The desert winds howled as Xel'Varyn and her elite entourage rode through the eastern wastes. The sands of Dah'Zirath, the City of Chains, stretched endlessly before them, shifting dunes swallowing any sign of the ancient ruins beneath.
Her golden eyes scanned the horizon, a pulse of anticipation thrumming through her veins. The first relic of the Dread Sovereign was buried here, but she was not the only one seeking it.
Edwin, cloaked in shadows even under the blazing sun, rode beside her. "The Veiled King's forces have already set up a forward camp near the ruins. Their numbers aren't overwhelming, but they're not amateurs."
Victor Dain, gripping the reins of his beast, smirked. "Good. I was worried we'd be fighting mere sand rats. I could use a challenge."
Xel'Varyn closed her eyes for a moment, feeling the power in the air. The deeper they rode into Dah'Zirath, the stronger the pull of the relic became—a dark hunger whispering beneath the earth.
It called to her.
And she would answer.
---
[System Update: The City of Chains Approaches]
Distance to Relic: 12 miles
Hostile Presence Detected: The Veiled King's scouts are active. Expect resistance.
Artifact Influence: A mysterious force is affecting the area. The closer you get, the more reality distorts.
New Trait Acquired:
Echo of Chains (Your presence disrupts ancient seals. Beware—some things were locked away for a reason.)
---
Nightfall and the First Strike
As the sun dipped below the dunes, Xel'Varyn signaled a halt. Ahead, the ruins of Dah'Zirath loomed, broken spires clawing at the sky. Fires burned in the enemy camp, marking their presence.
She crouched beside Edwin and Victor, her voice a whisper of command.
"We strike before dawn."
Edwin nodded. "A quiet infiltration?"
Victor scoffed. "Or a glorious slaughter?"
Xel'Varyn's golden eyes gleamed in the moonlight. "Both."
With a flick of her wrist, shadows coiled around her form.
Tonight, the City of Chains would wake to a nightmare.
---
[To Be Continued...]