—it's a battle for your soul. The curse is feeding off your fear, your doubt. If you let it consume you now, you'll lose everything."
Kael clenched his fists. "And if we survive the siege?"
Eiran's eyes finally met his. "Then we face the curse head-on. Together."
Kael nodded, but a nagging thought tugged at him. He still didn't know everything about Eiran, and the question of what the mage was hiding gnawed at him. But there wasn't time for doubt. Not now.
As the first arrows flew over the walls, signaling the beginning of the siege, Kael and Eiran prepared to fight for their lives—and for Norvayne.