Chapter 42: The Rising Darkness

Aelric swung his sword with all his might, the glowing blade cutting through a shadow beast that lunged at him. Its body dissipated into a cloud of black mist, but more emerged from the corners of the chamber, their growls echoing ominously.

"Lyra!" Aelric shouted, his voice straining over the chaos. "We need to shut down that altar!"

Lyra was at the edge of the room, her hands glowing with magic as she fought to hold back the shadows. "I'm trying!" she yelled back, her face glistening with sweat. "But the runes are protected—whatever magic is fueling them is ancient."

Seraphina slashed through another beast, her movements swift and precise. She spared a quick glance at Lyra. "Then figure it out faster, mage. We're running out of time here!"

The hooded figure at the altar laughed, their voice chilling. "You cannot stop this. The Eternal Shadow will consume you all."

Aelric clenched his teeth, his sword glowing brighter as he poured his magic into it. He charged toward the figure, determination blazing in his eyes. "We'll see about that."

But before he could reach the altar, the figure raised their hand, and a wave of dark energy exploded outward, throwing him back. He hit the ground hard, pain shooting through his body.

Lyra rushed to his side, her magic creating a protective barrier around them. "Aelric, are you okay?"

"I'm fine," he grunted, forcing himself to his feet. His gaze locked on the figure. "But we can't keep fighting like this. There has to be a way to stop them."

Seraphina joined them, her sword dripping with the remains of shadow beasts. "If we can't destroy the runes, what about the figure controlling them? Take them out, and this whole thing might collapse."

Lyra nodded, her mind racing. "It's possible, but their magic is strong. It'll take all of us."

Aelric tightened his grip on his sword. "Then let's end this. Together."

The three of them moved as one, charging toward the altar as the shadow beasts closed in around them.