Horde Falls, Alliance Feasts [Daily 10k, Please Subscribe]

The Alliance forces marched into the Temple of An'qiraj. Unlike the Horde's previous wild charges and thunderous assault, everything was orderly. Several of the bravest Paladins formed a shield wall and advanced slowly. Their armor shimmered with steady Holy Light in the temple's gloom, like a moving Steel Wall. They could guard against any sudden ambush.

Only a few Mages on the outer perimeter were surrounded by faint Arcane Light, ready to cast at any moment. The rest advanced warily.

The deeper they went, the heavier the atmosphere became. The air was thick with an inescapable stench of blood and the burnt smell of scorched carapace. The sight on the ground was unbearable.

Orc warriors' corpses lay everywhere. They had fallen in every imaginable fighting posture, some piled atop one another. Their green skin had been dyed dark brown by blood, while broken Battle Axes and spears littered the ground. Blood and unknown mucus splattered the walls, silently recounting the ferocity of the battle that had taken place here not long ago.

"May their souls rest in peace," a human Paladin prayed softly. Even though they belonged to opposing factions, such devotion to battle was enough to earn the respect of any warrior.

Jaina and Deren walked in the middle of the formation. Their expressions were both grim as they looked upon the Asura Field before them.

"They fought until the very end," Jaina said softly, her voice carrying a trace of respect and regret.

Deren nodded without speaking. He knew the Horde's bravery, but witnessing such tangible sacrifice still went beyond the realm of a game, bringing with it a heavy impact of reality.

"Pick up the pace. Don't let their sacrifice be in vain," he finally said.

The party soon reached the hall of the Twin Emperors. Just