As Gornach stood over the fallen Gay-Wad, the clearing seemed to hold its breath, the darkness pressing in on all sides. The battle was far from over, and Gornach knew that the heart of the forest still harbored a great evil that needed to be confronted.
Gay-Wad struggled to rise, her eyes glowing with a fierce, defiant light. She glared at Gornach, her expression one of anger and frustration. "You think you've won?" she spat, her voice filled with venom. "You haven't even begun to understand the power you're up against."
Gornach's heart pounded in his chest as he prepared for whatever might come next. He could feel the darkness surrounding them, a palpable force that seemed to warp the very air they breathed. It was clear that Gay-Wad's power was far from spent, and the true test lay ahead.
"You've done well to make it this far," Gay-Wad continued, her voice low and dangerous. "But this is where it ends. You'll have to face not just me, but the darkness within yourself."
Gornach steeled himself, his resolve hardening as he faced her. "I've faced that darkness before," he said, his voice steady. "And I won't let you use it against me."
Gay-Wad's smile was a twisted mockery of joy. "We shall see," she said, her voice filled with a dark, ominous tone. "You will have to make a choice, Gornach. A choice that will determine not just your fate, but the fate of the forest."
With a flick of her wrist, Gay-Wad conjured a swirling vortex of darkness that appeared in the center of the clearing. The vortex pulsed with an otherworldly energy, its dark tendrils reaching out like grasping fingers.
Gornach could feel the power emanating from the vortex, a force that seemed to beckon him, to pull him toward it. He knew that it was a test, a choice that would determine the outcome of their struggle.
"You can either join me," Gay-Wad said, her voice filled with a twisted allure, "or you can continue to fight against the darkness. Choose wisely, Gornach. Your decision will shape the future of this forest."
Gornach's mind raced as he considered her words. The vortex represented an easy path, a chance to end the struggle by embracing the darkness. But he knew that it would come at a terrible cost, both to himself and to everything he had fought to protect.
He glanced at his allies, their faces reflecting a mixture of hope and determination. They had fought alongside him, faced countless challenges, and had shown him the true strength of unity. Their presence was a reminder of why he fought, of what was at stake.
With a deep breath, Gornach made his choice. "I will not join you, Gay-Wad," he said, his voice filled with conviction. "I will fight against the darkness, no matter the cost."
Gay-Wad's expression twisted into a snarl of rage. "Then face the consequences of your choice!" she screamed, her voice echoing through the clearing.
The vortex of darkness surged, its tendrils lashing out at Gornach and his allies. The forest seemed to convulse with the power of the dark magic, the air thick with an oppressive force. But Gornach stood firm, his resolve unwavering as he prepared for the final confrontation.
The battle against the vortex was fierce, each attack a struggle to push back against the encroaching darkness. Gornach fought with every ounce of strength he had, determined to protect his allies and restore balance to the forest.
