Chapter 97 The Hollow King's Gambit

Smoke curled through the battlefield like serpents, coiling around broken weapons and the bodies of the fallen. The scorched earth still glowed with residual heat where Aria had vanquished the corrupted flame beast. But despite the small victory, the atmosphere was thick with tension. Dominic held Aria close, shielding her from the still-pressing darkness. She leaned against him, her energy depleted, but her spirit unbroken. Behind them, the Citadel defenders regrouped, wounded but not defeated. The people had seen her—their Flamebearer—stand against a nightmare and survive.