The first light of dawn cracked across the horizon, painting the sky in shades of soft pink and gold. But there was no warmth in it.

Not for me.

The convergence of relics had nearly reached its peak, the lake glowing brighter with every passing second, casting long shadows on the battle-scarred land.

Malakai stood tall, defiant, though I could sense his power waning.

I moved toward him, my steps slow and deliberate.

All the anger, all the frustration that had ...