Nightfall Prophecy

Chapter 21: The Crimson Bond

The night air was thick with tension as Celestine sat by the smoldering embers of their dying fire. Her mind was still reeling from the encounter with Valerius, his words echoing like a curse within her soul.

Lucien and Draven were quiet, their wounds healing slowly. The battle had taken more out of them than they were willing to admit.

Draven broke the silence first. "We can't keep running from him."

Lucien, his jaw clenched, nodded. "Agreed. But Celestine—he did something to you." His silver eyes darkened. "Didn't he?"

Celestine swallowed hard. She had felt it—the invisible thread Valerius had woven between them, something deeper than mere magic. She wasn't sure if she could fight it.

"I don't know," she admitted. "But I can feel him."

Draven stiffened. "What do you mean?"

Celestine hesitated before closing her eyes. The moment she did, a vision flickered in the darkness. Valerius, standing on the edge of a crimson-lit cliff, his golden gaze locked onto hers. A silent challenge.

"He's waiting for me."

Lucien cursed under his breath. "Then we make our stand."

Celestine opened her eyes, determination settling in her bones. The time for fear was over.

The final battle was coming.

Chapter 22: The Gathering Storm

Celestine stood at the edge of the ravine, the wind howling around her as dawn began to break. The weight of Valerius's presence still clung to her mind, but she refused to let it weaken her resolve. She had felt his challenge, and now she had no choice but to answer it.

Lucien and Draven stood beside her, their expressions hardened with determination. They had been through too much to falter now.

"We need a plan," Draven said, his voice tight. "Charging in without strategy is suicide."

Lucien's silver eyes glowed faintly in the dim light. "We don't have the luxury of time. If Celestine can sense him, he can sense her. He'll be prepared."

Celestine took a steadying breath. "Then we even the odds. We need allies."

Draven arched a brow. "Who do you have in mind?"

A slow, knowing smile crossed Celestine's lips. "The Forsaken."

Lucien's gaze snapped to her. "Are you serious? The Forsaken are outcasts, criminals—"

"They're survivors," Celestine interrupted. "And they hate Valerius as much as we do. If anyone knows how to fight him, it's them."

Draven exhaled, rubbing a hand down his face. "Finding them is one thing. Getting them to fight for us? That's another."

Celestine's fingers curled into fists. "Leave that to me."

The journey to the Forsaken's hidden stronghold was treacherous. The path twisted through jagged cliffs and deep forests, each step bringing them closer to the unknown. By the time they arrived, the sun had dipped below the horizon, casting eerie shadows over the desolate encampment.

A group of figures emerged from the darkness, their weapons drawn. Scarred faces, wary eyes, and a palpable air of distrust met them.

"State your business," a gruff voice demanded.

Celestine stepped forward. "We need your help."

A tall, broad-shouldered man pushed through the crowd. His emerald eyes flickered with recognition. "Celestine... I thought you were dead."

She lifted her chin. "Not yet, Kieran. But I will be if you don't listen."

Kieran studied her for a long moment before crossing his arms. "Speak."

She didn't hesitate. "Valerius is moving. He's stronger than before, and he won't stop until he has complete control. If we don't stop him now, there won't be anything left to fight for."

Murmurs rippled through the crowd. Kieran narrowed his eyes. "And you think we'd risk our lives for your war?"

Celestine met his gaze, unwavering. "It's our war. He won't spare you when he's done with us. You know that."

Silence stretched between them. Then, slowly, Kieran nodded. "We fight together. But if you're wrong about this, Celestine... it's on your head."

She exhaled, the tension in her chest easing slightly. "Then let's not give him the chance to prove me wrong."

The Forsaken had joined their cause. The final battle was coming.

Chapter 23: Shadows in the Dark

The Forsaken had pledged their allegiance, but trust was still a fragile thread between them. As night settled over the encampment, Celestine felt the weight of every unspoken doubt in the eyes of her newfound allies.

She sat by the fire, sharpening her blade, when Kieran approached. His emerald gaze flickered in the firelight. "They'll follow you into battle, but fear still lingers."

Celestine nodded, her grip tightening on the hilt of her weapon. "I know. But fear can be a weapon if wielded correctly."

Kieran chuckled. "Spoken like someone who's seen too much war."

Lucien and Draven joined them, their presence grounding her. Draven leaned against a tree, arms crossed. "We should move at dawn. Valerius won't wait."

Lucien's silver eyes met Celestine's. "Are you ready for this?"

She exhaled slowly, feeling the power simmering beneath her skin. The mark Valerius had left in her mind hadn't faded—it pulsed like a silent warning. "I don't have a choice."

Before anyone could respond, a sharp whistle cut through the air. A scout stumbled into the firelight, breathless. "They're coming. Valerius's forces—they found us."

The camp erupted into movement. Swords were drawn, bows strung, and whispered orders passed between warriors. Celestine felt her heartbeat steady, her fear solidifying into resolve.

Kieran turned to her. "Looks like your war starts now."

Celestine lifted her blade, her voice unwavering. "Then let's finish it."

The battle began in a blur of steel and magic. Shadows clashed with fire as Valerius's forces swarmed the encampment. Celestine fought alongside the Forsaken, her power crackling through the battlefield. Every strike, every spell, was a step closer to the inevitable confrontation she knew was coming.

And then she saw him.

Valerius stood at the heart of the chaos, untouched by the violence around him. His golden eyes locked onto hers, and a slow, knowing smile curved his lips.

You can't run from me, Celestine.

Her pulse pounded. I'm not running.

With a fierce cry, she surged forward, her blade slicing through the night.

The real battle had begun.