The ruins that housed the forbidden gateway trembled under the weight of an impending storm.
The Prophet stood at the center of the ritual circle, his hands raised as black energy swirled around him. The door behind him groaned, ancient mechanisms grinding as it slowly opened.
The Black Dawn's elite warriors formed an unbreakable perimeter, guarding the entrance.
But they were not alone.
From the surrounding cliffs, they emerged.
Shadows moved unnaturally, warping and bending through the darkness. Silent. Deadly. Unstoppable.
And leading them—was him.
Shadow descended onto the battlefield like an executioner, his long coat billowing in the wind. His golden eyes gleamed in the moonlight, and for the first time, the Black Dawn hesitated.
"You're making quite the mess," he mused, stepping forward. "I suppose I should clean it up."
The Prophet turned slowly, a twisted smile forming on his lips.
"So, you finally show yourself."
Shadow chuckled. "I was waiting for the right moment. And this…" He gestured toward the massive gate. "…is definitely dramatic enough."
The Prophet's grin widened. "You're too late."
With a single motion, he completed the ritual.
The gate shattered open.
And from the void, something stepped through.