Elysia's return to the citadel was swift, but her heart weighed heavily with the grim news she carried. The Black Harbinger wasn't just a myth or a distant threat—he had made his first move, and it wouldn't be his last. As her horse galloped through the citadel gates, Gabriel and Emily were already waiting.

The moment she dismounted, Gabriel strode toward her. "What happened?" he demanded, his voice sharp with urgency.

Elysia glanced at the guards and messengers scattered around the courtyard. "We should talk in private," she said softly, her eyes meeting his. Gabriel gave a curt nod and motioned for her to follow him into the war room. Emily and Marcus joined them, their expressions grim.

As the doors closed behind them, Elysia removed her cloak, revealing the scorch marks on her armor. "We were ambushed," she began, her voice steady despite the tension in the room. "By one of the Black Harbinger's followers."

Gabriel's fists clenched at his sides, but he said nothing, allowing her to continue.

"The attacker… he wasn't human," Elysia said, her voice faltering slightly as she recalled the dark figure. "He wielded some kind of magic—dark energy. He claimed the Black Harbinger had offered me power, and when I refused… he attacked."

Emily's eyes widened. "You think it was sorcery?"

"I'm certain of it," Elysia replied. "His movements were unnatural, too fast for a human. And when I struck him with my sword… he laughed, as if the wound meant nothing to him. He said I couldn't kill what was already dead."

Marcus cursed under his breath. "Necromancy."

Gabriel's gaze darkened. "The Black Harbinger isn't just some warlord. He's using forbidden magic."

Elysia nodded. "And he's growing bolder. This was just a warning, but it's clear he's preparing for something much larger. We need to act before he gathers more power."

"We'll need allies," Marcus said, stepping forward. "If the Black Harbinger is using necromancy, there's no telling how large his army could become. Every corpse he comes across could be turned into one of his soldiers."

Gabriel turned to Emily. "Send word to the northern kingdoms. We'll need their armies at our side if we're going to face this threat. Marcus, gather the scouts. I want every corner of the southern border watched. We can't afford to be caught off guard again."

As the others hurried to follow his orders, Gabriel remained behind with Elysia. His eyes softened slightly as he placed a hand on her shoulder. "Are you alright?"

Elysia smiled faintly, though the exhaustion was clear in her eyes. "I'll be fine. We have bigger things to worry about now."

Gabriel nodded, but his concern lingered. He had fought alongside Elysia for years, and while he had seen her endure countless battles, something about this one seemed to have shaken her in a way the others hadn't.

"The Black Harbinger's power…" Elysia hesitated, searching for the right words. "It's different from anything we've faced before, Gabriel. He's not just a threat to our kingdom—he's a threat to everything. If he succeeds in raising an army of the dead, no one will be able to stop him."

Gabriel's jaw tightened. "We won't let it come to that."

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***

The days that followed were filled with preparation. Scouts scoured the southern borders, searching for any sign of the Black Harbinger's forces. Messengers rode to the northern kingdoms, bearing pleas for aid. The citadel's defenses were strengthened, and the soldiers trained tirelessly, knowing that war was on the horizon.

But despite the flurry of activity, a sense of dread hung over the citadel. The enemy they were facing wasn't just a man—they were facing death itself, twisted and corrupted by dark magic. And as the days passed, rumors began to spread. Some said the Black Harbinger was a sorcerer from the eastern lands, a man who had traded his soul for power. Others claimed he was a fallen king, once noble but now driven mad by his lust for control.

Whatever the truth, one thing was certain: the Black Harbinger would stop at nothing to see the world bow before him.

***

Weeks later, a council was convened in the citadel's great hall. Representatives from the northern kingdoms had arrived, along with their armies. King Aric of the Iron Hills sat at the head of the table, his broad frame and grizzled beard giving him an imposing presence. Beside him sat Queen Lyra of the Silver Coast, her sharp eyes taking in every detail with quiet intensity.

Gabriel stood at the center of the room, addressing the assembled leaders. "The Black Harbinger is gathering an army in the southern territories. He's using necromancy to raise the dead, and if we don't act quickly, he'll amass a force too large for any of us to defeat."

King Aric grunted. "Necromancers. Haven't seen their kind in a long time. Nasty business, that."

Queen Lyra raised an eyebrow. "And you're certain this Black Harbinger is the one behind it?"

"Positive," Elysia said, stepping forward. "I've seen his power firsthand. He won't stop until he's taken everything."

The room fell silent for a moment as the leaders exchanged uneasy glances.

"We'll fight," King Aric said finally, his voice gruff but resolute. "The Iron Hills stand with you."

Queen Lyra nodded. "As do the Silver Coast. We won't let this monster take our lands."

Gabriel allowed himself a brief moment of relief. With the northern kingdoms on their side, they stood a chance of defeating the Black Harbinger. But the war that lay ahead would be unlike any they had fought before.

As the council broke up and the leaders began discussing strategy, Elysia caught Gabriel's arm. "There's something else we need to consider."

"What is it?" he asked, his brow furrowing.

"The Black Harbinger isn't just using the dead. He's offering power to the living as well. He tried to recruit me, and if he's doing that with others…"

Gabriel's eyes widened as he realized the implication. "You think he's building alliances with other kingdoms?"

"It's possible," Elysia said. "If he can turn kings and warlords to his side, he won't need to raise an army of the dead. He'll have one ready to fight for him."

Gabriel's expression darkened. "We need to root out any traitors before they can act. I'll have Marcus look into it."

Elysia nodded, though her thoughts remained troubled. The Black Harbinger's reach was growing, and as the days passed, she couldn't help but wonder how many had already fallen under his sway.

***

As night fell over the citadel, Elysia found herself standing on one of the high walls, gazing out over the horizon. The stars were bright, and the moon cast a pale glow over the landscape. But even in the stillness of the night, she could feel the storm gathering.

Gabriel joined her, his presence a steadying force in the growing darkness. "We're ready," he said quietly. "The armies are gathered. We'll march south in a few days."

Elysia nodded, though her gaze remained fixed on the distant mountains. "Do you ever wonder… if this is all for nothing? That no matter how hard we fight, we're just delaying the inevitable?"

Gabriel was silent for a moment before speaking. "I've wondered that before. But then I think about what we're fighting for. The people we're trying to protect. As long as there's a chance, even a small one, that we can stop this… it's worth it."

Elysia sighed softly. "I hope you're right."

"We'll stop him," Gabriel said, his voice firm. "The Black Harbinger can't win if we stand together."

Elysia turned to face him, a small smile tugging at her lips. "Thank you, Gabriel. For everything."

He returned the smile, though the weight of the coming battle hung heavily between them. They had fought countless wars before, but this one… this one felt different. It felt final.

And as they stood there, side by side, the shadows of the past seemed to close in around them, whispering of a future that was uncertain, and a war that would determine the fate of their world.