One evening, an alarm sounded across the city. A massive rift had opened near the capital, larger than any they'd seen before. Shadows poured through, and the city was plunged into chaos. Kei and Teri led the defenses, fighting alongside the city guard, but the onslaught was relentless.

As the battle raged, Kei's mark began to glow. She felt a surge of power, but with it, an overwhelming darkness. She was nearly overtaken by it, her vision clouding until Teri reached her, grounding her with his strength.

Together, they pushed the dark creatures back, finally sealing the rift, but the toll on Aetheria was devastating. Many lives were lost, and the damage to the city was severe. The people's fear turned to anger, and suspicion toward Kei and Teri grew.