Chapter 41: The Edge of the Tempest
The wind howled like a wild beast, tearing through the landscape with ferocious intensity. Aria's cloak billowed violently as she dug her heels into the rocky ground, her eyes squinting against the storm's fury. Beside her, Leon held firm, his grip on Dain's shoulder keeping the smaller man from being swept away.
"This is madness!" Dain shouted over the deafening roar. His voice carried a mix of fear and frustration. "No one's crossed the Tempest's Edge and lived to tell the tale!"
"And yet here we are," Leon countered, his voice calm despite the chaos. He tightened his hold on Dain. "You said you wanted to survive, right? Then stop complaining and help."
Dain gritted his teeth, fumbling with a worn compass in his hand. The needle spun erratically, unable to find true north. "If this thing doesn't work, we're as good as dead."
Aria glanced at Leon. "We need to move before the storm gets worse. Do you have a plan?"
Leon nodded, his mind racing. The storm wasn't just a natural phenomenon—it had a pattern, almost like it was alive. He closed his eyes briefly, letting his instincts take over.
"Follow me," he said, his voice resolute. "There's a path through this madness. We just have to trust it."
---
The group pushed forward, each step a battle against the raging winds. Dain stumbled more than once, but Leon's firm grip kept him upright. Aria, ever the fighter, used her spear to anchor herself, carving out a path through the swirling chaos.
"We're almost there!" Leon shouted, his voice barely audible over the storm. Ahead, a faint light flickered—a beacon of hope amidst the darkness.
Dain squinted at the light, his face pale. "That's the monolith?"
"Yes," Leon confirmed. "And it's where we'll find the answers we're looking for."
---
As they neared the monolith, the storm began to subside, as if acknowledging their determination. The massive structure loomed before them, its surface covered in intricate runes that glowed faintly.
Leon stepped forward, his hand brushing against the cold stone. He could feel its power humming beneath his fingertips.
"This is it," he said softly, turning to face Aria and Dain. "Whatever lies beyond this point will change everything."
Aria nodded, her expression unwavering. "Then let's face it together."
Dain hesitated, his gaze darting between the monolith and the storm behind them. Finally, he sighed and stepped forward. "If I die, I'm haunting both of you."
Leon smirked. "Deal."