Chapter 105: The Shadow of Malphas
The air in the valley had turned bitter and cold, a stark contrast to the warmth the Moon-Oak usually provided. Elara stood at the edge of the training grounds, her heart heavy as she watched the young Omegas struggle to maintain their silver shields. The presence of Malphas was already suffocating the land.
"He's here," Silas growled, his fur bristling as he stepped out from the dense fog. "I can smell the decay. It's the same scent from the Spire's black dungeons."
Suddenly, the sky darkened, and a shadowy figure emerged from the treeline. Malphas didn't walk; he seemed to glide, wrapped in a cloak of swirling black mist. Behind him stood the Forsaken, their eyes vacant and controlled by his 'Dark Pulse'.
"The Alpha of the Dawn and his little Omega Queen," Malphas's voice rasped like grinding stones. "You've built a beautiful cage here. But the Moon-Oak belongs to those who know how to truly use power—not those who share it like bread."
He raised a withered hand, and a bolt of obsidian energy struck the ground, shattering the earth between them. Elara stepped forward, her silver eyes glowing with a fierce intensity. She slammed her palm against the air, creating a massive shimmering wall that blocked the spreading darkness.
"This isn't a cage, Malphas," Elara countered, her voice resonating with a strength that surprised even Silas. "It's a sanctuary. And you aren't invited."
Malphas laughed, a sound that chilled the very souls of everyone present. "Sanctuaries are just graves with prettier names. Let's see how long your 'Covenant' lasts when the moon turns black."
With a flick of his wrist, the first wave of the Forsaken charged. The battle for the Silver Pulse had officially begun.