Chapter 65: A Moment of Respite
The ruins of Xel'thar lay silent, the echoes of battle fading into the distance. The air still crackled with residual energy, and the ground bore scars from Arlen's clash with Varziel. Though they had won the battle, Arlen knew it was only a temporary victory.
He stood amidst the destruction, his blade still glowing faintly with divine energy. His breaths were steady, but inside, his mind churned. Varziel had escaped, and that meant Kaorath was still watching, still waiting.
Liora approached, her violet eyes filled with concern. "You're pushing yourself too hard."
Arlen scoffed, sheathing his sword. "Not hard enough. He got away."
Caden, wiping the blood from his daggers, gave a weary smirk. "You sent him running. That counts for something."
Arlen exhaled, his gaze sweeping over the ruins. "It's not enough."
A Lingering Threat
The battle had shaken him. Not because of fear, but because Varziel had been stronger than expected. If that was only a fragment of what Kaorath had in store, then the true war was yet to come.
"We need to prepare," Arlen said, his voice firm. "Varziel will return, and next time, he won't be alone."
Liora nodded. "Then we don't have time to waste. There's an ancient stronghold beyond these ruins, once home to a lost order of warriors. If we can find their relics, it might help us stand against Kaorath."
Arlen considered this. Every advantage mattered. "Then we leave at first light."
A Quiet Night
As night fell, they set up camp within the remnants of a shattered temple. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows across the stone walls. For the first time in what felt like ages, there was peace—however brief.
Caden leaned back against a broken pillar. "You ever wonder what life would've been like if we weren't caught up in this mess?"
Liora smiled faintly. "I don't think I'd trade this. Even with the battles, the danger… I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."
Arlen sat quietly, staring into the flames. His journey had been long, and yet, he felt like it was only just beginning. He thought about the divine entity who had granted him his power—the woman who had watched over him from the shadows. Who was she? Why had she chosen him?
He would find out.
But first, he had a war to win.