Chapter 12

• Back in the Shadow Lord's lair, the atmosphere was tense. His forces had returned empty-handed from an attempted ambush in the Ember Wastes, their failure fueling his growing rage.
• The Shadow Lord stood before a massive cauldron of swirling darkness, his red eyes burning as he addressed his lieutenants. "The phoenix is ascending. If it fully bonds with the Seeker, it will become unstoppable."
• One of the lieutenants, a gaunt figure with hollow eyes, stepped forward. "Then we strike before it's too late. The Seekers' base is vulnerable now. If we destroy their foundation, they will crumble."