The Nightbound's informants reported that the Eclipsed Order had gathered their forces in an abandoned military compound just outside the city. It was the perfect staging ground for a large-scale attack, and Zara knew it was only a matter of time before they made their move. The Order wasn't just after the Shard anymore—they wanted to seize control of the entire city.
Zara and Helena gathered their forces, preparing for an all-out assault on the compound. It was a risky move, but they had no other choice. If they could strike the Order before they were fully prepared, they might stand a chance of stopping them.
As Zara stood on the rooftop overlooking the compound, her heart pounded with anticipation. This was it. The moment everything had been leading up to. She could feel the Shard pulsing inside her, its power surging as the battle drew closer.
Helena joined her on the rooftop, her expression grim but resolute. "Are you ready for this?"
Zara nodded. "I have to be."
"Remember what I told you," Helena said, her voice low. "Don't hold back. The Order won't."
Zara took a deep breath, focusing on the energy swirling inside her. She had trained for this. She had learned to control the Shard's power—at least, as much as anyone could. Now, it was time to put that control to the test.
The Nightbound moved into position, ready to launch the attack. Zara could see the Order's forces patrolling the compound below, unaware of the storm about to descend upon them.
"On my mark," Helena whispered, her eyes fixed on the target.
Zara's heart raced. The tension in the air was palpable, every second stretching out like an eternity. Then, with a single word, Helena gave the order.
"Now."
Zara leaped from the rooftop, her shadows wrapping around her like wings as she descended toward the compound. The Nightbound followed, moving with silent precision as they launched their assault.
The battle erupted in an instant. Explosions rocked the ground as the Nightbound clashed with the Order's forces. Zara moved through the chaos like a force of nature, her shadows lashing out at any enemy that crossed her path. She had stopped holding back, and the results were devastating.
But even as she fought, Zara could feel the Shard's power pushing her further, urging her to unleash more. It whispered in her mind, promising victory if she only let go, if she gave in to the full extent of its power.
For a brief, terrifying moment, Zara considered it.
But then she saw Helena, fighting beside her, and she remembered why she was here. This wasn't just about power. It was about stopping the Order, about protecting the people she cared about. And that meant staying in control.
With a roar, Zara unleashed a wave of darkness, scattering the Order's forces. But the battle was far from over.
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