NOVEL NEXT Chapter 22: Chapter Twenty-Two: The Siege of the Seekers
The Seekers' base was a fortress of activity. Alarms rang throughout the stronghold as its members scrambled to prepare for the Shadow Lord's assault. Magic crackled in the air as defensive wards were strengthened and combat teams were assembled.
Kael and Angelica stood in the central courtyard, Ignis perched between them. The phoenix's newly ascended form radiated a protective warmth that bolstered the morale of those nearby. Kael clenched his fists, the ring on his finger pulsing faintly.
"We've trained for this," Angelica said, her violet eyes blazing with determination. "Whatever the Shadow Lord throws at us, we'll face it together."
Kael nodded, his light shield flickering to life. "Let's show him what we're made of."
The first wave hit just before dusk. The Shadow Lord's forces poured through a dimensional rift above the base, their shadowy forms blotting out the sky. The Seekers met them with an array of elemental magic, fire and lightning streaking through the air as the battle began.
Kael fought on the front lines, his light magic cutting through the darkness. Ignis flew overhead, its flames raining down on the shadow creatures. Angelica stayed close, her fire magic blazing in tandem with Ignis's, creating a wall of heat that pushed back the enemy.
The system chimed in Kael's mind: "Dimensional rift destabilizing. Warning: hostile reinforcements imminent."
"They just keep coming!" Kael shouted over the roar of battle.
Angelica gritted her teeth, her hands glowing with intense flames. "Then we'll keep fighting."
As the battle raged on, the Shadow Lord himself emerged from the rift. His towering form radiated malevolence, and the air grew heavy with his presence. He raised a hand, and a wave of dark magic swept across the battlefield, knocking several Seekers off their feet.
Kael and Angelica stood their ground, their combined magic shielding those around them. Ignis let out a piercing cry, its flames flaring brighter as it charged toward the Shadow Lord.
The Shadow Lord sneered, deflecting the phoenix's attack with a swipe of his hand. "You think this creature can stop me? The Nexus's light will fade, and your world will crumble."
Kael stepped forward, his shield glowing with renewed strength. "Not while we're here."
The Shadow Lord unleashed another wave of dark magic, but this time Kael and Angelica fought back with everything they had. Their magic intertwined, forming a radiant barrier that clashed with the Shadow Lord's attack. The battlefield erupted in a blinding explosion of light and shadow.
The Shadow Lord retreated, his forces scattering as the Seekers pushed them back. The dimensional rift began to close, and for a moment, it seemed the battle was won. But the cost was high—several sections of the base lay in ruins, and many Seekers were injured.
Kael sank to his knees, exhaustion overtaking him. Ignis landed beside him, its feathers singed but still glowing. Angelica knelt beside him, her hand resting on his shoulder.
"We did it," she said softly. "We held them off."
Kael nodded, though his heart felt heavy. "But for how long?"