CHAPTER 13: The Council of Shadows part 2
622 Words
The council had barely adjourned when the first reports came in: monsters had reached the villages faster than anyone had anticipated. The forest near Darkwood was alive with snarls and shadowed figures moving unnaturally.
Zayn stood on the balcony of the castle, watching the horizon, shadows flickering at his side. His jaw was tight, eyes sharp with focus. “They’re moving fast. We don’t have time to waste.”
He turned to the others. “Xander, K — take the southern village. Evacuate everyone safely to the capital. Don’t engage the monsters unless absolutely necessary.”
Xander nodded, flames flickering faintly around his fists. “Understood. We’ll move fast.”
K’s eyes glimmered, earth energy pulsing through him. “I’ll make sure no one is left behind.”
Zayn’s gaze shifted to Ze and May. “You two take the northern village. Protect the villagers, keep them moving. And May…” His voice softened slightly, but the edge of concern was still there. “…be careful.”
May met his eyes, her hands already glowing faintly with wind energy. “I know, Zayn. But you should be careful too. Don’t go charging into the third village alone.”
Zayn’s shadow flickered as he gave a sharp nod. “I can handle it. Now go. Move the people. I’ll intercept the others.”
The teams split instantly. May and Ze moved through the northern village, the streets eerily quiet except for the distant growls and the occasional screech of monsters.
May’s heart pounded, but she kept her focus. She could sense the villagers’ fear, their trembling steps, and she pushed herself to move faster, warding off shadows with gusts of wind that sent the smaller monsters staggering back.
Ze followed her, controlling streams of water and wind to shield families and children from harm. “Stay close!” he commanded, sending a wave of energy ahead to block an ambush.
Meanwhile, Zayn disappeared in a shadowy flash toward the third village. His eyes narrowed as he encountered a B-rank monster, towering over the rooftops, claws digging into the earth. Its roar shook the ground.
Zayn’s voice echoed in May’s mind, calm but tense: Keep her safe. Don’t let her take unnecessary risks.
May clenched her fists, wind energy swirling. “I’m not a child, Zayn. And I can handle myself!”
Ze gave her a sidelong glance but didn’t argue. “Just… don’t get too close to the big ones,” he warned.
In the northern village, May’s powers flared. She pushed shadows back, guiding villagers toward a hidden path to the capital. Children clung to their parents, trembling, but May’s presence steadied them.
From the distance, she saw Zayn’s shadow flash across the rooftops — heading toward the third village, moving with lethal precision. Her heart clenched, a mix of fear and admiration swelling.
“Be careful, Zayn!” she called out quietly, almost a whisper.
And Zayn, from across the battlefield, glanced back just long enough to nod once. I will. Now focus.
The monsters were relentless. Their eyes glowed red in the dark, their claws tearing through homes and barriers alike. But for the first time, May felt the weight of her Third Anchor blood. Her powers weren’t just raw energy anymore — they were instinctive, protective, tethered to the sacrifice of the Old Third.
She swung her wind energy, blocking a massive claw swipe. “This is my home too!” she shouted, guiding the last of the villagers toward safety.
And in the distance, Zayn’s battle cry echoed — a promise, a warning, and a vow all at once. The Realm was under attack, but the Old Five were standing. Together, they might just survive this first strike.
- Writer
