Chapter Six: "The Scarred Valley"
The Scarred Valley lived up to its name.
Jagged cliffs surrounded the ravine like the jaws of a beast. Dead trees clawed at the sky. Aura in the air was heavy, dark, and wild — the mark of countless battles.
Raizel and Lyra arrived at its edge by dusk. Smoke curled from deep within, and faint howls echoed in the wind.
"This is their territory," Lyra said, her voice low. "Black Aura warriors don't forgive intruders."
"Good," Raizel replied. "I'm not here for forgiveness."
They descended in silence, shadows creeping closer with every step. By nightfall, they reached an abandoned outpost — or so it seemed.
A blade came from nowhere.
Raizel reacted instantly, parrying the strike with sparks flying. A masked warrior stood before him, blade humming with black aura.
"You've entered death's gate," the warrior hissed. "Why?"
Raizel's eyes blazed. "To kick it open."