Chapter 87 – When Shadows Collide

The Covenant leader’s words still hung in the air when a crack split the silence.

Boom.

Stone dust rained from the cavern roof. A second blast tore through the tunnel, followed by the thunder of armored boots.

Aria’s blade was already out. “They found us.”

The leader cursed, snapping his fingers. The Covenant scattered into formation, blades drawn, shadows rippling like smoke at their feet. The glow of the sanctum flared as if alive, responding to the tension.

The Inquisitors marched in—gleaming in steel, their helms engraved with the sigils of the Light. At their center strode a towering figure in white-plated armor, a banner of fire streaming from his spear. His voice thundered:

“By decree of the High Flame, this heresy ends tonight!”

The Covenant roared back, their chant twisting into a battle cry.

Kael stood frozen between them—the predators of shadow on one side, the hunters of fire on the other. His body trembled as both forces locked onto him.

The Covenant leader hissed, “Choose, Kael! With us, the darkness is yours to command!”

The Inquisitor captain raised his spear. “Or step aside, and perhaps we’ll spare what’s left of your cursed soul!”

The shadows coiled violently around Kael, clawing at the floor, begging for release. Aria’s hand brushed his arm, steady but firm. “Whatever you do… don’t let them decide for you.”

The cavern exploded into chaos. Blades clashed, flames roared, shadows shrieked. The sanctum’s glyphs flared brighter, pulsing in time with Kael’s heartbeat.

And then—he gave in.

Shadows erupted from his body like a tidal wave, swallowing fire and steel alike. The battlefield froze as both Covenant and Inquisitors turned to witness the storm he unleashed.

For the first time, Kael’s voice rose above the war:

“I am neither your weapon… nor your salvation.”

The shadows obeyed him alone, coiling into a monstrous form that blotted out the sanctum’s light.

The Covenant whispered in awe. The Inquisitors faltered in fear.

And in that moment, Kael realized—he had chosen after all.

Not them. Not prophecy. Not fate.

Only himself.