The forest held its breath, shadows bending to Kael's will as he stepped into the clearing. His eyes glowed a malevolent red as he surveyed the gathering before him. A smirk played across his face as his gaze landed on Ciara, standing resolute with the Heartstone shimmering at her chest.
"Ciara," he drawled, his voice laced with mockery. "You've come a long way to oppose me. But the powers you wield are merely trifles, scraps left by those who thought they understood darkness. Only I control the true depths of shadow."
Ciara stood tall, meeting his gaze with unflinching resolve. She could feel the Heartstone's energy pulsing in her veins, a constant reminder of her purpose. Beside her, Fidel, Mother Agar, and the villagers stood ready, forming a circle of unity that even Kael's darkness struggled to penetrate.
