The echoes of Selene's departure still lingered in the air, an oppressive silence weighing on the battlefield. Arin sheathed his sword, his mind racing with the implications of what had just transpired. The Queen of the Abyss had tested him—and she would return. Stronger.
Evelyn touched his arm gently. "We need to move. The Abyss won't remain still for long."
Seraphina nodded, her staff still crackling with residual magic. "She's right. If Selene has retreated, it means she's planning something far worse."
Lilith wiped the blood from her dagger, her crimson eyes flickering. "I don't like this. That woman doesn't just walk away without a reason."
Arin took a deep breath. "Then we need to find out what she's after before she makes her next move."
The group pressed forward, deeper into the Abyss. The air grew colder, the darkness thickening with each step. The very ground beneath them felt alive, pulsating with an eerie rhythm.
Suddenly—
A whisper. Faint, yet unmistakable.
"Arin… you cannot escape your fate…"
He stopped, his breath hitching.
"Did you hear that?" he asked, glancing at the others.
Evelyn frowned. "Hear what?"
The whisper grew louder. This time, it wasn't just in his head. The others heard it too.
"Turn back… or be consumed."
Lilith unsheathed her dagger, her stance tense. "We're not alone."
Before anyone could react, the shadows themselves began to move. From the darkness, figures emerged—twisted, wraith-like beings with hollow eyes and jagged claws.
"Nightborn!" Seraphina gasped.
The creatures lunged.
Arin barely had time to raise his sword before the first one struck. Their speed was unnatural, their movements erratic. Evelyn unleashed a wave of fire, pushing them back, but more kept coming.
"Hold the line!" Arin commanded, slashing through the nearest wraith.
The battle raged, but something was wrong. No matter how many they cut down, more kept rising.
Then—
A figure stepped forward from the abyss. Cloaked in shadows, eyes glowing with an eerie violet hue. A voice, familiar yet distant.
"You've walked too far, Arin."
Arin's breath caught in his throat.
It was him.
Or rather… the version of himself he had tried to bury.
The Abyss had come for him.
And this time, it wouldn't let him go.
---
[TO BE CONTINUED...]