Darkness clashed against steel.
Arin's blade met the shadow's attack, sparks flying as he pushed back against his own twisted reflection. The figure smirked, mirroring his every move. Every strike he delivered, it countered with eerie precision.
But Arin refused to fall.
With a roar, he unleashed a burst of raw energy, shattering the illusion. The shadow dissipated into wisps of black mist, and suddenly—
The Abyss trembled.
---
The Queen's Arrival
A bright light pierced through the swirling void, and the mist parted—revealing a figure standing at the edge of the Abyss.
She was draped in flowing silk, her raven-black hair cascading over her shoulders like liquid night. Her crimson eyes, sharp yet alluring, locked onto Arin.
The woman smiled. "So, you are the one who dares to defy fate."
Evelyn gasped. "No… it can't be!"
Seraphina narrowed her eyes. "The Dark Queen herself."
Arin took a step forward, his grip tightening on his sword. "Who are you?"
The woman chuckled, stepping closer, her presence both mesmerizing and terrifying.
"I am Selene, Queen of the Abyss. And, Arin… I have come for you."
---
A Deal with Darkness
The air grew heavy.
Selene's gaze never wavered as she slowly walked toward Arin, her presence radiating an intoxicating mix of power and mystery.
"You seek to lift your curse," she murmured, tilting his chin up with a delicate touch. "But the truth is, Arin… you were never cursed. You were chosen."
"Chosen…?"
Selene smiled. "To become my King."
The words sent a shiver through the group.
Lilith's hand hovered over her dagger. "I don't like this."
Valeria's expression darkened. "Neither do I."
Selene ignored them, her gaze fixed only on Arin. "The Abyss has tested you and found you worthy. Accept my hand, and I will grant you power beyond imagination."
Arin's heart pounded.
A new destiny was unfolding before him—one he never expected.
Would he accept the Queen's offer?
Or fight against fate itself?
---
[TO BE CONTINUED...]