Story 226: Shadows and Embers

As Damien, Lena, and Marek emerged from the portal, they found themselves in a barren wasteland under a blood-red sky. The air was thick and heavy, filled with the metallic scent of decay. But as the swirling remnants of portal magic faded around them, Damien felt Lena’s hand brush his arm, a small yet steadying touch that pulled him back from the looming darkness.

Lena’s face was taut with worry as she gazed up at him, her brows knitting together. “Damien… before we move forward, there’s something I need you to know.”

He hesitated, his heart skipping at the soft intensity in her voice. Lena was always his anchor, his reason to hold onto the man he once was. Now, standing in this forsaken land, the words they’d left unspoken felt like armor cracking, letting all his carefully guarded emotions spill out.