A cold wind swept through the mountains as Arik stood before Blackthorn Keep.
The fortress loomed in the darkness, its jagged towers cutting into the sky like obsidian blades. Once a stronghold of noble knights, it now served a new master—Kael Draven.
To the world, Arik had come to infiltrate and sabotage Kael's growing empire.
In truth, he had come to serve.
But no one could know that. Not yet.
The Infiltration Begins
Arik moved through the shadows, silent as death. The guards patrolling the outer walls were different from before—hardened warriors clad in darkened steel, their eyes burning with something unnatural.
Kael had changed them. The Abyss had changed them.
Arik exhaled slowly. He had fought alongside Kael once. He had watched him fall.
Now, he had returned… stronger than ever.
A guard passed too close. Arik's blade flashed in the moonlight. A single precise strike—quick and clean. He caught the body before it hit the ground, dragging it into the shadows.
One step closer.
He slipped into the fortress through a forgotten passage, the scent of damp stone and old blood filling the air.
Blackthorn Keep felt… wrong.
The torches burned with an eerie blue flame. The walls seemed to pulse, as if something alive lurked beneath the stone.
Arik clenched his fists. Kael's influence ran deep.
The Grand Hall
Moving swiftly, Arik navigated the dark corridors until he reached a hidden balcony overlooking the throne room.
And there, sitting upon the throne of Blackthorn Keep—was Kael Draven.
The sight of him sent a chill through Arik's spine.
Kael sat like a king, one hand resting on the armrest of his throne. His dark cloak flowed over his shoulders, and his crimson eyes glowed faintly beneath his hood. The power surrounding him was suffocating.
Arik had seen Kael fight, had fought beside him. But this… this was something else entirely.
Around him stood his officers—twisted knights, warlords, and monstrous figures.
Arik's heart pounded. He wasn't looking at a man anymore. He was looking at a legend reborn.
Kael Speaks
As if sensing his presence, Kael slowly turned his gaze upward—toward Arik's hiding place.
Arik's breath caught.
For a moment, their eyes met. Did he know?
Then, Kael smirked.
And he looked away.
Arik let out a slow breath. Kael knew. He had always known.
But for now, the game would continue.
Arik turned, disappearing back into the shadows.
His mission was complete.
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