CHAPTER 4: Shadows of the past
674 Words
The Veiled Realm buzzed around her, alive with soft lights that floated in the air like glowing fireflies. The buildings shimmered with energy, towers twisting impossibly, bridges of light stretching across the sky. May’s chest heaved, sweat running down her temples.
You need to focus,” Zayn said, his voice calm but firm. “Your perception alone won’t be enough. Anticipate. Control. Don’t just react.”
May groaned, dropping onto one knee. “I am trying! You think I like failing?”
Xander smirked, sparks of fire flickering around his palms. “It’s not about liking it. It’s about surviving it.”
K leaned against a marble column, arms crossed. “Control before speed. You’ll fall otherwise.”
Ze’s calm, watery eyes met hers. “The power is in your blood. Whether you use it wisely or recklessly… that’s your choice.”
May clenched her fists. “Fine. I’ll do it. Just… stop talking to me.”
Suddenly, a golden light flooded the courtyard, warm and commanding. Shadows recoiled instinctively, and the air seemed to thrum with authority.
“May the Third,” a deep, calm voice echoed.
She froze. The aura wasn’t threatening, but it owned the space — regal, commanding, impossible to ignore.
The Realm King appeared, stepping through the light like he was part of it. His robes shimmered faintly with energy, and his eyes were sharp, piercing, wise.
“You are the child of her,” he said, his gaze locking onto hers. “Your mother… was the Third Anchor of her time. Brave. Fierce. Determined. Her choices… shaped everything you see now.”
May’s breath caught. “My mother? Here? In this realm?”
The King raised a hand, and a glowing image shimmered in midair — the Old Five. Her mother stood among them, young, strong, and unafraid.
“Remember them,” the King said, his voice steady. “Their strength, their mistakes, their sacrifices. You carry their bloodline now. Honor it.”
May stared at the image. Her mother’s gaze seemed to reach across time and space — fierce, proud, alive. Something deep inside her stirred: pride, fear, and responsibility all at once.
The King’s expression softened, just slightly. “I cannot fight your battles for you. But I can guide you. Learn what you can from Oathbound. Learn what you can from Zayn. And above all… control yourself. One wrong move could doom many.”
May swallowed hard. I… I want to understand. I want to protect the people I care about
Zayn’s eyes flickered, a mix of approval and relief.
“Good,” he said quietly.
Then the King stepped back, blending into the golden light. His voice lingered in the air:
“The past is your inheritance… the future, your responsibility.”
With the King’s words echoing in her mind, May returned to training.
Zayn threw a metal rod into the air. Time seemed to stretch — she saw its arc slower than normal. Her hand shot out instinctively, catching it.
Not bad, Zayn said, his voice low but approving. “But control it. Use it. Don’t let it use you.”
Her arms shook, fatigue crawling through her body, but a spark of triumph flared. She could fight back. Not just run.
Xander finally nodded, smirked, tugging at his lips. “Not bad, hothead. You might actually survive this.”
K grunted. “Potential. Stop wasting it on attitude.”
Ze merely smiled faintly. “You will learn, Third Anchor. Time will show.”
As May caught her breath, she noticed shadows stirring at the edges of the courtyard — subtle, but deliberate.
Something was watching. Always watching. Always waiting.
Zayn’s voice came from behind her, low and tense. “The Realm King has shown you the past… but the future will test you in ways you cannot yet imagine.”
May clenched her fists, determination burning in her chest. She didn’t fully understand her powers yet. She didn’t fully understand the threats ahead.
But one thing was certain: she wasn’t running anymore.
- Writer
