Chapter 50: The Dark Council’s Revelation

As the group neared the Council’s hidden stronghold, the world around them grew darker, as though even the land was aware of the evil lurking beneath the surface. The air was thick with an oppressive energy that made Zeryn’s shadows flare to life, responding to the danger that lay ahead.

They found the entrance to the stronghold in the middle of an ancient forest, where the trees twisted unnaturally, their branches curling like claws. The ground beneath their feet was soft, almost like the earth itself was alive, breathing.

"This is it," the leader’s voice echoed in the distance. Zeryn turned to see him standing in the clearing ahead, his sword drawn and his eyes cold as ice.

The betrayal had been planned all along. He had led them here, directly into the heart of the Dark Council’s lair.

"I knew you’d come for me," he said with a mocking smile. "But now you’ll see the truth. You never stood a chance."