Vaelon's presence within the Dominion's ranks was a shadowy ripple beneath the surface of their growing strength. Though his knowledge of the Emberlight Clan had proven invaluable during the ambush, trust among the disciples of the Abyss remained tenuous. Kael, Ryn, Sylas, and the Sovereign himself understood the risks of allowing a former enemy into their fold.
Yet, the Abyss demanded action, not hesitation.
The Obsidian Altar pulsed faintly as the Dominion's core members gathered for their next move. The atmosphere was thick with anticipation as the Sovereign addressed them, his crimson eyes glowing faintly in the dim light.
"Vaelon's information has given us a glimpse of Emberlight's inner workings," he began, his voice calm yet resonant. "Their cohesion is faltering. Their leaders argue, their strategies waver. This is the time to strike."
Ryn crossed her arms, her brow furrowed. "What are you planning, Master?"
The Sovereign's gaze swept over the group. "We will ignite the fracture within their ranks. Vaelon, your former allies' confidence in you has yet to waver. We will use that to plant a seed of discord."
Vaelon stepped forward, his tone steady but cautious. "You want me to return to them?"
"Briefly," the Sovereign replied. "You will provide them with half-truths, subtle suggestions of betrayal and mistrust. Their leaders will do the rest."
Kael frowned, his grip on the Abyssal Fang tightening. "And what happens if they see through it? If they catch him?"
The Sovereign's eyes glinted with a cold light. "Then Vaelon will ensure they do not live to reveal what they know."
The Mission Begins
The plan was simple in its intent but fraught with peril. Vaelon would infiltrate the Emberlight camp under the guise of a loyalist, armed with just enough credible information to sow doubt and suspicion among their leaders. Kael, Ryn, and Sylas would remain nearby, ready to intervene if necessary.
The journey to the Emberlight encampment was uneventful, the wasteland eerily quiet under the pale light of the moon. As they approached, Vaelon halted and turned to the group.
"This is where we part ways," he said, his voice steady. "I'll signal if things go wrong."
Sylas tilted their head, their tone light but edged with warning. "Better make sure that signal doesn't involve you screaming for help."
Vaelon smirked faintly. "I'll keep that in mind."
Kael watched him go, his unease growing with every step Vaelon took toward the enemy camp. "Do you really think this will work?" he asked, glancing at Ryn.
She didn't answer immediately, her gaze fixed on Vaelon's retreating figure. "It has to."
Whispers in the Emberlight
Vaelon entered the Emberlight encampment with practiced ease, his movements calm and deliberate. The guards recognized him immediately, their salutes a mixture of respect and relief.
"Vaelon," one of them said, his voice tinged with urgency. "You've been gone too long. Lady Alira's patience is wearing thin."
Vaelon nodded, his expression unreadable. "I have information she'll want to hear. Take me to her."
He was led to the heart of the camp, where Lady Alira sat surrounded by her advisors. Her fiery aura radiated authority, but there was a tension in her posture that hadn't been there before.
"Vaelon," she said, her tone sharp. "You've returned."
He bowed slightly. "Lady Alira. I bring news from the wasteland."
Her eyes narrowed. "Speak."
Vaelon began carefully, weaving a narrative that blended truth and deception. He described the Dominion's movements, their growing strength, and the Sovereign's calculated strategies. But he also planted subtle doubts, hinting at discontent within the Dominion and vulnerabilities that didn't exist.
"I overheard a conversation between their Sovereign and one of his disciples," Vaelon said, his tone low. "They spoke of disagreements, of weakness within their ranks. The Sovereign's grip may not be as firm as it seems."
The advisors exchanged uneasy glances, the seeds of doubt taking root. Alira's gaze darkened, her fiery Qi flaring faintly. "If what you say is true, then the Dominion is not as invincible as they appear. We must act quickly."
One of her advisors hesitated. "But what if this is a trap? Vaelon's been absent for too long. How do we know his loyalty hasn't faltered?"
Vaelon met the advisor's gaze with a cold smile. "If you doubt me, then ask yourself this—would I risk my life returning here if I wasn't certain of my loyalty? The Sovereign doesn't tolerate traitors. I would be dead already."
The advisor fell silent, his unease evident. Alira leaned back, her expression thoughtful. "Very well. We will consider your words, Vaelon. But know this—if I find any reason to doubt you, there will be no mercy."
Vaelon bowed again, hiding the flicker of relief that threatened to show. "Understood."
The Signal
Outside the camp, Kael, Ryn, and Sylas waited in tense silence. The hours dragged on, each minute stretching into eternity as they scanned the horizon for any sign of trouble.
Finally, a faint flash of light appeared in the distance—a signal from Vaelon.
"He's alive," Ryn said, her relief palpable.
Sylas grinned. "And here I thought we'd have to storm the place."
Kael exhaled slowly, his grip on the Fang loosening. "Let's get out of here before someone spots us."
They retreated into the shadows, their mission complete—for now.
Ripples of Discord
By the time Vaelon returned to the altar, the Sovereign was waiting. The former Emberlight commander bowed before him, his expression unreadable.
"It is done," Vaelon said. "They suspect nothing, but the seeds of doubt have been planted."
The Sovereign nodded, his crimson eyes glowing faintly. "Well done. The Emberlight Clan's pride will be their undoing. Their leaders will turn on one another, and when they do, the Dominion will strike."
Kael watched the exchange, his unease lingering. Vaelon had proven himself useful, but trust was a fragile thing in the Abyss. As the Sovereign dismissed them, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of a much larger game.
The shadows around the altar grew darker, the Abyss stirring in anticipation. The Dominion's rise was inevitable, but the cost of power was still unknown.
End of Chapter 21