×𝐒𝐓𝐀𝐑-𝐂𝐑𝐎𝐒𝐒𝐄𝐃 𝐋𝐎𝐕𝐄𝐑𝐒×

Chapter 7: The Edge of Darkness

The air around Lyra crackled with raw energy as the dark force surged toward her. She instinctively raised her hands, calling upon her own magic to create a barrier of light. The clash between the two forces sent shockwaves through the air, the impact resonating like a thunderclap across the battlefield.

Lyra gritted her teeth as the pressure mounted. The dark energy was unlike anything she had encountered before—its intensity was suffocating, and it felt as though it was trying to consume her very essence. But she couldn’t afford to falter. The fate of Aeloria rested on her shoulders, and she had no choice but to stand firm.

With a surge of willpower, Lyra pushed back against the dark energy, forcing it to dissipate into the air. The cloaked figure before her took a step back, momentarily surprised by her strength.

“Impressive,” the figure said, their voice tinged with mockery. “But your power is nothing compared to the forces that stand against you. You’re fighting a losing battle, Enchantress.”

Lyra’s eyes blazed with determination as she took a step forward, her aura glowing with renewed vigor. “I’ve faced impossible odds before, and I’ve always come out on top. You won’t win this fight.”

The figure’s laughter echoed through the air, a chilling sound that sent shivers down Lyra’s spine. “You may have power, but you lack the understanding to truly wield it. Let me show you what it means to command the darkness.”

With a swift motion, the figure drew a long, thin blade from beneath their cloak. The blade pulsed with an eerie, dark energy, its surface swirling with shadows. Lyra could feel the malevolent magic radiating from the weapon, and she knew that this was no ordinary opponent.

Without waiting for another word, the figure lunged at Lyra, their movements quick and precise. Lyra barely had time to react, raising her staff to block the incoming strike. The clash of their weapons sent sparks flying, and the ground beneath them trembled from the force of their clash.

The figure moved with a fluid grace, their attacks swift and relentless. Lyra struggled to keep up, her mind racing as she tried to anticipate their next move. She could feel the darkness pressing in on her, trying to worm its way into her thoughts, to cloud her mind with doubt and fear.

But Lyra refused to give in. She had faced darkness before, and she knew that the key to overcoming it was to remain steadfast in her resolve. She summoned her magic, weaving it into her movements as she fought back against her opponent. Her light magic clashed with the darkness, creating a dazzling display of power that lit up the battlefield.

As their duel continued, Lyra began to notice something strange. The figure’s attacks, while powerful, lacked the precision she had expected. It was as if they were holding back, testing her rather than trying to land a decisive blow.

“What are you really after?” Lyra demanded, her voice sharp as she blocked another strike. “If you’re trying to intimidate me, you’re wasting your time.”

The figure didn’t respond immediately, their movements slowing as they studied Lyra. For a moment, the only sound was the crackling of energy around them and the distant clash of battle below.

Finally, the figure lowered their blade slightly, their tone shifting from mocking to contemplative. “You’re more resilient than I anticipated, Enchantress. Perhaps there’s more to you than meets the eye.”

Lyra kept her guard up, her staff still raised. “If you have something to say, say it. Otherwise, get out of my way.”

The figure chuckled softly, a sound that carried a hint of genuine amusement. “Very well. Consider this a test—one you’ve passed, for now. But don’t be fooled into thinking this is the end. Lord Braden’s forces are closing in, and your city will fall, no matter how hard you fight.”