Chapter Nine: "Fire in the Forge"
Night fell.
Raizel and Lyra slipped through the shadows, moving swift and silent. They avoided patrols, slipping past tents, until the dull roar of flames led them to it:
A massive dome, pulsing with red light — the aura forge.
Inside, warriors worked tirelessly, feeding aura crystals into a central furnace. Weapons hung in racks, glowing with raw power.
"This place…" Raizel whispered, "they're turning aura into weapons of war."
Suddenly, a bell rang out — loud and sharp.
They'd been spotted.
"INTRUDERS!" shouted a voice. Chaos erupted.
Raizel didn't hesitate. He charged forward, blade flashing. Aura burst from him in waves. Sparks flew as he cut down guards, carving a path to the forge's core.
"Lyra! Now!"
She hurled a vial into the furnace — a bright explosion shook the dome. Flames engulfed the forge, and the dome began to collapse.
Raizel grabbed her arm and ran, fire chasing their heels.
They dove out just as the forge exploded behind them, lighting up the canyon like a second sun.
The Black Aura Clan had lost its heart.
But the Crimson Fang… would now hunt them in earnest.