Axel stepped out of the dark portal and into the grand hall of Midnight Castle, the swirling energy dissipating behind him as his boots landed firmly against the polished obsidian floor. The weight of his recent battles still clung to him, but there was no sign of exhaustion on his face. If anything, he looked invigorated, a sharp contrast to the war-weary expressions of the Council members and warriors around him.
The first to react was Tay. Standing near the war table, his arms crossed, he gave Axel a slow, satisfied grin. “Well done, Axel. I’m truly impressed.” His tone was light, but there was no mistaking the genuine approval in his voice.
Before Axel could respond, King Kai stepped forward, his expression unreadable at first. But then, without warning, he pulled Axel into a short b
