Emerald Dream Realm, Chaos Continent.
It was a moonless night, the kind that swallowed light and sound alike. From the jagged peaks of Phoenix Butterfly Ridge, the Dark Butterfly race poured out like a spill of black ink. They didn't fly so much as drift, a silent murmuration of shadows merging with the heavy cloud cover.
Their target lay below: Gossamer Reach.
Once the jewel of the Phoenix Butterfly Ridge, the city was now an occupied fortress. It belonged to Lucien, a Voidcrawler Lord and one of Arch Lord Emeric's most ruthless lieutenants.
"Remember the plan, boy," Sophia whispered, her voice barely audible over the wind. "Speed is everything. The faster we drop the hammer, the more time we have to raise the defensive wards before Emeric notices."
Two silhouettes broke from the cloud bank—Sophia and her son, Kaelen, both in their flight forms.
"Don't worry, Mother," Kaelen replied, his eyes locked on the sprawling city below. "One strike. That's all I need."
