Dain staggered to his feet, his body still adjusting to the Ember's presence. Every movement felt unnatural, as though his flesh no longer fully belonged to him.
The ruins of Vael'Tharis stretched endlessly before him—a city swallowed by war and time, its towers shattered, its streets lined with the skeletal remains of those who had fought for a forgotten cause.
"This is where it begins," he told himself, clenching his fist. The road to eternity.
A sound broke the silence.
Dain turned sharply, his enhanced senses now picking up movement. From the shadow of a ruined temple, figures emerged—cloaked warriors, their armor etched with the sigil of the Seeker's Order.
The leader stepped forward, his eyes glowing with recognition. "You bear the Ember." His voice was calm, but laced with warning. "Surrender it, or be consumed."
Dain exhaled, his grip tightening around the hilt of his blade. The Hollowing had already begun.
There was no turning back now.