SHADOW OF THE BLOODLINE: THE THIRD ANCHOR

CHAPTER 15: Into Darkwood

The eastern winds carried a chill as May, Zayn, and Ze left the capital. The villagers were already safe, evacuated to the castle, but the reports from scouts were worrying: monsters were moving deep within Darkwood Forest, stronger and more organized than anything the Realm had seen in decades.

The forest loomed ahead, dark and twisted. Shadows clung to every branch, and the faint pulse of Kaelthorn’s influence hummed through the air.

Suddenly, movement stirred between the trees. A B-rank monster lunged at them, claws aimed at May. She twisted, wind flaring from her hands, sending it crashing into a tree. Ze raised a water shield, sending smaller monsters flying back.

“Stay alert!” he shouted.

Then the earth trembled. From the heart of Darkwood, a massive A-rank monster emerged — jagged black scales gleaming faintly, eyes burning red. Its roar echoed through the forest.

Zayn stepped forward, shadows coiling around his arms like living snakes. “I’ll take it,” he said, calm and collected.

May’s hands flared. “Be careful!”

Zayn’s eyes flicked toward her briefly. I will. Focus on the smaller ones.

The A-rank lunged. Zayn moved like a shadow, faster than the eye could follow. His shadows struck like blades, wrapping the creature’s limbs, forcing it to stagger. Each movement was precise, lethal, restrained — yet terrifying.

May’s chest tightened as she glanced at Ze. “He’s… terrifying.”

Ze nodded gravely. “If he doesn’t hold back, May… he’s something else. Something you do not want to face.”

May swallowed hard, wind energy coiling around her fists. “I can’t let myself be afraid. Not now.”

Smaller B- and C-rank monsters tried to flank them. May spun, sending gusts of wind to deflect claws, while Ze’s water blasts swept through the shadows. They moved in perfect sync, protecting themselves and keeping the forest path clear.

Zayn’s shadow blades danced over the A-rank monster, cutting through its attacks, controlling its thrashes until finally it collapsed into the forest floor. He exhaled slowly, shadows retreating.

“It won’t stop here,” Zayn said, turning to May and Ze. “Darkwood is only the beginning.”

May met his gaze, heart racing. “You see why Ze warned me?”

Zayn’s shadow flickered, expression unreadable. “I know. Next time, we’ll be ready.”

The forest remained ominous, alive with Kaelthorn’s lingering influence. The fight for the Realm had truly begun, and May finally understood how powerful — and dangerous — Zayn really was.