The Thorned Sisters reached the edge of the forest as dawn broke, the jagged landscape before them shrouded in mist. The Cursed Spire loomed
in the distance, its blackened peak reaching toward the sky like a dagger poised to strike. The air here was colder, carrying a faint hum
that resonated in their bones—a hum that matched the artifact’s pulse.
“This is it,” Rhea said, her voice low. Her eyes swept across the terrain, taking in the treacherous cliffs and winding paths that led toward
their destination. “The end of the road.”
“Not quite,” Zarya said, clutching her staff tightly. The artifact in her satchel glowed faintly, its light seeping through the cloth. “The
hardest part is still ahead.”
Nyssa crouched near a rocky outcrop, scanning the horizon with sharp eyes. “We’re exposed here,” she said. “If anything’s watching, they’ll
see us coming.”
“Let them watch,” Eira said, spinning her spear with a smirk. “I’m ready for a fight.”
Rhea shot her a warning look. “Stay sharp. We don’t know what’s waiting for us.”
As if on cue, Nyssa tensed. “We’ve got company,” she said, motioning toward the horizon.
Shapes emerged from the mist—dozens of them, marching in tight formation. They were armored figures, their blackened plate etched with
glowing red runes. At their head was a towering figure cloaked in shadow, a staff in one hand and a jagged blade in the other. Even from
this distance, the power radiating from him was palpable.
“More hunters,” Vira said grimly, hefting her shield.
“No,” Zarya whispered, her eyes wide with recognition. “They’re something worse.”
---
#### The Army of Shadows
The sisters withdrew to a ridge overlooking the path ahead, using the high ground to their advantage. From here, they could see the enemy
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more clearly. The soldiers moved with eerie precision, their faces hidden beneath smooth black helms. The leader at their center walked
with a deliberate gait, his staff glowing with the same red light as the artifact.
“What is that?” Nala asked, gripping her sword tightly.
“The Spire’s servant,” Zarya said. Her voice was shaky, but her grip on her staff was firm. “A sorcerer bound to its power. He’s controlling them.”
“How do we stop him?” Nyssa asked, notching an arrow.
“We don’t,” Rhea said. “Not here. We need to get to the Spire. If we destroy the artifact, it might sever his connection to the army.”
“Might?” Lira asked, raising an eyebrow.
“It’s the best chance we’ve got,” Rhea said. “But we’ll need to draw them away first.”
---
#### A Dangerous Plan
The sisters huddled together, whispering as they formed a plan. Rhea, Eira, and Vira would lead a frontal assault, drawing the army’s
attention while the others slipped past and made their way to the Spire. It was a desperate gamble, but no better options presented themselves.
“I don’t like splitting up,” Vira said, her jaw tight. “We’re stronger together.”
“We don’t have a choice,” Rhea said. She placed a hand on Vira’s shoulder. “Trust me.”
Vira hesitated, then nodded. “You’d better come back.”
Rhea smiled grimly. “I will.”
---
#### The Assault
As the sun climbed higher, Rhea gave the signal. She let out a thunderous roar, raising her axe high as she charged down the ridge.
Eira and Vira followed, their battle cries echoing across the barren landscape.
The army reacted instantly, the armored figures turning as one and surging toward them. Rhea met the first wave with a swing of her
axe, cutting through two enemies in a single motion. Eira spun her spear, ice crystals forming in the air as she drove it into another
foe. Vira stood like a fortress, her shield absorbing blow after blow as she struck back with her hammer.
The leader of the army raised his staff, red energy crackling as he unleashed a wave of magic. The ground split beneath Rhea’s feet,
forcing her to leap aside. She growled, her eyes locking on the sorcerer.
“Is that all you’ve got?” she shouted, her voice defiant.
---
#### The Spire
Meanwhile, Zarya, Nyssa, Lira, and Nala slipped away, skirting the ridge and heading toward the Spire under the cover of shadows.
The closer they came, the louder the artifact’s hum grew, its pulse echoing in their ears.
“We’re getting close,” Zarya said, her voice barely audible over the sound.
The Spire loomed before them, its black stone glistening like obsidian. The air around it was thick and cold, and the ground beneath
their feet felt unsteady, as though the land itself was protesting their presence.
“Let’s finish this,” Lira said, her daggers glinting as she led the way.
They reached the base of the Spire and began to climb, the twisting paths and jagged steps forcing them to move carefully. The
artifact’s light grew brighter with every step, illuminating their path but also drawing attention.
“This place doesn’t want us here,” Nala said, shivering despite the exertion.
“No, it doesn’t,” Zarya said grimly. “But we’re not leaving.”
As they climbed, the sounds of battle faded into the distance, replaced by the ominous hum of the Spire. The sisters pushed forward,
their resolve unshaken despite the weight of the task ahead.
---
The Spire awaited, its secrets hidden within its shadow. The end was near, but the true test had yet to begin.