As night fell, the team split into their assigned groups. Cassian and Damien moved silently along the cliffs, their steps careful and deliberate. The storm above provided cover, the howling wind masking their movements.

Below, the keep’s defenses were on high alert. Rift creatures patrolled the walls, their glowing eyes scanning the darkness. Cassian and Damien waited patiently for the right moment to strike.

“Now,” Damien whispered.

They moved quickly, scaling the cliffs with practiced ease. Cassian reached the top first, securing a line for Damien. Once both were atop the wall, they crouched low, avoiding the patrols.

Cassian notched an arrow and took out a sentry silently. The creature crumpled, its body dissolving into mist.

“Clear,” he said.

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They advanced through the keep, sticking to the shadows. Every step brought them closer to the obelisk, its ominous glow growing stronger.

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THE FRONTAL ASSAULT

Meanwhile, Roland and Lyra led their attack. With a group of Valdris soldiers, they approached the main gate under the cover of darkness. Roland raised his shield and banged it loudly, drawing the attention of the guards.

“Come on, you Rift bastards!” he shouted. “Let’s see what you’ve got!”

The response was immediate. The gates opened, and a wave of Rift creatures poured out, their snarls filling the air. Roland charged forward, meeting them head-on. His shield absorbed the brunt of the attack, and his sword cut through the enemy ranks with brutal efficiency.

Lyra moved like a shadow, her blades striking with deadly precision. She darted between the creatures, her movements fluid and graceful.

The Valdris soldiers fought valiantly, holding the line as more creatures emerged from the keep. The battle was intense, but they were determined to buy Damien and Cassian the time they needed.