Shadows of Truth

Chapter 14: Shadows of Truth

Kaelin and Anara stood back-to-back, the air thick with tension as the shadows solidified. From the darkness emerged figures—twisted, humanoid forms with glowing red eyes and jagged limbs. The guardians of Everglen had multiplied, their silent approach both menacing and unrelenting.

“Let me guess,” Anara said, her voice dry despite the danger. “These aren’t here to wish us well.”

Kaelin tightened his grip on the shards, their warmth radiating through him. “We have to get back to Verrin.”

Anara nodded, spinning her daggers. “Then we better clear a path.”

The first shadow lunged, and Anara met it with deadly precision, her daggers slicing through its inky form. The creature dissolved into smoke, but two more replaced it, their claws slashing at the air.

Kaelin felt the shards pulse in his pouch, urging him to act. He drew one out, its light blazing to life in his hand. When the creatures advanced, he raised the shard instinctively, and a wave of energy erupted from it, scattering the shadows like leaves in a storm.

“Well, that’s handy,” Anara said, dispatching another creature. “Keep doing that.”

More shadows poured in, their movements faster and more coordinated. Kaelin raised the shard again, but this time the energy came slower, as if the shard were hesitating.

“I can’t keep this up!” Kaelin shouted.

“Then we fight our way out the old-fashioned way,” Anara replied, kicking a creature back before slashing it apart.

The two pressed forward, the path narrowing as the creatures surrounded them. Kaelin’s heart pounded, each breath heavy as he fought to keep up with Anara’s agility. Just when it seemed the shadows would overwhelm them, a familiar voice cut through the chaos.

“Get down!”

Kaelin and Anara dropped instinctively as a burst of fire roared overhead, consuming the creatures in a blinding blaze. When the flames died down, Verrin stood at the entrance, his sword glowing with an unnatural heat.

“About time,” Anara said, brushing ash from her tunic.

Verrin smirked, but his eyes were sharp. “This city isn’t going to let us leave quietly. Do you have the shard?”

Kaelin held up the pouch. “All three. Now what?”

“Now we get out of here,” Verrin said. “But there’s something you need to know first.”

Kaelin frowned. “What is it?”

Verrin hesitated, glancing at the swirling shadows that were already beginning to reform. “The shards aren’t just tools. They’re alive, in a way. They’re connected to the heart of Everglen—and to me.”

“To you?” Anara asked, stepping closer.

Verrin’s gaze hardened. “I was part of the group that first tried to harness their power. We thought we could control them, use them to rebuild what we’d lost. But the shards don’t work like that. They take as much as they give, and when we failed... the city turned on us.”

Kaelin’s stomach tightened. “You were one of the people who caused this?”

“Yes,” Verrin admitted, his voice grim. “But I survived. And I’ve spent every moment since trying to make it right. That’s why I need you, Kaelin. The shards chose you because you’re better than we were. You can succeed where we failed.”

Before Kaelin could respond, the shadows surged again, more furious than before.

“Whatever your feelings,” Verrin said, raising his sword, “you’ll have to sort them out later. Right now, we fight.”

Kaelin exchanged a quick glance with Anara, then drew the shards from his pouch. Their combined light pushed back the darkness, giving him strength.

“Let’s end this,” Kaelin said, his voice steady.

The three of them charged forward, the light of the shards blazing like a beacon as they fought their way out of Everglen.

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