The Shadow Council chamber slowly returned to silence.
The glowing map of the seven realms faded away.
Kael stood in the center of the room, staring at the symbol on his hand.
"The fate of the realms," he muttered.
"No pressure."
Nyra walked beside him.
"The council is right about one thing."
Kael glanced at her.
"What's that?"
"You're not strong enough yet."
Kael sighed.
"Yeah, I figured that out when the giant shadow monster tried to crush me."
Nyra smiled slightly.
"That was only the beginning."
She motioned for him to follow her.
They left the council chamber and walked through the towering halls of the Shadow Palace.
Outside, the endless twilight sky stretched above the city.
Nyra led Kael to a large training arena made of black stone.
"This is where the warriors of the Shadow Realm train," she said.
Kael looked around.
"Looks intense."
Nyra turned toward him.
"If the Chaos Realm is preparing an invasion, you must learn to control your gates."
Kael raised his glowing hand.
"So… open portals better?"
"More than that," Nyra replied.
"You must learn to control where they lead."
She stepped back and drew her blade.
"Show me."
Kael focused on the symbol again.
Blue light spread across his palm.
The air twisted.
A portal slowly opened.
But this time it was unstable.
The edges flickered wildly.
Nyra shook her head.
"You're forcing it."
"Try again."
Kael took a deep breath.
He closed his eyes.
The symbol pulsed softly.
This time the portal formed smoothly.
Stable.
Perfect.
Nyra nodded.
"Good."
But suddenly the portal began changing.
Dark energy leaked from the gate.
Nyra's expression changed instantly.
"That's not the Shadow Realm…"
Kael stared into the portal.
A terrifying roar echoed from the other side.
Something massive was trying to cross through.
Nyra raised her blade.
"Close it!"
But it was already too late.
A monstrous claw pushed through the gate.