The echoes of destruction lingered as the celestial entourage and the trio found themselves in a realm painted with shadows—an eerie tapestry woven from the remnants of Lucius's shattered past.
In the heart of this spectral realm, Scarta, now a puppet of malevolence, faced Archangel Michael with a weapon forged from the bones of his fallen kin. His eyes, once the windows to ancient wisdom, now gleamed with a madness that surpassed even the sinister intent of the Seven Princes.
The air crackled with tension as Scarta's voice, dripping with malice, echoed through the ethereal expanse. "Celestial fool," he taunted, "your wings may shield you from the heavens, but they cannot protect you from the shadows that dance at your feet."
As the two clashed, a grotesque smile adorned Scarta's face. Each strike was a macabre dance, the otherworldly weapon leaving trails of shadows in its wake. The battle unfolded with a sinister grace, a duel between light and darkness.
During this unholy confrontation, Seraphin, the enigmatic shadow-weaver, was ensnared by unseen forces. Malevolent laughter accompanied her disappearance, leaving James desperate to rescue her from the clutches of this new, more sinister adversary.
With the speed of desperation, James sought the guidance of Moses, the wise and watchful guardian. Together, they embarked on a journey to Vulcan, the greatest builder, beseeching him to craft a new eye for James that could pierce the shadows and reclaim what was lost.
In Vulcan's forge, surrounded by the searing heat of creation, James's plea met a stern refusal. The legendary builder, though sympathetic, deemed such an endeavor beyond even his formidable talents. As the sparks of denial flew, the battle between Scarta and Michael raged on, each blow resonating through the very fabric of the spectral realm.
Solomon and Mary, the celestial companions, in the throes of despair, sensed the impending darkness. With an urgency born of divine insight, they reached out to Lucius, the flame-wielder, alerting him to the unfolding chaos. The chapter concluded with Lucius, resolute and aflame, joining Archangel Michael in the cosmic clash against Scarta.