Semua Bab The Dragon King's Forbidden Desire: Bab 61 - Bab 70

The valley stretched before them like a gray sea. Thick fog rolled between jagged cliffs, curling around blackened trees and shattered stone, hiding every movement. Even from the saddle, Elara felt the chill of unseen eyes, the prickling sensation of magic brushing against hers. “Stay close,” Verath said, his voice low but steady. Golden scales glimmered faintly along his arms in the early morning light. “Something isn’t right.” Elara nodded, tightening her cloak. Her hands pulsed with silver violet energy, ready to respond at a moment’s notice. The elite unit followed, weapons drawn, eyes scanning the mist. Hours into the ride, the fog thickened. Shapes flickered at the edges of their vision, figures that disappeared as soon as she focused. The horses grew restless, ears flicking nervously. Suddenly, a shadow flared from the left cliffside. Two shadow assassins lunged from the fog, black blades slicing toward the riders. “Attack!” Verath roared, stepping forward. Dragon fire eru

They reached the Shattered Plateau by late afternoon. The land rose sharply into jagged stone formations, and at its center stood a towering structure unlike anything they had seen before. The Crystal Spire pierced the sky, its dark, translucent surface reflecting flashes of violet lightning trapped within. It hummed with deep, resonant, oppressive power. Elara’s horse stopped on its own. She stared at the Spire, her chest tightening. “This is bigger than the others.” Verath dismounted slowly, eyes fixed on the structure. “It’s not just a ritual site, it’s a focal point.” General Kael surveyed the surrounding terrain. Shadow soldiers filled the plateau in dozens, maybe hundreds, stationed in defensive rings. Dark crystal formations rose from the ground, connected by glowing lines that fed energy into the Spire. “They’re protecting it heavily,” Kael said. “If that completes—” “It won’t,” Verath cut in. Elara stepped forward, feeling the pulse of the Spire vibrating in her bones

The air in Ashenrealm felt heavier after the betrayal. Even though the traitor had been captured, unease lingered in every corridor, every guarded glance between soldiers. Elara stood on the training terrace overlooking the volcanic plains, the wind tugging at her dark hair. The shattered clouds above mirrored the turmoil inside her. She extended her hand, summoning her magic. Silver light formed first, soft and steady. Then violet shadow curled around it, hesitant but present. The two energies twisted together, pulsing unevenly. It still wasn’t perfect. “You’re forcing it.” Verath’s voice came from behind her. She turned slightly as he stepped forward, dressed in light training armor. His golden eyes studied her hands carefully. “I have to,” she replied. “If Veyrathis attacks again, I need full control.” He shook his head. “Control doesn’t come from force. It comes from balance. You learned that in the north.” She exhaled, lowering her hands. “Then show me.” A faint smile t

The ground trembled as the shadow army advanced. From the top of Black Ridge, Elara watched the tide of darkness surge forward like a living storm. Thousands of figures moved in unnatural synchronization, their forms shifting between solid and smoke. Massive corrupted beasts lumbered behind them, their glowing eyes fixed on Ashenrealm’s defenders. The air thickened with dark magic. “Archers ready!” Kael shouted. Rows of bows lifted in unison. The tension along the ridge grew so tight it felt ready to snap. Verath stepped forward, his presence commanding. “Hold until they enter range.” Elara stood beside him, her heart pounding. The shadow-thread inside her pulsed, reacting to the massive concentration of energy below. She forced herself to breathe steadily, remembering the balance she had practiced. “Now!” Kael ordered. Arrows darkened the sky. They rained down upon the first wave, piercing shadow soldiers and slowing their advance. Some dissolved instantly, but others reforme

Smoke drifted slowly across Black Ridge, carried by a wind that no longer sounded like battle but like warning. The ground was scarred with burn marks and shattered stone, evidence of the relentless clashes that had unfolded since dawn. For the first time in hours, the shadow army had withdrawn beyond the ridge, leaving an uneasy silence behind. Elara stood at the edge of the cliff, scanning the darkened horizon. Something felt wrong. Victory should have brought relief, yet tension pressed heavily against her chest. The silver-violet magic beneath her skin flickered unpredictably, as if reacting to something she couldn’t see. “They’ve pulled back too quickly,” Kael said, joining her. His armor was dented, streaked with ash. “It doesn’t feel like defeat.” “It isn’t,” she replied quietly. “They’re regrouping or waiting.” Behind them, healers moved through the ranks, tending to the wounded. Soldiers spoke in hushed voices, their expressions tired but alert. No one believed the ba