The cultists attacked, their magic twisting the air with darkness. Caelum fought back, the cursed blade moving almost of its own accord. Each swing sent waves of shadow tearing through the enemy, but with every kill, Caelum felt the sword's hold on him grow stronger.
Lyra fought beside him, her movements quick and precise. "You weren't kidding about that sword," she shouted, dodging a blast of dark energy. "What exactly is your deal?"
"Not now!" Caelum snapped, cutting down another cultist.
As the battle raged, the leader chanted in a guttural language, his voice rising above the chaos. A portal began to form at the center of the room, its edges crackling with energy.
"Stop him!" Lyra yelled, but Caelum was already moving.
The leader turned just as Caelum reached him, a look of triumph on his face. "It's too late," he said. "The Shadow King rises!"
Caelum plunged the sword into the leader's chest, silencing him. The portal flickered and collapsed, but not before a figure emerged—a towering, armored being wreathed in shadow.
The Shadow King had returned.