Chapter 52: The Heart of Darkness

The shadows surged around Zeryn as she stood at the center of the battlefield. The Dark Council's members regrouped, their faces hidden beneath the hoods of their dark cloaks, their eyes gleaming with malice.

Zeryn could feel the weight of the prophecy pressing against her chest. The key that binds the shadow and the light. The words echoed in her mind, like a song she couldn't quite remember. But now, standing here, she knew the time had come. She had to uncover the truth behind those words and stop the Council—once and for all.

"You've made your choice," the leader said, stepping forward, his voice filled with venom. "But it won't be enough. You cannot fight us all, Zeryn. The darkness is far stronger than you realize."

The air crackled with energy as Zeryn reached deep within herself, drawing on the power that lay hidden in the shadows. The darkness twisted and writhed inside her, but she could control it. She had to.

"I don't need to fight all of you," Zeryn said, her voice calm yet filled with determination. "Just you."

With a fierce cry, she unleashed a torrent of shadow energy toward the leader, her power engulfing him in a wave of darkness. The Council members flinched, their eyes widening in shock, but they quickly regained their composure.

"You're a fool, Zeryn," the leader spat, barely able to shield himself from the onslaught. "You still don’t understand your true role in all of this."

Zeryn narrowed her eyes, focusing on the power within her. "I understand more than you think."