đ© Storm on the Horizon
Days after Echo Glen's liberation, a dark cloud gatheredânot just in the sky, but in the hearts of Artemis's group.
The Rift-anomalists were not isolated zealots. Reports flooded in: villages falling under strange influences, ritual sites multiplying, and whispers of a leader known only as The Hollow Kingâa figure cloaked in shadow and Rift-corruption.
âïž Internal Struggles
Back at the Sanctuary, friction grew.
Nova's impatience festered:
"We wait too long. We should strike, crush their roots before they spread further."
Elara argued for caution:
"Rushing risks more innocent lives lost or corrupted."
Artemis struggled to balance the fire in Nova with Elara's steady caution. The bond pulsing in her wrist achedâthe group's unity felt strained.
đ„ Sabotage from Within
Late one night, Kael discovered damage near the Beacon Shard altarâglyphs etched hastily, power pulses interfering with the Sanctuary's heart.
"This isn't random," he said grimly. "Someone here is helping them."
Trust wavered.
đ”ïžââïž Seeking the Traitor
Artemis convened a quiet council:
"We root out the fracture before it breaks us."
Each member was watched closely. Old wounds surfacedâpast mistakes, whispered doubts.
Mira, the young trainee, stayed silent, eyes distant.
đ„ An Ambush
Before the next dawn, Rift-anomalist forces struck.
The Sanctuary's outer defenses blazed as dark creatures surgedâtwisted shadows and corrupted beasts with glowing Rift markings.
Artemis transformed mid-battle, claws extended, glowing with Beacon energy.
Elara called out tactical commands, while Nova fought fiercely, guarding the rear.
đ€« The Traitor Revealed
Amidst the chaos, Mira was caught trying to sabotage a defense panelâher eyes glazed.
Artemis confronted her:
"Why?"
Tears streamed as Mira whispered,
"They promised a new world⊠I wanted to believe."
Elara took her in, voice firm but kind,
"We'll heal that doubt. Together."
đ Rallying Light
With Mira's help, the Sanctuary sealed its breaches.
The traitor was forgivenânot forgotten.
Artemis stood among her allies, resolve hardening.
"This war tests more than strength. It tests our hearts. We will not break."
The Beacon pulsed fiercelyâits light a promise and a warning.