The journey to the Shadowborn's stronghold was treacherous.
Dense forests swallowed the light, casting eerie shadows along the twisting path. The air was thick with mist, curling around the trees like ghostly fingers. Every step felt like a descent into another world—one where danger lurked in the silence.
Selene led the way, her senses sharp. Orion and Cassius flanked her, their hands resting near their weapons. Riven moved effortlessly through the underbrush, their eyes scanning for unseen threats.
"We're being watched," Orion murmured.
Selene nodded. "Let them watch."
By nightfall, they reached the outskirts of the Shadowborn's territory. A ruined fortress loomed ahead, its jagged towers reaching toward the sky like broken teeth. Fires flickered behind the crumbling walls, casting dancing shadows on the ground.
The moment they stepped closer, figures emerged from the darkness.
Silent. Armed. Deadly.
Cassius let out a slow breath. "Here we go."
A tall figure stepped forward, their face hidden behind a mask.
"You walk in shadows but do not belong to them," the figure said. Their voice was smooth, calculated. "State your purpose."
Selene met their gaze. "We seek an alliance."
A tense silence followed. Then, the masked warrior chuckled.
"Brave words." They stepped closer, tilting their head. "But bravery does not buy loyalty."
Selene held her ground. "Then name your price."
The warrior motioned for them to follow. Inside the ruined fortress, the Shadowborn gathered. Dozens of them—cloaked in black, weapons gleaming in the firelight.
A woman sat on a stone throne at the far end of the hall. Her presence was commanding, her piercing gaze assessing them.
Selene recognized her instantly.
Kiera Valen.
Once a noble warrior, now the leader of the Shadowborn.
Kiera leaned forward. "You want our blades?"
Selene nodded. "Yes."
Kiera smirked. "Then you must prove you are worth fighting for."
She gestured toward the center of the hall.
"Survive the Trial."
The crowd parted, revealing a circular arena. The floor was uneven stone, worn from years of battle.
Selene and her team exchanged glances.
Orion sighed. "Of course, it couldn't be easy."
Cassius rolled his shoulders. "At least it's not boring."
Kiera rose to her feet. "If you live, we will listen."
Selene stepped forward. "Then let's begin."
The doors slammed shut behind them.
The trial had begun.