Chapter 27 – Mistborn Assault
On the blackstone walls, Kaela crouched low, eyes locked on the treeline where the monsters massed—twisting things, all jagged limbs and hollow eyes, their forms rippling like nightmares dragged from old gods' dreams. Mist clung to their feet, thick and pulsing, as if the earth itself bled shadow.
Valtor stood tall beside her, blade drawn, his tail lashing once in warning. His breath was steady, but his eyes—those burning, warrior's eyes—never left the advancing horde.
"Positions!" he barked. His voice cut through the tightening air like a war drum. Below, soldiers scrambled into formation, shields lifted, eyes wide but unyielding.
Lilith stepped onto the battlements, her cloak sweeping around her like ink spilling across stone. Crimson eyes glittered with sharp calculation as she assessed the battlefield. One gloved hand rose, fingers tracing a sigil in the air—small, subtle, but alive with coiling magic.
"They're testing us," she said quietly, almost to herself. "Probing for weakness."
Valtor's jaw tightened. "Then let's show them none."
Kaela's ears flicked sharply. "There—left flank."
A group of creatures broke from the mist, faster than the rest—low to the ground, skittering like wolves with too many legs. Their eyes burned pale blue as they surged toward the wall.
Lilith's hand did not lower. Her voice remained cool, precise.
"Hold."
The creatures came closer—ten strides... five.