Chapter 10

• Far from the Seekers' base, the Shadow Lord seethed in his lair—a desolate plane filled with jagged black spires and swirling mists. His form flickered, weakened from the battle at the Forge, but his rage burned brighter than ever.
• Before him knelt two figures, their outlines obscured by darkness. "The Forge may be repaired," the Shadow Lord growled, "but the phoenix remains vulnerable. Its light threatens everything we've built. It must be extinguished."
• One of the figures spoke, their voice smooth and cold. "The Nexus is fracturing further, my lord. We can use that to our advantage. The Seekers will be spread thin."