The journey to the Obsidian Veil's stronghold took Kael through treacherous terrain—shadowed forests, forgotten ruins, and winding mountain paths. The closer he got, the colder the air became, as if the land itself warned against his presence.
The fortress came into view at dawn. A massive structure carved into the mountainside, hidden behind layers of mist. Its black stone walls blended into the cliffs, nearly invisible to the untrained eye. This was no ordinary sanctuary—it was a fortress designed to keep the world out.
And Kael had no intention of knocking.
Scaling the Shadows
Kael observed the outer defenses. Guards patrolled the walls in near silence, their movements precise, disciplined. The entrance was heavily fortified, but Kael knew better than to use the front door.
His gaze shifted to the towering cliffside behind the fortress. The mountain itself provided a natural barrier—but it also offered a way in.
Kael secured his weapons and started climbing. Each movement was deliberate, controlled. The rock was jagged, its surface cold beneath his fingers. A single misstep would send him plummeting into the abyss below.
Halfway up, he froze.
A sentry stood on a narrow outcrop above him, scanning the area.
Kael pressed himself against the rock, waiting. The moment the guard looked away, he moved—silent as the night. With one swift motion, he grabbed the sentry from behind, cutting off their breath before they could react.
A moment later, the body slumped silently onto the ledge. Kael took the fallen guard's cloak and continued his ascent.
Inside the Fortress
At the top, Kael slipped through an open balcony, landing in a darkened corridor. The fortress was eerily quiet—no idle chatter, no clanking of armor. The Obsidian Veil trained their members well.
Kael moved swiftly, his senses alert. He had to find Vaelin.
Then, footsteps.
Kael flattened against the wall as two figures passed by—cloaked operatives, their weapons strapped to their backs.
"They're disciplined… but not expecting an intruder."
Kael took advantage of the moment, slipping deeper into the stronghold. He followed the faint glow of torchlight, weaving through empty halls and shadowed passages.
Then, he found it.
A large chamber, its doors guarded by two warriors in blackened armor. This was no ordinary room.
"Vaelin is inside."
The First Test
Kael knew brute force wasn't an option—not yet. He needed a distraction. His eyes flicked to a row of torches lining the corridor.
A small flick of his wrist—and a dagger sent the nearest torch crashing to the ground.
The flames licked at the stone floor, spreading fast. The moment the guards turned, Kael moved.
Two precise strikes—one to the throat, the other to the heart. The guards collapsed without a sound.
Kael pushed open the doors and stepped inside.
A lone figure stood at the center of the room, their back turned. Silver hair, draped in black robes, an aura of quiet power.
Vaelin Dusk.
Kael took a breath, stepping forward.
"Time for answers."
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