The trio returned to the Obsidian Altar under the cover of night. The faint glow of the altar grew stronger as they approached, its energy pulsing in rhythm with their steps. Despite the weariness that tugged at Kael's limbs, he felt a flicker of pride. The mission had been a success, and for the first time, he felt like a true disciple of the Dominion.
The Sovereign awaited them at the altar's center, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. Shadows coiled around him like living things, their movements slow and deliberate. As Kael, Ryn, and Sylas stepped forward, the Sovereign's gaze swept over them, taking in every detail.
"Report," he commanded.
Sylas tilted their head, their voice casual but respectful. "Target neutralized. The camp burned. Emberlight's strategist won't be giving them any more bright ideas."
The Sovereign nodded, his expression unreadable. "Good. And the rest of their forces?"
"Disorganized," Ryn replied. "With their leader gone, they won't regroup quickly."
Kael stepped forward, his grip tightening on the Abyssal Fang. "They didn't expect us. We took them by surprise, but it won't last. They'll come back stronger."
The Sovereign's gaze lingered on him, and Kael felt the weight of his master's scrutiny. "You are correct. Emberlight's leaders are not fools. They will see this for what it is—a declaration of war."
The Price of Power
As the group dispersed to rest, the Sovereign motioned for Kael to remain. The young disciple hesitated, then stepped closer, his pulse quickening.
"You performed well," the Sovereign said, his voice calm. "But success in the Abyss is always accompanied by a price."
Kael frowned, his grip tightening on the hilt of his blade. "What do you mean?"
The Sovereign raised a hand, and shadows coiled around Kael's arm. A surge of energy rushed through him, cold and unrelenting, as the Abyss reached deeper into his soul. Memories of the battle flashed in his mind—the fear, the pain, and the exhilaration of wielding the Abyssal Fang.
"You have begun to bond with the Abyss," the Sovereign said, his crimson eyes glowing brighter. "But the deeper you delve, the more it will demand. Your strength will grow, but so too will the toll it takes on your body and mind. Are you prepared for this?"
Kael swallowed hard, his breath unsteady. "I... I think so."
The Sovereign's expression softened, if only slightly. "The Abyss does not tolerate hesitation. If you falter, it will consume you. Remember this."
Kael nodded, his determination hardening. "I won't falter."
The Sovereign stepped back, his voice carrying the weight of finality. "Good. Rest now. The next phase begins soon."
The Emberlight's Retaliation
Miles away, in the Emberlight Clan's main encampment, the air was thick with tension. The remnants of Ceren's forces had returned, their expressions a mixture of fear and anger as they recounted the attack. At the center of the camp stood an ornate pavilion, its interior illuminated by the flickering glow of Qi-infused lanterns.
A group of Emberlight leaders gathered around a table etched with runes. At its head stood a woman clad in crimson robes, her aura radiating fiery intensity. Her expression was calm, but her eyes burned with fury.
"So," she said, her voice sharp and commanding. "The Sovereign has returned."
The leader of the scouting party nodded, his head bowed. "Yes, Lady Alira. He and his disciples attacked without warning. They killed Ceren and destroyed the camp."
Alira's gaze hardened. "Ceren was a fool, but his loss cannot go unanswered. The Dominion has made its intentions clear, and we will respond in kind."
One of the other leaders, a wiry man with a scarred face, stepped forward. "The Dominion is still weak. If we strike now, we can crush them before they become a threat."
Alira shook her head. "Do not underestimate them. The Sovereign is not to be taken lightly. We will gather our forces and strike with precision. This time, there will be no retreat."
The leaders exchanged uneasy glances but nodded in agreement. Alira turned to the scout. "Double our patrols and send word to our allies. The next time we meet the Dominion, it will be their end."
A Gathering Force
Back at the Obsidian Altar, the Sovereign stood in silence, his gaze fixed on the horizon. Though he showed no outward signs of concern, Kael could sense the tension in his master's presence. He stepped forward, his voice hesitant. "Master, do you think they'll attack soon?"
The Sovereign didn't turn. "Yes. And when they do, we will be ready."
Kael frowned. "But how? Their numbers are greater than ours. Even with the altar's power—"
"The Abyss does not favor the strong," the Sovereign interrupted. "It favors the cunning. The Emberlight Clan relies on brute force, but they lack understanding. That is their weakness."
Kael nodded, though doubt still gnawed at the edges of his mind. He glanced at Ryn and Sylas, who were sparring nearby. The Shadowsworn practiced in the background, their movements precise but unrefined. For all their progress, the Dominion was still a fledgling force.
"We'll need more than strategy," Kael said quietly. "We'll need more people."
The Sovereign turned to him, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "And we will find them. The Abyss calls to those who are lost, to those who seek purpose. They will come to us, and we will forge them into something greater."
The Next Step
As night fell, the Sovereign gathered the group at the altar. The glow of the crystal bathed them in an otherworldly light, its energy humming faintly in the stillness.
"We have struck the first blow," the Sovereign said, his voice calm but commanding. "But the Emberlight Clan will not sit idle. Their retaliation will be swift and merciless."
Ryn stepped forward, her gaze steady. "What do you want us to do, Master?"
The Sovereign's lips curled into a faint smile. "We will continue to grow. The Abyss demands strength, and we will give it what it desires. Tomorrow, we begin the search for the next relic. Its power will strengthen the altar and give us the means to withstand whatever comes."
Kael exchanged a glance with Ryn and Sylas. The prospect of another mission filled him with equal parts excitement and trepidation. But he pushed his doubts aside. The Dominion was rising, and he would do whatever it took to ensure its success.
As the group dispersed, the Sovereign remained at the altar, his gaze fixed on the crystal. The shadows around him shifted and swirled, their movements slow and deliberate. The Abyss was stirring, and the storm it heralded would change the world forever.
End of Chapter 15