Chapter 59: The Shadow of Zarathros

As Malakar's form crumbled to dust in the blue fire, James stood still, his wings slowly folding behind him, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The dark presence he had fought moments ago seemed so real, so filled with malice, that even now he felt the weight of its energy lingering in the air. The ashes of what he thought had been his opponent scattered in the wind, but the tension still remained.

Lynara, who had kept her distance during the final moments, stepped cautiously forward. "James, it's over… right?"

James's eyes remained locked on the scattered ashes. Something didn't feel right. The battle had been too simple, too… expected. His instincts, honed by countless battles, screamed at him that something was amiss. He took a deep breath, trying to focus on the lingering energy in the air, his eyes narrowing as his mind raced.

"No," James said, his voice low and calm but filled with certainty. "It's not over."