"I have faced worse than you," Kaelen said, his tone sharp, though his body betrayed the strain of the fight.
The Convergence let out a low, reverberating chuckle that seemed to echo from every direction, a sound that felt like claws scraping against stone. "Arrogant as always, Kaelen," it said, its voice a dark, grating melody. "But this is no longer your battle to win. The abyss claims all."
The vortex behind it roared louder, a swirling maelstrom of shadow and energy, pulling fragments of the earth into its endless void. The air grew heavier, suffocating even for those merely watching.
Seraphina, clutching her blade tightly, stepped forward despite her trembling hands. "Kaelen, we can't let it take you! There has to be another way."
Kaelen didn't turn to face her. His gaze remained locked on the Convergence, but his voice softened. "I won't let it take any of you, no matter the cost."
