The Veil of Darkness
Chapter 371: The Veiled Gathering

Chapter 371: The Veiled Gathering

In a far land, hidden from the rest of the world ~

-

In the concealed valley, cloaked in shadows and shrouded in secrecy, a hooded figure stood at the edge of the imposing cliff. Standing behind him were twelve other hooded figures, known as his most trusted followers who had been with him for over ten thousand years.

Below the high cliff, the dark army, a formidable force amassed over centuries, awaited his command. As the wind whispered through the desolate landscape, the hooded figure spoke and his deep voice resonated with determination.

"We all have waited way too long for this day," he proclaimed, his words echoing across the rocky expanse. "Now, it’s finally our turn to snatch back what should have belonged to us."

The dark army erupted in a cacophony of cheers, a symphony of allegiance that reverberated through the hidden valley. The hooded figure, a charismatic leader with voice filled with conviction, continued to address his devoted followers.

"We have lived in secrecy and fear all this time, and now, we will fight to earn our freedom from those who have looked down upon us and our magic."

The horde below responded with a fervor that sent chills through the air. A sea of dark figures, united by a shared desire for supremacy, stood as one against the oppression they had endured for centuries.

"We failed to make darkness rule ten thousand years ago," the hooded figure confessed, his voice a low growl, "but we are stronger and much more powerful now. This time, we will make sure that darkness will win and take over this entire world. We will rule this world together!"

The declaration was met with an even more thunderous cheer, a collective roar that echoed in the hearts of those who yearned for a world where their magic could flourish without restraint. The hooded figure, satisfied with their response, clapped his hands once, and an immediate hush fell over the assembly.

One of the twelve hooded figures from behind approached, carrying a staff of pure obsidian crowned by a colossal red crystal. The air crackled with energy as their leader accepted the staff, holding it aloft for all to see. The dark army gazed upon the weapon, their collective breath held in anticipation.

"Our weapon is ready," he declared, his voice resonating with the power emanating from the staff. "No spell can keep us from setting free the trapped dark energy from the Seelie Realm, nor can they stop us from destroying the last strand of light energy hidden in the depths of that realm. Since they all are waiting for a war, we will not disappoint them. Let’s head out... to win the four realms."

The wind blew strongly and a powerful gust swept away his hood, revealing his face to the onlookers. He was just as good looking as any fae out there but what made him stood out were his brightly glowing purple eyes that made him look both enchanting and frightening.

Though he looked like someone in his late thirties, he was nearly fifteen thousand years old, the second oldest fae walking the land after Esmeray, the King of Darkness.

Under his command, the dark army moved as one, a tide of shadows surging through the hidden realm. The obsidian staff, pulsating with malevolent energy, guided their way as they traversed treacherous landscapes and ancient caverns.

As they neared the boundary that separated their clandestine world from the rest of the four realms, their leader raised the staff high, and a surge of dark magic enveloped the army. A smile covered his lips as he spoke, "Do they really think that we still need their portals to travel through the realms? How ridiculous of them!"

The air crackled with anticipation as a huge portal opened up in the thin air, creating a gateway between their hidden land and the Mortal Realm, while destroying the protective wards that were set around the place to keep it safe.

Without any hesitation, the dark army stepped through the veil, entering a realm unfamiliar with the shadows that now encroached upon it.

Villages and towns quivered in the wake of the advancing darkness. Fear and uncertainty spread like wildfire as the dark army, hooded and relentless, swept through the land.

"Master, it’s time for us to separate our ways." One of the twelve hooded figures spoke and on his command, a portion of the dark army followed him through the portal and they all disappeared.

Seven out of the remaining eleven hooded figures also left with their army and headed to different parts of the other realms and kingdoms, leaving four of the twelve hooded figures with the leader.

The five of them along with the remaining army, stepped through the portal and appeared outside the powerful wards surrounding the Seelie Realm.

"It’s time." Their leader announced before he raised the staff and placed it against the shimmering layers of wards.

The staff flashed bright red before it summoned all the dark energy that had been running free in the outside world after escaping from the Seelie Realm. The dark energy, along with the power of the staff, pushed at the spells of the wards, trying to break them down.

* * *

Inside the ruins of Seelie Court ~

-

Annalise and Esmeray had found there way through the underground passageway and into the clearing, when they both noticed the sudden crackling in the air right before a light tremble shook the Seelie Realm.

"What’s going on?" She questioned no one in particular but her gaze immediately looked at Esmeray for some sort of explanation. However, the King of Darkness looked just as puzzled in that moment as she was.

Esmeray closed his eyes and let his powers out to search for the reason behind the sudden disturbance. It took him barely half a minute before he opened his eyes and looked straight at Annalise with a grave expression covering his face.

"What is it?" Annalise’s voice came out way too soft and low but Esmeray heard her loud and clear. She didn’t like the look on his face as it told her something was not right.

"They are trying to break the wards."

That was all he said but these words were enough to fill Annalise’s heart with unrest. The enemy was so close.

"We need to hurry."

Esmeray nodded his head in agreement to her statement before he added - "But you will be the only one moving ahead from here. I’m leaving the task of finding my light in your hands, Annalise. Please don’t let me down."

Annalise wasn’t prepared for the sudden change in their plan as well as for the grave responsibility that had now fallen solely on her shoulders. "You are not coming along?"

Esmeray let out a sigh as he shook his head in denial. "Looking at the situation, I don’t think it will take them long to take down the wards. Since we haven’t brought any reinforcement with us, one of us need to be here to stop them."

Annalise stood there in silence as she tried to think of a better solution but she knew pretty well that Esmeray’s proposition was the best they could have at the moment.

"Please stay alive." She found herself saying and watched as a smile curved the corners of the King of Darkness’ lips. "Don’t worry. I’m not dying anytime soon. Just focus on finding the hidden light energy. Alright?"

Annalise nodded her head, accepting the responsibility with the determination of fulfilling it with every ounce of effort she could put int it. "I won’t give up. I will find it at any cost." She promised him, feeling that he needed to hear those words from her. But what happened next was the last thing she was expecting from the man.

Esmeray watched her in silence for a few moments before he suddenly stepped toward her and closed the little space between them. The next thing she knew, Annalise was pulled into a tight hug by the King of Darkness. A few second of utter shock passed before she finally found herself wrapping her arms around his shoulders to return the hug. She softly patted his back as if soothing a little kid.

Esmeray pulled away from the hug after a few moments but instead of stepping away immediately, he cupped her face with one of his hands and then placed a soft kiss on her forehead.

"I’m still unsure about what kind of bond or fate we share, Annalise. Though we both know that we aren’t mates, there’s no denying that there’s something special between us. So, I’m going to say this only once - no matter what, don’t put yourself in harm’s way."

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