CHAPTER 7- SHADOWS IN THE SANCTUARY
311 Words
Darkness spilled from the shattered mirror like thick smoke, curling across the crystal floor of the Sanctuary.
Alora stepped back instinctively.
“Stay behind me,” Cael ordered.
The shadow twisted and grew taller until it formed the shape of a tall armored figure. Its body looked like living night, with burning red eyes and claws of black iron.
“A Shadow Warden,” Cael muttered.
The creature roared and lunged.
Cael lifted his hand and a shield of silver light exploded outward, blocking the attack. The impact shook the chamber and sent sparks of magic flying through the air.
“Alora!” Cael shouted. “You must help!”
“I—I don’t know how!”
“Trust your power!”
The Shadow Warden charged again. Its claws slammed against Cael’s shield, cracking the light barrier.
Alora’s heart raced. Fear filled her chest—but beneath it, the warmth of her magic stirred again.
She looked at the glowing mark on her palm.
Guide it, she told herself.
The warmth spread through her arms.
She raised her hand.
Light burst forward like a beam of dawn.
The Shadow Warden screamed as the light struck its chest. The creature staggered, its dark body tearing apart like smoke in strong wind.
With one final blast, the shadow exploded into black dust.
Silence returned to the Sanctuary.
Alora stared at her glowing hands, breathing hard.
“I… I did that.”
Cael looked at her with pride.
“Yes,” he said. “And you will do far greater things.”
But his smile faded as he looked at the shattered mirror.
“If Nyxara can send Shadow Wardens here… then nowhere is safe anymore.”
Alora swallowed.
“What do we do?”
Cael turned toward the sealed stone doors at the far end of the chamber.
“We leave.”
- Writer
