The soft rustle of leaves was the only sound as Aurelia and Valen darted through the Veiled Glade, moonlight barely piercing the thick canopy above.
Behind them, a sharp crack—like breaking glass—signaled the arrival of the pantheon's guardian, a towering figure cloaked in celestial armor, eyes burning with divine fury.
Guardian:"You will return, Aurelia. Your rebellion ends tonight."
Valen gripped Aurelia's hand tighter, pulling her through winding paths known only to a few.
Valen:"We can't outrun him forever."
Aurelia glanced back, her eyes flaring with raw power.
Aurelia:"Then we face him."
The guardian's voice boomed, shaking the very earth beneath their feet.
Guardian:"You defy the gods and the order they maintain. Surrender, or be destroyed."
Valen stepped forward, summoning a shimmering shield of divine energy.
Valen:"If it's a fight you want, then so be it."
Aurelia unleashed a blast of celestial light, momentarily blinding the guardian.
Using the opening, they sprinted toward a shimmering portal — the Veil Rift — their only chance at escape.
But the guardian recovered quickly, hurling a spear of pure energy that shattered the ground inches from their feet.
Guardian:"You cannot hide from destiny."
As they dove through the portal, the veil shimmered and closed behind them.
Breathless, Aurelia turned to Valen.
Aurelia:"This is only the beginning."