The silence after the First Shadow's containment was deafening.
Michael stood in the chamber beneath the community center, surrounded by the seven Shadow Stones, their glow casting long shadows across the ancient walls. The power that had radiated from them was now contained, a barrier that would hold for eternity. But Michael couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching him from the darkness.
He had been standing there for hours, his body exhausted, his mind racing. The battle was over. The First Shadow was contained. The continent was at peace. So why did he feel so uneasy?
"Michael."
He turned. Mira stood in the entrance of the chamber, her face pale, her eyes shadowed with worry. "You've been down here for hours. Everyone is looking for you."
"I needed to make sure," Mic
