Vaelon's decision to align with the Netherborn Dominion sent ripples through the ranks of both allies and enemies. For Kael, the alliance felt like a precarious thread—a gamble that could either solidify their power or lead to disaster. As Vaelon stood before the Sovereign at the Obsidian Altar, Kael couldn't shake the tension that hung in the air.
The Sovereign's crimson eyes bore into Vaelon, his voice calm but firm. "You have made your choice, Vaelon. But know this—loyalty is not merely a promise. It is an action, a bond forged in the fire of trust. The Abyss demands no less."
Vaelon met his gaze without flinching. "I understand. I'll prove my worth."
The Sovereign turned to Sylas, Ryn, and Kael, his presence commanding as always. "Vaelon's knowledge of the Emberlight Clan will be invaluable. But his presence must be kept secret. If his betrayal is discovered prematurely, we will lose our advantage."
Sylas leaned casually against a pillar, their masked face tilted toward Vaelon. "So, we're babysitting now?"
Ryn shot Sylas a glare. "He's not a child. And he's here to help."
Sylas smirked. "Relax, Ryn. Just making sure our new friend knows where he stands."
Vaelon's expression remained stoic, though his eyes flicked toward Sylas. "I know exactly where I stand. The question is whether you can keep up."
Kael stepped between them, his tone even. "Enough. We have more important things to focus on."
The Sovereign raised a hand, silencing them all. "Indeed. The Emberlight Clan is gathering its forces. They will strike soon, but we will not wait for them to dictate the terms of this war."
The Next Move
The Sovereign motioned for Vaelon to step forward. A map etched into a slab of dark stone glowed faintly with runes, depicting the surrounding wasteland and Emberlight's encampments. Vaelon pointed to a cluster of symbols near the southern edge.
"This is their primary supply line," Vaelon explained. "If we disrupt it, they'll be forced to stretch their forces thin to recover."
Sylas tilted their head. "And let me guess—you've got a plan for how we 'disrupt' it?"
Vaelon nodded. "They rely on heavily guarded caravans to transport resources. If we strike the caravan here," he said, pointing to a narrow canyon, "we can cut off their supplies without exposing ourselves to a full-scale battle."
Ryn frowned, her brow furrowing. "What about their reinforcements? Won't they send backup?"
Vaelon's lips curled into a faint smile. "Not quickly enough. The canyon's terrain will work in our favor. With the right timing, we can cripple their supply chain before they even know what hit them."
The Sovereign's gaze lingered on the map, his expression unreadable. Finally, he spoke. "The plan is sound. Kael, Ryn, Sylas—you will lead the attack. Vaelon will accompany you. This will be his first test."
Kael nodded, his grip on the Abyssal Fang tightening. "We'll get it done."
The Ambush
The canyon was a narrow, winding stretch of jagged rock and uneven terrain. The Dominion's group moved swiftly under cover of darkness, their movements silent and calculated. Sylas scouted ahead, their agility and stealth unmatched, while Vaelon provided precise directions based on his knowledge of Emberlight's routes.
Kael crouched behind a boulder, his eyes scanning the path below. The faint glow of the Abyssal Fang illuminated his face as he whispered to Ryn. "How many do you see?"
Ryn peered around the edge of the boulder, her expression tense. "Two wagons, heavily guarded. At least a dozen cultivators, maybe more."
Vaelon crouched beside them, his tone low but confident. "The guards will focus on protecting the wagons. If we hit them fast and hard, they won't have time to regroup."
Sylas returned, their voice a soft murmur. "They've got some decent defenses, but nothing we can't handle. Just don't trip over your own feet, and we'll be fine."
Kael smirked despite himself. "Thanks for the vote of confidence."
The Sovereign's voice echoed in Kael's mind—a faint but steady reminder. Trust in the Abyss. Let it guide you.
He exhaled slowly, the tension in his chest easing. "Alright. Let's move."
The Battle
The ambush began with a surge of dark Qi. Kael and Ryn leapt from their positions, their blades cutting through the air with precision. The guards reacted quickly, their fiery auras flaring as they moved to defend the caravan. Sylas struck from the shadows, their blade finding weak points with deadly efficiency.
Vaelon moved with practiced ease, his strikes calculated and deliberate. Though he fought alongside them, Kael couldn't help but watch him carefully, searching for any hint of hesitation or betrayal. But Vaelon's focus never wavered.
One of the guards—a burly man with a flaming halberd—charged at Kael, his weapon swinging in a deadly arc. Kael blocked with the Abyssal Fang, the clash of Qi sending sparks into the air. He pushed forward, channeling his Qi into a powerful strike that shattered the halberd and sent the man sprawling.
Ryn darted past him, her blade slicing through the wagon's wheels. The vehicle toppled, spilling its contents across the rocky ground. "That's one down!" she called, her voice sharp and focused.
Sylas grinned as they dispatched another guard. "Two wagons, Ryn. Don't celebrate yet."
Vaelon struck the second wagon's driver, pulling him from his seat with a swift motion. The horses reared, the vehicle swerving before crashing into the canyon wall. The remaining guards faltered, their formation breaking as the Dominion pressed the attack.
The Aftermath
As the last of the guards fell, the group stood amidst the wreckage, their breaths heavy but triumphant. The supply wagons were destroyed, their contents scattered and useless to Emberlight.
Vaelon wiped his blade on a fallen guard's cloak, his expression unreadable. "That should keep them busy for a while."
Kael glanced at him, his tone cautious. "You fought well."
Vaelon met his gaze, a faint flicker of respect in his eyes. "So did you."
Sylas clapped their hands together, their voice light. "Alright, lovebirds, let's get moving before someone notices we're here."
Ryn shot Sylas a glare but nodded. "Agreed. We've done what we came to do."
The group retreated into the shadows, their task complete. As they returned to the Obsidian Altar, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The Emberlight Clan's response would be swift, and the war was far from over.
But for now, the Dominion had struck another blow, and the shadows continued to spread.
End of Chapter 20