Chapter

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The ruins were ancient, their stones weathered and covered in moss, as if time itself had forgotten them. Cassian, accompanied by Selene and a small group of scouts, searched the site after hearing rumors of a hidden artifact. "It's here," Selene said, her voice tinged with urgency. Her hand rested on a crumbled pillar etched with strange runes.

Cassian dug into the earth with the others until his hands hit something cold and metallic. He pulled free an ornate blade, its surface shimmering with a faint silver glow.

"What is it?" he asked, inspecting the weapon.

Selene knelt beside him, her expression grave. "An enchanted blade. It's said to sever corrupted ties to the Pact, but wielding it is dangerous. The toll it takes could be your life." Cassian's jaw tightened as he sheathed the blade. "If it can give us an edge, I'll use it."

Back at the camp, Aurora trained with the wolves, pushing them harder than ever. Every movement of her body resonated with the Pact's power, and the wolves followed her lead, their determination matching her intensity. During a break, Cassian approached her, the weight of the blade heavy at his side. "We're running out of time," he said. "Scouts are reporting increased movement. A shadow army is heading straight for us."

Aurora wiped the sweat from her brow, her expression grim but unyielding. "Then we'll be ready."

Cassian hesitated, his hand brushing the hilt of the blade. "Aurora... this weapon-"

She cut him off, her gaze unwavering. "Whatever it takes, Cassian. We'll fight for her. For all of us."

That night, the distant howl of wolves echoed across the valley, signaling the approach of something immense and dark.