Chapter 32: The Midnight Attack
The explosion shook the entire castle.
The windows trembled violently, and the distant sound of battle horns echoed through the night.
Liora stood up instantly.
"What was that?"
The Shadow King's expression hardened.
"...Enemy attack."
Before she could speak again, another explosion echoed from the eastern tower.
The castle guards rushed through the corridors.
"Emergency! Emergency!"
The Shadow King turned toward the door.
"Stay here."
But Liora grabbed his arm.
"I'm coming."
"...It's dangerous."
"I know."
Their eyes met.
He sighed quietly.
"...Stay close."
They rushed out together.
The castle corridors were filled with chaos.
Soldiers ran in every direction.
Outside, the sky glowed red from fire.
They reached the outer courtyard.
Liora gasped.
Dark creatures flooded inside the castle.
"They broke through the walls…"
Leon arrived moments later, sword already drawn.
"They used teleportation portals."
The Shadow King nodded.
"...Kael planned this."
Dark creatures attacked.
The battle began instantly.
Leon moved quickly.
His sword flashed silver.
Enemies fell.
Liora raised her light.
Golden wings appeared.
She attacked.
Light burst across the courtyard.
Creatures vanished instantly.
The Shadow King fought fiercely.
Dark blades cut through enemies.
The battle intensified.
Suddenly—
A powerful aura appeared.
The air froze.
Liora's heart pounded.
"...He's here."
A dark portal opened.
Kael stepped out slowly.
His golden eyes glowed coldly.
The Shadow King's voice turned icy.
"...Kael."
Leon narrowed his eyes.
"So he finally came himself."
Kael smiled faintly.
"Of course."
His gaze moved to Liora.
"And you…"
Her heart tightened.
He raised his hand.
Darkness gathered instantly.
Without warning—
He attacked.
A massive dark blade rushed forward.
The Shadow King blocked.
Shockwave blasted across the courtyard.
Walls cracked.
Soldiers fell back.
Kael attacked again.
Faster.
More violent.
The Shadow King blocked—
But slid back.
Liora clenched her hands.
He's stronger than before…
Leon attacked from the side.
His sword glowed silver.
Kael blocked easily.
"Too slow."
He pushed Leon back.
The battle intensified.
Liora stepped forward.
Her Light Seal glowed.
Golden wings appeared.
She attacked.
Light beam shot forward.
Kael blocked—
But stepped back slightly.
He smiled.
"Your power… is growing."
She didn't respond.
She attacked again.
Light exploded across the courtyard.
The battle reached another level.
Suddenly—
Kael disappeared.
He appeared behind Liora instantly.
She froze.
Too fast.
Before he struck—
The Shadow King appeared.
He blocked.
Darkness exploded.
The ground shattered.
Kael smirked.
"You always protect her."
He attacked again.
The Shadow King blocked.
But his aura flickered.
Unstable again.
Liora felt it.
No…
She raised her light.
Warm glow surrounded him.
His darkness stabilized slightly.
Kael noticed.
"So… you calm him."
He raised his hand.
Dark chains burst from the ground.
They wrapped around Liora.
She gasped.
"Liora!"
The Shadow King moved instantly.
But Kael blocked him.
"Stay."
Leon attacked.
Kael pushed him back.
The chains tightened.
Liora struggled.
Her Light Seal glowed.
She broke one chain.
But more formed.
Kael stepped closer.
"You'll come with me."
Her eyes widened.
"No…"
The Shadow King attacked violently.
Darkness exploded.
He broke through Kael's defense.
He cut the chains.
Liora fell forward.
He caught her.
Kael's eyes darkened slightly.
"You're becoming reckless."
The Shadow King didn't respond.
He attacked fiercely.
Dark blades rained down.
Kael blocked.
The courtyard trembled.
Leon joined again.
Three-way battle erupted.
Shockwaves spread.
The castle walls cracked.
Liora gathered her strength.
Her Light Seal glowed brighter.
Golden wings expanded.
She flew forward.
She attacked.
Light exploded across the battlefield.
Kael stepped back.
For the first time—
He looked serious.
"...Interesting."
The battle intensified.
Suddenly—
Kael raised both hands.
Dark storm formed.
The sky turned black.
Everyone froze.
"This ends now."
The storm rushed forward.
The Shadow King blocked.
But struggled.
Leon joined.
Still not enough.
Liora clenched her teeth.
She stepped forward.
Her Light Seal glowed violently.
Golden light exploded.
Her wings transformed.
Larger.
Brighter.
She raised her hand.
Light shield formed.
The storm collided.
The entire castle trembled.
Then—
The storm vanished.
Silence fell.
Everyone stared.
Kael looked at her quietly.
"...You're awakening."
But suddenly—
Her wings flickered.
Her body trembled.
She's reaching her limit…
She collapsed.
The Shadow King caught her instantly.
"Liora!"
Her breathing weakened.
"I'm… okay…"
Kael stepped forward.
"Perfect."
He raised his hand.
Dark blade formed.
Before he struck—
Silver light flashed.
Leon blocked.
"Not happening."
The Shadow King attacked again.
Kael stepped back.
He looked at Liora one last time.
"...Next time."
Dark portal opened.
He disappeared.
The creatures vanished.
Silence returned.
The courtyard lay destroyed.
Liora rested in his arms.
The Shadow King looked at her quietly.
"...You always risk yourself."
She smiled weakly.
"...Because… you're here."
His eyes softened slightly.
War—
Was getting closer to its climax.