A perfect replica, dressed in the same dark assassin's attire he wore when carrying out his duties. The same lean figure, the same posture, but there was something wrong about it. The air around the clone shimmered with a deep, almost oppressive energy—the primordial dark energy that had been whispering to him.
The clone's eyes locked onto his. There was no recognition in them, only cold calculation, as though it was created solely for the purpose of this moment. Without warning, it surged forward, its body enveloped in that same dark power, charging straight at him.
Kael barely had time to react. Before he even properly rose to his feet, the force of the blow struck him like a freight train, sending him crashing backward.
Pain exploded through his chest as he was blasted against the stone wall.
"Ugh."
Groaning, Kael pushed himself up, hands scraping against the cold stone floor for support.
