Everything grows bright, until I wake up, jolting upright in a bed. My heart races for a moment, disoriented, before I realize I'm no longer in the temple. I'm in a bedroom. I take a few deep breaths, letting the tension in my body slowly fade as I look around. It takes me a moment to truly believe it—this is real. I'm not in Ryu's head anymore.

The room is warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the dark chamber we had just escaped. The walls are adorned with tapestries depicting serene landscapes, their colors soft and calming. Golden light filters through a large window, casting a gentle, soothing glow across the room. The bed I'm in is large, the quilted blanket rich and soft against my skin. It feels like I haven't experienced this kind of comfort in forever.

As I sit up, something catches my eye. In the corner, standing tall in his knightly armor, is Apollo. His armor gleams even in the dim light, the intricate interlocking plates polished and ornate. Engravings swirl across the surface, each line meticulously crafted, giving the armor an elegant yet imposing look. A flowing red sash drapes over one shoulder, adding a regal touch to his already noble appearance. His helmet covers his entire head, enhancing his formidable presence.

Relief washes over me, stronger than I expect. It felt like an eternity since I last saw him—since I last spoke to him. I smile, the weight of everything that's happened still lingering but finally easing a little.

"I'm so glad to see you, Apollo," I say, my voice filled with genuine warmth.

Apollo, true to form, simply nods in response, his helmeted head tilting slightly. I can't help but chuckle softly at his silent, stoic acknowledgment. It's just so... him.

Beside the bed stands Llamiryl, a warm smile on her face. Her presence is calming, her serene expression a balm to my frayed nerves. The comforting scent of lavender and fresh linens fills the room, enhancing the sense of peace.

But despite the calm atmosphere, my mind races. "Did we succeed? Where's Nikko? How long were we out? Where is Ryu? Is he okay?" The questions spill out of me in a rush, one after another, my heart pounding with a mixture of anxiety and hope.

Llamiryl remains completely calm, her smile never fading. She raises a hand gently, making a simple gesture to stop my barrage of questions. "Yes, we did," she says softly, her voice like a soothing lull in the storm of my thoughts. "But you need to calm yourself. We were in Ryu's mind for six days and you, Talia, have been unconscious for another three days."

Her words hit me like a wave, and I suddenly realize just how exhausted I am. I blink, my shoulders slumping slightly as the weight of everything sinks in. The gravity of her words sinks in, and I ask, "How are Nikko and Ryu? Where are they?"

Llamiryl remains calm. "Nikko is downstairs eating, and Ryu... he left."

"Left?" I echo, my voice tinged with concern.

"Left as in headed into town," Llamiryl clarifies.

Apollo steps forward. "Ryu is getting supplies and seeking information on the Shadowfell. Lindórinan possesses a grand library. That is where Ryu went."

Relief washes over me, but I still try to get up again, struggling against the weakness. Just then, Elandor steps into the room, carrying a tray with a cup, a pitcher of water, a bowl of stew, and a small loaf of bread. He gently places the tray at the foot of the bed.

"You're finally awake," he says with a warm smile. "You must be starving."

I nod, scooting closer to the tray, immediately digging into the food. The warmth of the meal fills me with some much-needed comfort. Apollo and Llamiryl step toward the door, preparing to leave. As Llamiryl turns, she glances back, her expression calm.

"I'm needed at the temple, but if you need any help, I'd be glad to provide it," she says.

Before she can leave, I stop her, my voice soft but filled with sincerity. "Llamiryl, wait. I just... I want to thank you for everything. And... I hope you can keep what you saw a secret. I don't think Ryu wants to reveal who he truly is."

Llamiryl pauses, then smiles warmly. "Rest assured, I have no intentions of revealing anything of what I saw. Though I am still reeling from what we have witnessed." Her eyes soften as she continues, "Ryu has made it perfectly clear that he wants me to keep it a secret, and I intend to do so."

I feel a wave of relief wash over me. Llamiryl gives me a kind look before adding, "I'm glad I was able to help, but I only did so much. It was you who saved Ryu, Talia."

Her words sink in, and I feel the weight of their truth. Before I can respond, Llamiryl gives me one final smile and slips out of the room, leaving me to my thoughts.

Elandor lingers for a moment. "I'll be downstairs if you need anything."

Once alone, I realize just how hungry and thirsty I am. I devour the stew, tearing up chunks of bread and wolfing them down, drinking straight from the pitcher. In minutes, the meal and water are gone. My thoughts turn to Nikko, wondering if she is okay. Driven by concern, I quickly change into my clothes and armor, clipping on the sheathed short swords and placing the collapsed bow into a large pouch. I clip my pouch of holding onto my belt along with my larger pouch and head downstairs.

As I descend, I spot Nikko sitting by the dining table, enjoying a bowl of stew. She's wearing a green jacket with multiple pockets and brown straps over white trousers, her cat ears twitching with delight, and her tail swaying happily behind her. Apollo stands by the door, arms crossed. Elandor sets down a tray with a teapot and teacups.

Nikko sees me and rushes over, embracing me tightly. "You're finally awake!" she exclaims.

"Finally?" I ask, returning her hug. "Nikko, how long have you been awake?"

"Since we left Papa's mind," she replies. She pauses for a moment, watching me with curious eyes. Then she places grips my hand. "Don't worry, Talia, Papa is still here. He left this morning to do some research." Her words are soothing, but I find it odd she was able to sense my concern for Ryu.

We sit down by the dining table, Elandor pouring tea for everyone. I'm relieved to see Nikko in such a good mood as she continues eating her stew.

"Thank you for looking out for her, Elandor," I say sincerely.

He nods, a hint of a smile on his lips. "It's no trouble at all. She's a delightful child."

Nikko's ears perk up, and she smiles at Elandor before turning her attention back to her stew.

I take a sip of the tea, feeling the warmth spread through me. "I can't believe how long I was out."

"You needed the rest," Elandor says. "Your body went through a lot."

Nikko looks up at me, her eyes bright. "I'm just glad you're awake now. We've missed you."

"I've missed you too, Nikko," I say, ruffling her hair. "And I'm glad to see you're doing well."

She nods enthusiastically. "Papa said he'll be back soon with everything we need."

I smile, feeling a sense of normalcy returning. "That's good to hear."

We continue to drink our tea in a comfortable silence, the peaceful atmosphere a stark contrast to the chaos we had recently endured.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The door opens, and Ryu steps in, his presence commanding as always. He is clad in his usual gear: a black hood shrouding his face in shadows, leather armor over his chest plate, gloves, boots, and his sword sheathed on his back. The hilt of his lightsaber dangles from his belt, adding to his enigmatic appearance.

I immediately get up, unable to contain my joy, and embrace him tightly. The sudden movement surprises him, but he hugs me back, murmuring, "I'm happy to see you too." 

Realizing what I'm doing, I feel my cheeks flush, and I step back, feeling a bit embarrassed.

Nikko rushes over and hugs her father, her tail swishing back and forth with excitement. Elandor, ever the gracious host, pours Ryu a cup of tea and asks, "Were you able to find anything?"

Ryu sits down, accepting the tea with a nod. "Nothing that I haven't already read in the library in Arroyo," he says, a hint of frustration in his voice. Nikko scoots her chair close to him, and he begins to pat her head. She purrs softly, her tail swishing even more.

"It's odd how there is so little on the Shadowfell," Apollo points out, crossing his arms. "It's almost as if any records of the Shadowfell were erased."

"I think so too," Ryu agrees, sipping his tea. He turns to me, his hidden eyes somehow conveying concern. "How are you? You had me quite worried there. I thought for a moment you would never wake up."

I give Ryu a reassuring smile, feeling my heart flutter in my chest. "I'm fine. A bit worn down, but otherwise fine," I say, my cheeks warming again. His concern for me sends my heart racing a little faster, and I can feel the heat rising in my face.

"I'm relieved to hear that," Ryu says, and the warmth in his voice makes me blush a little more.

But then the lightness fades as a thought presses on my mind. "The Shadowfell has been destroyed, hasn't it?" I ask, my voice tinged with hope, almost pleading for reassurance.

Ryu's expression darkens, and my heart sinks. He shakes his head slowly, his voice serious. "I thought so too, but I only destroyed a part of it. The Shadowfell is still out there, and we have to alert the king."

The revelation hits me like a punch to the gut. My stomach tightens, and my mind races. That was just a small part of the Shadowfell? The thought overwhelms me for a moment, and a deep unease settles in my chest. How powerful is it really? I feel a flicker of dread—it's not over yet, and there's more darkness ahead.

Ryu turns to Elandor, who has been quietly standing nearby, sensing the tension. "I understand this is your home, but could you..." Ryu begins, his tone respectful but edged with a hint of urgency.

Elandor raises his hand, cutting him off gently. "I understand. I'll give you some space," he says, disappearing into another room, leaving the four of us alone.

Ryu sits across from me, and I can feel my heart pounding in my chest again, this time from uncertainty. I'm not sure what's coming, but the way Ryu sits, the seriousness in his posture, makes me nervous. What's going on?

He takes a moment, his gaze shifting between Nikko and me before he begins. "I just want to take a moment," he says, his voice steady but laced with a hint of vulnerability. "I put you in serious danger. Not just you, but you as well, Nikko," he adds, turning to Nikko with a soft, regretful expression.

Nikko's ears twitch slightly, her eyes widening as she listens. 

"You risked everything to save me, and I can't even really formulate how much that means to me." His words hang in the air, heavy with emotion.

I open my mouth to respond, but before I can speak, Ryu holds up his hand, stopping me. "Please, let me finish," he says gently.

I nod slightly, feeling my worry grow. Where is this going?

Ryu's voice softens, almost hesitant. "I tried to bury my past, and you know of which part I speak." His gaze turns to me, and I nod again, understanding. When he was a cold, merciless killer under the control of that Sith lord... I put the pieces together, my heart aching for him.

"It has haunted me my entire life," Ryu continues, his voice tinged with guilt. "I didn't even tell Lyra about it. It's not who I am anymore..." There's a hint of concern in his tone, and I can sense the weight of his past pressing down on him, the burden he's carried for so long.

Nikko watches him closely, her innocent eyes trying to make sense of it all, her small hand gripping Apollo's arm for comfort.

"What I'm trying to say is," Ryu begins again, his voice tight with uncertainty, "I understand if either of you feel that it's too dangerous to accompany me... or if you fear me because of my past."

His face is concealed in shadow, but I can feel his nervousness. He must be just as anxious, if not more so, than I am at this moment. I glance down at his hand, resting tensely on the table, and without thinking, I place my hand on his, giving it a gentle squeeze.

"Ryu, we're not going anywhere," I say softly, my voice filled with reassurance. I look up at him, meeting his gaze as a comforting smile spreads across my face. "I'm not afraid of you."

He remains still, as if he didn't expect those words but I know there's more I need to say.

I take a deep breath. "Though... what I saw, what you've been through—it will always disturb me. But..." I pause for a moment, gathering my thoughts, "I can wholeheartedly say that you are not the person you once were. You've changed, and you've fought so hard to become who you are now. I trust you, Ryu."

Nikko, sitting nearby, chimes in with a determined nod, her tail flicking in agreement. "I'm not scared either, Papa," she says softly, her eyes filled with innocence and love. Nikko then gets up, approaches Ryu, and hugs him tightly. "I'm not afraid of you, Papa. You're not that same person anymore. I love you and would never want you to leave."

Ryu hugs her back, his eyes softening. "I love you too, Nikko. Very, very much."

Ryu looks at us, his gaze flicking between mine and Nikko's. I can feel the tension in him start to dissolve, the weight of his past slowly lifting. He gently squeezes my hand in return, his grip firm but filled with gratitude.

"Thank you," he says, his voice thick with emotion, but steady. It's a simple phrase, but the depth behind it is overwhelming. He doesn't need to say more—the thankfulness, the relief, the acceptance.

Then the door Elandor has passed through opens and he steps into the room, carrying a large burlap sack. "I took the liberty of providing you with provisions for your journey. Amongst the provisions, I have also included herbs to help your mind focus, in case the Shadowfell's influence is still within you," he explains.

Apollo approaches the sack and easily picks it up, along with its shield and spear which is leaning by the door. Ryu stands up and stretches out a hand to Elandor. "I can't thank you enough for everything you have done. You have my gratitude," Ryu says sincerely.

Elandor smiles warmly and shakes Ryu's hand. "Of course. You all are always welcome here."

Nikko and I get up too, and we all head towards the door. As we leave, Ryu tells Elandor, "Please send Llamiryl my regards."

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

Elandor nods and wishes us a safe journey. With that, we step out, ready to face whatever challenges lie ahead. Far away from the village and deep in the forest, we finally reach Ryu's speeder bike. DP-7, upon spotting us, flies towards us, beeping in an excited flurry. The droid circles around Ryu, who watches it with a mixture of amusement and affection.

"Yes, I'm fine, DP-7. No, I am not sick anymore," Ryu assures the droid, which then buzzes over to me and Nikko, beeping heavily. Although I can't understand its exact words, the tone is unmistakable—relief and joy.

"I'm fine, DP-7. It's good to see you too," I tell it, smiling as the droid circles me. Nikko giggles when DP-7 orbits around her, her laughter a sweet, innocent sound amidst all our worries.

When DP-7 circles Apollo, he speaks in his usual monotone. "I am functioning optimally, DP-7."

We prepare to leave. Apollo and Nikko sit in the wagon, Nikko perched on Apollo's lap, her tiny hands gripping his armor and I step into the sidecar, my nerves making my hands tremble as I hold onto the edge. DP-7 lands on Ryu's shoulder as he turns on the speeder. It hums loudly, vibrating as it begins to hover above the ground.

As we take off, I grip the sidecar tightly, my stomach churning as we zip through the forest. Nikko's cheerful cheers fill the air, her excitement a stark contrast to my fear. How can she be enjoying this? I wonder, my fear mounting with each passing second.

As we head out, the desolation of Eldoria becomes impossible to ignore, and it hits me like a punch to the gut. Nikko stops cheering, her usual excitement fading as the grim landscape stretches before us. The fields, once full of life, are now dying—crops withering, their brittle, brown stalks barely standing. Dead livestock litter the ground, their bodies swollen and decayed, while buzzards circle above, feasting on the carcasses.

A foul stench clings to the air, thick and rancid, and even breathing feels like a challenge. Smoke rises in the distance, dark and ominous, marking where fires rage near the villages. My stomach churns as we pass one of them—a place that might have been bustling with life once, but now...

I catch a glimpse of something that shocks me to my core. Villagers are killing their livestock, cows, goats, chickens, all being slaughtered with grim efficiency. Their bodies are gathered and piled up to burn. The flames lick at the edges of the livestock heap, sending thick black smoke spiraling into the sky. Even the villagers look broken, their faces hollow as they set the fires, the desperation in their eyes clear.

A little further down the road, we pass a village that's already been burned down to nothing but blackened ruins. The smell of smoke and charred wood hangs heavy in the air, and the devastation is complete. Nothing stirs—not even the animals that once roamed here. The barren land is suffocating, every step through it a reminder of the destruction that has swept across the kingdom.

"This must have happened all over Eldoria," Ryu says, his voice heavy with concern as we set up camp for the night.

My heart aches at the sight of so much suffering. "How could so much happen in just nine days?" I wonder aloud, my voice trembling with fear.

"The Shadowfell's influence is spreading quickly," Ryu replies, his expression grim.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We set up camp under the cover of twilight, the dim light casting eerie shadows around us. As the fire crackled, we huddled close, its flickering light casting eerie shadows around us. The air is heavy, still thick with the memory of everything we've seen—the dying fields, the burnt villages. Ryu hands out dried meat and bread, his movements slow and deliberate, and I take mine without much thought. Nikko sits beside me, nibbling on her bread, but her ears droop sadly. The usual sparkle in her eyes is gone.

How can this all have happened in just nine days? I wonder, my heart sinking. How can the Shadowfell cause so much despair so quickly?

I can't even bring myself to eat. My hands are trembling as I set the bread and meat down beside me. I don't have the appetite for it. "How could this happen so fast?" I ask, my voice shaky, barely more than a whisper.

Ryu, his face hidden beneath the shadow of his hood, nibbles on his bread, his expression unreadable. But I can sense the heartbreak in him too. "The Shadowfell wasted no time," he says, his voice low, filled with a heaviness that makes my chest tighten.

We sit in silence for a moment, the fire popping and hissing between us. The despair hangs thick, and I can't help but feel hopeless.

"What can we do?" I finally ask, my voice faltering. It's not just a question—it's a plea. I feel lost, and the weight of it all presses down on me, making it hard to breathe.

Ryu sighs deeply, the sound so tired, so filled with regret. "When the Republic fell," he begins quietly, "I hid." His words feel like a confession, and I can sense the years of guilt behind them. "I felt lost... alone. The Inquisitors were sent out to hunt the remaining Jedi. Some tried to fight, but they were put down quickly. People saw us as villains, just like Palpatine wanted."

He pauses, staring into the fire. I can tell he's deep in thought, remembering the pain of that time. "I didn't fight. I thought maybe if I waited, if I bided my time, I could come up with a plan. Maybe rally people together, start some kind of resistance." He sighs again, shaking his head. "But I didn't. I let the darkness spread."

"Ryu..." I start, wanting to comfort him, to say something, but he raises his hand, stopping me.

"No more," he says, his voice firmer now. He turns to look at me and Nikko, his eyes catching the light of the fire, and for a moment, I see the determination burning there. "I will not hide anymore. I am done running."

His words send a ripple through me, and I realize something in him has shifted. This is no longer the man who carried the weight of his past in silence. He's made a decision—a vow.

The fire crackles between us, and for the first time since we set out, I feel a flicker of hope.

Ryu sighs, his gaze still fixed on the fire. "But I don't know much about the Shadowfell," he admits, his voice carrying a sense of frustration. "The libraries in Lindórinan and Arroyo had little information. It reads more like a fairy tale than the bringer of such great calamity." He pauses, the weight of it evident in his tone.

As he speaks, a memory suddenly clicks in my mind. "Lady Kyra had a book on the Shadowfell," I blurt out, surprising even myself.

Ryu turns his head, his brow furrowing beneath his hood. "Lady Kyra?" he asks, curiosity evident in his voice.

"The guild master of the Arroyo Adventurers Guild," I explain. "She showed it to me when I told her about the Shadowfell."

Ryu's expression shifts slightly, as if he's processing the new information. "And you're certain of this?" he asks, his voice careful.

I nod. "Yes. She showed me that very book. There was a picture of the Shadowfell too."

Ryu is silent for a moment, his head dipping slightly as if he's deep in thought. Then he nods slowly. "Then to her we will go. Maybe her book contains a more detailed account of the Shadowfell's role in the great calamity."

A small flicker of hope stirs within me, but it's faint—fragile. I glance at Ryu, his expression unreadable under the shadow of his hood. "Are you okay?" I ask softly.

He looks over at me, his eyes reflecting the firelight, and for a moment, he doesn't respond. Then he lets out a soft sigh. "I feel better," he says, his voice quieter now. "I still miss her, but it's not as painful anymore."

Nikko, who has been listening silently, approaches Ryu and sits beside him. He reaches out and softly pets her head, the gesture tender and protective. "Listen," he says, his voice steady but tinged with concern. "I will do everything in my power to keep you both from harm, but... it might become gruesome. The dangers we'll face—" He pauses for a moment, his gaze shifting between Nikko and me. "I'd rather you both not be involved in what's to come."

A spark of annoyance rises in me. "But Ryu—" I begin, but he gently raises a hand, cutting me off.

"I know," he says, his tone soft but firm. "I know you'll come with me no matter what I say." There's a touch of resignation in his voice, but also understanding. "I just want you to be prepared for what we'll face."

He shifts slightly, glancing up at the sky. "We should arrive in Arroyo by midday tomorrow." His voice grows serious. "Given that the Shadowfell cannot be harmed by conventional weapons, I want both of you to carry these."

Ryu reaches into his pouch of holding, his hand disappearing into the small space before he pulls out two sleek blasters.

The first one he hands to me is a strange but compact weapon. It's smaller than the blaster he wields, with a dark, sturdy metal frame. The muzzle tapers off at the front, while the body of the blaster is lined with delicate etchings and grooves that seem both decorative and functional. It's heavier than I expect, its weight solid in my hand. The grip is textured with a crosshatch pattern, making it easy to hold onto, and the edges of the blaster are smooth yet durable. There's a gleam of well-used metal on its surface, and the barrel looks like it could pack a powerful shot. I can't help but glance at Ryu, reminded of how effortlessly he wielded this kind of weapon in his memories. Nikko watches, wide-eyed, as I inspect it, her curiosity barely contained.

Next, Ryu hands Nikko a smaller blaster. It's more compact, but no less intimidating. The black casing is angular and functional, with a small barrel and a design that looks suited for quick draws. It fits perfectly in her small hands, the design clearly made for someone looking for a quick, powerful shot. Though smaller than the one I'm holding, there's no mistaking the lethality behind this weapon. Nikko holds it carefully, her ears twitching as she examines the sleek black grip, her tiny fingers curling around it. The blaster feels light but solid, and I remember how deadly such weapons were in Ryu's memories. They're nothing to take lightly.

Ryu pulls out his own blaster, and I watch carefully as he holds it up, resting the barrel on the palm of his hand. His movements are calm and deliberate, his face partially obscured by the firelight. I follow his gaze as he points to a small mechanism near the curve of the handle.

"This is the trigger," he says, his tone slightly more serious than usual. I focus on the small lever he's pointing to. It reminds me of a crossbow's release, but it's smaller, more delicate. Ryu continues, his voice firm but patient. "If you pull it, the blaster fires. But it doesn't require much force, so only have your finger on it if you intend to use it."

I nod, absorbing his words. My mind flashes back to the images from his memories, the terrible devastation these weapons can cause. I hold the blaster more carefully now, keeping my fingers away from that 'trigger'. Ryu's tone holds a warning, and it makes me feel the weight of the weapon's power even more.

He glances over at Nikko, whose wide eyes are fixated on the blaster in her small hands. "Do you understand, Nikko?" he asks softly.

Nikko nods, her fingers gripping the blaster's handle just like Ryu showed her. "I understand, Papa," she says, her voice soft but steady. Her ears twitch slightly as she adjusts her grip, clearly taking the lesson to heart.

Ryu looks back at me, and I nod as well, understanding the gravity of the situation. I've seen enough of what these weapons can do in Ryu's memories to know they should only be used as a last resort.

"When we have the time, I'll teach you both how to use them properly," Ryu adds, his gaze serious but caring. "But for now, consider these weapons a last resort."

He reaches into his pouch of holding again and pulls out two sleek items. At first, I'm not sure what they are, but then I realize they're like sheaths—perfectly sized for the weapons we're holding. He hands me the slightly larger one and shows me how to attach it to my belt, just like I would with my sword.

"This is a holster," Ryu explains, watching closely as I adjust it. "This is where the blaster will be kept at all times."

I nod, feeling the weight of the holster as I fasten it around my waist. Nikko watches intently as Ryu kneels down beside her, carefully attaching her smaller holster to her belt. Once he's done, she places the blaster inside it, just like he instructed.

The motion feels strange—unnatural. A blaster. I've seen so much death by these weapons, especially in the Jedi Temple. And now, I carry one. The thought makes my stomach twist, but I give Ryu a nod of thanks. This is necessary... I just have to remind myself of that.

"Get some sleep," Ryu says, his voice softening as he stands up. "We have a long day ahead of us."

I glance up at him, the weight of the day's events pressing down on me. "And what will you do?" I ask quietly, hoping maybe he'll rest too.

"Monitor the kingdom," he replies, his voice firm but distant.

I want to tell him to get some sleep as well, to rest his weary mind, but I know him too well. Once Ryu sets his mind to something, there's no changing it. I nod instead, knowing it's futile to argue. With Nikko at my side, I step into the tent, feeling the cool air shift as I leave the warmth of the fire.

Before I lie down, I glance back at Ryu. He's already activated the small hologram emitter on his left glove. A soft blue light flickers into existence, casting a faint glow around him. I watch for a moment longer, his figure slightly hunched over as he studies the projection. His burden is heavy, and I feel a pang of sympathy. But I know Ryu—he'll push through it.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

I settle down beside Nikko, who curls up next to me, her small frame fitting perfectly into the space at my side. Her breathing slows, and I can tell she's already drifting into sleep. But for me... sleep doesn't come so easily.

I stare up at the ceiling of the tent, my mind racing with thoughts of the day—the desolation we've seen, the weight of the blaster on my belt, Ryu's quiet determination. The fire outside crackles softly, but the night feels colder than it should. My thoughts wander, and all I can do is lie there, staring into the darkness. I close my eyes, trying at least to get some amount of sleep.

When I open my eyes, I find myself back in that chamber—the cold, dark temple where we faced the Shadowfell. But something is wrong. I stand alone. Llamiryl and Nikko aren't here, and a deep sense of unease settles in my chest. The chamber feels suffocating, the air thick with malice. My eyes dart across the room until they land on the Shadowfell, hovering ominously near the throne. His form, still formless and twisted, exudes that familiar sense of dread. But this time, beside him stands Ryu.

He looks different. My heart sinks as I take in the sight of him. His figure is cloaked in shadow, almost as if the darkness has consumed him completely. His face is pale, his features hardened and devoid of any emotion. His once warm, familiar presence has been replaced with something cold—something terrifying.

The Shadowfell cackles, a sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "You think you've won?" its voice echoes, bouncing off the chamber walls, making the room feel even more claustrophobic. "Ryu is mine, and nothing has changed."

I try to speak, but my throat feels tight, fear paralyzing me. Ryu slowly opens his eyes, and a shock of terror ripples through me as I see his irises glowing orange—the same terrible hue they had when he thought Lyra was dead in Majel's chamber. Those eyes... they hold no warmth, no recognition. Just darkness.

I watch helplessly as Ryu ignites his lightsaber, the blade casting a cold, yellow light across the chamber. The hum of the weapon feels like a threat in itself. My heart pounds in my chest as I instinctively reach for my weapon, but my fingers grasp at nothing. My bow isn't there, and neither are my short swords. I'm defenseless.

"Ryu, please!" I call out, my voice trembling with desperation. But he doesn't respond. He takes a step forward, his glowing eyes locked on me, and my stomach twists in panic. His face remains cold, expressionless, utterly lacking any of the kindness I've always known. There's nothing in those eyes anymore but the hollow echo of the Shadowfell's influence.

I take a step back as he approaches, my legs shaking beneath me. "Ryu, fight it!" I plead, my voice cracking. "Please, don't do this!"

But he keeps coming. His steps are measured, deliberate, like he's already made up his mind. I see him raise his hand, and before I can react, I'm lifted off the ground, an invisible force tightening around my neck. I gasp, my hands flying to my throat, trying to pull away from the pressure, but there's nothing to grasp. I'm choking, suspended in the air, helpless.

"Please..." I manage to gasp out, my vision swimming as the hold around my neck tightens. "Don't..."

Ryu steps closer, his lightsaber glowing ominously beside him. His face remains cold, his expression blank. He doesn't stop. My lungs burn, my chest tightens, and I can barely see through the tears that well up in my eyes. This can't be real. I can't believe this is happening.

I watch in horror as he raises his lightsaber, the blade poised to strike. My heart pounds, and I want to scream, but I can't. Everything feels like it's happening in slow motion as the lightsaber comes down toward me.

Just as the blade is about to cut through me, I jolt awake.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

My chest heaves as I gasp for breath, my heart racing, sweat covering my brow. I look around, my eyes wild and unfocused at first, until I realize where I am. I'm back in the tent. It was a dream—a nightmare.

Beside me, Nikko lies curled up, her small form nestled close, her ears twitching slightly in her sleep. She's gently purring, her breathing slow and steady, completely unaware of the terror that just consumed me.

I turn my head slightly and see Ryu lying next to Nikko, his form still, his face calm in the dim light. The fire outside the tent has long since died, leaving nothing but faint embers glowing softly. The only light comes from the moon, peeking through the thick branches and leaves of the trees above, casting long, eerie shadows across the tent.

I sit up slowly, still catching my breath, my body trembling from the intensity of the nightmare. The cold, damp air of the night does little to calm my nerves, and I feel the weight of the dream pressing heavily on my chest. I glance over at Ryu's calm face and the contrast between him now and the dark figure in my dream is jarring.

I take a few deep breaths, trying to calm the erratic beating of my heart as I grasp my throat, still feeling the ghostly grip of Ryu's hand from the nightmare. I look over at the real Ryu, lying peacefully beside Nikko. He's asleep, his face serene, his breathing steady. But despite the calmness around me, the doubt creeps in.

Is he truly back? The question gnaws at me, twisting in my chest like a thorn. I stare at him, searching his face, hoping for reassurance. Of course he is, I tell myself, shaking my head to drive the thought away. We fought so hard to get him back.

But the unease lingers. What if it's a trick? The doubt flares again. What if the Shadowfell did win, and this is all some elaborate ploy? The thought sends a chill through me, and I can't shake it. I need air—something to clear my head.

Carefully, I slip out of the bedroll, making sure not to disturb Nikko, and step outside the tent. The cool night air hits my skin, and I breathe it in deeply, trying to steady my nerves. The forest around us is quiet, the leaves rustling softly in the breeze. It's so peaceful, yet I can't shake the feeling of dread clinging to me.

I spot a large rock not too far from the tent, bathed in the moon's soft, golden glow. I walk over and sit down on it, the cool stone grounding me. But my mind doesn't settle. The nightmare still haunts me, replaying in my mind—Ryu's cold, empty eyes, the way he reached out to strangle me, the look of pure darkness in him. I shudder, pushing the images away.

And then my thoughts drift to the moment he was controlled by the Shadowfell for real—when I almost lost him. If Apollo hadn't stopped him... I shake my head again, trying to block it out. No. This is the Shadowfell's doing, I remind myself. It's feeding me doubts and nightmares, twisting my thoughts.

I jump slightly at the sound of Ryu's voice behind me. "Can't sleep?"

My heart skips a beat, and I turn quickly, my eyes landing on Ryu standing a few feet behind me. His hood is down, his face illuminated by the soft moonlight. I see concern etched in his eyes, the same familiar warmth that I know so well. It's not that cold, emotionless expression from my nightmare. Relief washes over me, but my heart still races.

"Yeah," I manage to say, though my voice feels small.

He steps closer, his tone gentle. "May I join you?" There's a softness in his voice, a note of concern that tugs at me.

I hesitate for a moment, the doubt still clinging to the edges of my mind. But then I nod. Ryu moves quietly to sit beside me on the rock, his presence a strange comfort, even though my thoughts are still tangled. He looks up at the sky, his eyes focused on the moon glowing softly above us.

For a while, we sit in silence. I can't help but watch him, my eyes tracing the lines of his face, trying to find some sign, some proof that it's really him. But all I see is the familiar Ryu—the one I know, the one we fought so hard to save.

Ryu breaks the silence. "Quite beautiful, isn't it?" he says softly, his gaze still on the sky.

I blink, pulled from my thoughts. "What is?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

He smiles faintly. "The moon," he says, his tone filled with quiet appreciation. "I've seen different moons on dozens of worlds, but they always amaze me with their beauty."

I follow his gaze, looking up at the moon. It hangs in the sky, glowing with a soft, golden hue that bathes the clearing in a warm, calming light. The beauty of it strikes me, and for a moment, the nightmare seems distant, the fear fading into the background.

Ryu turns slightly, glancing at me. "Do you know why the moon glows golden like that?" he asks, his voice gentle and curious.

I shake my head, grateful for the distraction, for something to pull my mind away from the dark thoughts. The softness in his voice, the way he looks at me—it's him.

For a moment, I just sat there, letting the warmth of his hand anchor me. The fear was still there, lingering in the corners of my mind, but his presence, his steadiness, made it easier to breathe.

Ryu smiles softly, his eyes still fixed on the glowing moon. "It's something to do with the atmosphere," he begins, his voice calm, like he's slipping into a gentle explanation. "On nights like this, when the moon is low on the horizon, it has to pass through more of the planet's atmosphere. All the particles in the air scatter the shorter wavelengths of light—the blues and violets—so the light that reaches us is mostly the longer wavelengths, like reds, oranges, and yellows."

I watch him, fascinated by the way his tone softens as he speaks. It's the kind of voice that makes me feel like I'm learning something important, even though the subject feels distant and abstract compared to everything else happening around us.

"And when the moon is close to the horizon," he continues, "that's when it can glow with this golden hue. It's the same reason sunsets can look so colorful." His eyes flicker with something akin to wonder, even though I know he's seen countless moons and suns across dozens of worlds.

I follow his gaze back up to the moon, the soft golden glow bathing the landscape around us. It feels peaceful, for just a moment, like we've stepped out of the chaos of the past days and into something simpler.

"I never thought about it like that," I say quietly, my eyes still on the moon. "It's beautiful."

Ryu nods slightly, a faint smile playing on his lips. "It is." He pauses, then adds softly, "Even in the darkest places, you can find moments of beauty, if you're looking."

I glance at him, his words settling over me like a warm blanket, pushing back the cold doubt that's been gnawing at me. Maybe it's true, I think to myself. Maybe even after everything, we can still find beauty in small moments like this.

Ryu turns to me, his gaze soft but serious. "What's troubling you?" he asks gently.

I shake my head almost instinctively, trying to brush it off. "Nothing," I mumble, but even I don't believe myself. I can feel the tremor in my voice, the weight of the nightmare still clinging to me.

Ryu's brow furrows, and he leans slightly closer. "You can talk to me, Talia," he says, his voice steady. "We're a team, and I can sense you're troubled."

His words are calm, but they cut through the walls I'm trying to put up. I offer him a small, half-hearted smile, but it feels forced. "That obvious, huh?" I say, attempting a weak joke, though it does little to hide the turmoil inside me. I let out a sigh, knowing I can't keep it all bottled up any longer.

"I had a nightmare," I start, my voice shaky. "I was back in that chamber. The Shadowfell was there and..." I trail off, my throat tightening as the memory of the nightmare flashes through my mind. The image of Ryu, consumed by shadows, fills my thoughts again. I swallow hard, trying to push it away, but it lingers.

"You were there too," I finally manage to say, my voice almost a whisper. "But the Shadowfell won. It took you, turned you into something... dark. You reached out to me, held me in place..." I pause, the words catching in my throat as the feeling of helplessness from the nightmare washes over me again. "And then... you struck me down."

The last words come out in a stammer, and I feel my chest tighten, the fear from the dream still too real. I try to hold back the tears building up, but they burn behind my eyes, threatening to spill over. "It felt so real," I say, my voice breaking as I sniffle, trying to keep it together.

I turn to look at Ryu, my heart aching. "I can't help but fear if we actually didn't win. If you've been lost to the Shadowfell this entire time." The words tumble out, and I hate how vulnerable I sound, but I can't help it. The doubt is too strong, and I can't shake the nightmare's grip on me.

Ryu watches me for a moment, his face calm, though his eyes are filled with concern. Then he speaks, his voice soft but firm. "Talia, the Shadowfell is gone. That part of me... the guilt, the pain I buried for so long—it's gone too."

His words feel like a gentle reassurance, but they don't completely dispel the fear lingering in my chest. I search his face, wanting to believe him, but doubt still whispers at the edges of my thoughts.

"But how can I be certain that's true?" I ask, my voice trembling.

Ryu doesn't hesitate. He reaches for my hand, gently taking it in his. His grip is firm but comforting, and I feel the warmth of his skin against mine. He gives my hand a soft squeeze, his eyes never leaving mine. "Because you saved me, Talia."

His words take me by surprise. "I saved you?" I ask, barely able to get the words out.

Ryu nods, his gaze unwavering. "Yes," he says, his tone steady and filled with sincerity. "I spent so long running from my guilt, hiding from it, trying to bury it deep inside. I couldn't accept what I had done, what I had lost. But you... you helped me face it. You helped me accept it. I'm not hiding anymore, not from you, not from Nikko, not from myself."

His words wash over me, but the fear still lingers. I want to believe him—I do. But the nightmare has left its mark, and I can't shake it. "How do I know this isn't a trick?" I whisper, my voice barely audible.

Ryu tightens his grip on my hand, his eyes filled with warmth and certainty. "This is not a trick, Talia," he says softly. "This is not an illusion." He looks at me with such intensity that for a moment, the doubt falters. "I'm here, and I'm free of the Shadowfell's grip. You brought me back."

The warmth of his hand is grounding, and for a moment, I almost believe him. Almost.

But then the nightmare's images flash through my mind again, and I pull my hand away from his, my heart racing. "But what if you fall again?" I stammer, the panic rising in my chest. "What if the darkness consumes you again?"

Ryu's face softens, but his eyes don't waver. "It won't."

"How can you be so sure?" I ask, my voice almost pleading. I want him to say something, anything that will make the fear go away.

He pauses for a moment, his gaze thoughtful but firm. "Because I don't carry that guilt anymore, Talia." He leans closer, his tone filled with quiet conviction. "For years, I let my past define me. I let it consume me—my failures, my mistakes, Lyra's death. But I've come to understand that I can't live in that shadow forever. I'm not that person anymore. I don't have to hide what I was or be ashamed of it. It's part of me, but it doesn't control me."

I watch him, trying to absorb his words, the truth of what he's saying. His expression is sincere, his voice steady. He's not hiding anymore, and I can see it in his eyes.

"The darkness can't take me again," he continues, "because I've accepted who I am. I don't need to run from it anymore. You showed me that." He smiles, a small, warm smile that makes my heart ache in a different way.

I don't say anything for a moment, but I feel the tension in my chest start to ease. Maybe he's right. Maybe we've already won the hardest battle.

Ryu turns to me, his expression softening as the tension between us begins to settle. "Let's get some sleep," he suggests, his voice calm yet firm. "We have a long day ahead of us, and it would do us no good to face it without rest." His words are spoken with quiet certainty, the weariness of the day evident in his tone, though there's a subtle warmth in it too.

I nod, feeling a little better, the conversation having soothed some of the fear gnawing at my mind. The doubt is still there, lingering like a faint whisper in the back of my thoughts, but it's no longer consuming me. It's quieter now, more distant. I can breathe again.

Together, we stand and make our way back to the tent. The night air is cool and crisp, but I no longer feel the weight of dread pressing down on me like before. Instead, there's a strange calm that's settled over me, as if Ryu's words have created a small bubble of peace amidst the chaos.

As we step inside the tent, Ryu lies down first, and I follow, slipping into the bedroll beside Nikko. She stirs slightly in her sleep, instinctively shifting toward Ryu, her small body curling up against his. It's a familiar, comforting sight—Nikko, even in her sleep, drawn to the one she calls "Papa." I smile softly at the sight, my heart warming as I settle into my own spot.

I close my eyes, hoping that sleep will come easily this time. But as soon as I do, I feel movement beside me. I open my eyes and glance over, noticing Ryu shifting closer to me, moving carefully so as not to disturb Nikko. There's something so gentle about the way he moves, as if he's being careful, respectful of the space we share, yet seeking a closeness that wasn't there before.

Nikko, still asleep, instinctively wraps herself around Ryu, her tail twitching slightly as she nestles closer. But what catches me off guard is how close Ryu and I are now—our hands brush against each other, the contact sending a slight jolt through me.

My heart skips a beat, and I blush when I feel Ryu's fingers gently close around my hand, the warmth of his touch spreading through me like a comforting blanket. His grip is soft, careful, but it's enough to chase away the last lingering doubts that had been haunting me.

It feels nice, this small gesture of reassurance, of connection. The fear, the uncertainty—it all begins to wash away, carried off by the simple warmth of his hand in mine. Ryu is back. We did win. And I hold onto that thought, letting it fill me with a quiet, gentle relief.

I take a deep breath, my heart still racing slightly, but now it's for an entirely different reason. I close my eyes again, this time with a sense of peace I haven't felt in days. And with Ryu's hand in mine, his presence beside me and Nikko's soft breathing filling the space, I finally allow myself to drift off to sleep, the worries of the past slipping further and further away.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

As dawn breaks, we set off once more, our hearts heavy with the knowledge of the devastation around us. We stop a few miles from Arroyo and walk the rest of the way, our senses heightened by the eerie silence that surrounds us. The road begins to fill with villagers—hungry, filthy, and desperate. Tents line the roadside, the makeshift camps a testament to the suffering endured by the people.

The scene is dreadful. Faces gaunt with starvation, eyes hollow with despair. Children cling to their parents, their cries piercing the air. Villagers have turned on each other, driven mad by hunger and fear. The once vibrant city of Arroyo stands with its gates firmly shut, a platoon of soldiers standing guard outside.

A crowd of villagers has gathered before the soldiers, their desperate voices rising over one another, pleading for food and water, begging to be let in. The air feels thick with their despair, the weight of their suffering pressing down on all of us. The soldiers, lined up in front of the city gates, hold their positions, their weapons at the ready, tense but unmoving.

At the front of the soldiers stands a man, his uniform is sharp, his badge gleaming, but his face—it's worn, his eyes heavy with fatigue. The streaks of gray in his hair seem to match the bleakness of the scene before us. He stands tall despite it all, scanning the crowd with a firm gaze.

"By the order of Jarl Balduin, the city of Arroyo is closed off to halt the spread of the illness," He calls out, his voice stern yet tired. "Disperse at once!" His command hangs in the air, but no one moves. Instead, the villagers only seem more desperate.

"We're starving! Please, Captain Adolf!" a woman in the crowd pleads, her voice cracking with hunger and despair. I can feel the raw need in her words, and my heart aches.

The captain lets out a weary sigh, rubbing the back of his neck as if the weight of the situation presses down on him personally. "I understand," he says, his tone softening just a bit. "Food rations and clean water will be handed out at midday, but you need to disperse. We are all suffering but protesting will achieve nothing. Please return to your camps. I'm doing everything I can to make sure food and clean water will be distributed to everyone." His voice holds the same pain as the villagers', and for a moment, it's clear that he's just as burdened by all of this as they are.

Slowly, the crowd begins to disperse, though their desperation is still written in every glance they cast back toward the gate. The hunger, the need—it's all there, lingering in their eyes.

As the villagers retreat, we move forward—Ryu, with Nikko at his side, followed by me and Apollo. Captain Adolf notices us immediately, and his posture stiffens. His sharp gaze lands on us, and I see a flicker of recognition in his tired eyes.

"I'm sorry," he says, his voice turning firm again, "but the city is off-limits."

Ryu flashes his identification badge, Apollo following suit with a mechanical precision, and I fumble with my own, awkwardly showing it after a brief struggle. But Captain Adolf shakes his head. "Even for adventurers," he adds. "I'm sorry."

Ryu steps forward, his tone calm but commanding. "What's going on?"

The captain raises an eyebrow, surprised by the question. "You don't know?" He looks us over as if trying to gauge whether we're serious. "How have you not heard of this illness that has plagued these lands?"

Ryu shakes his head. "We've just returned from Elaria. We didn't know what has happened here in Eldoria."

Adolf sighs heavily, the weight of his words already clear in his demeanor. "A great illness has swept through these lands. The drinking water has turned foul, the crops have withered, and the livestock... they've become sick too. It's affecting the people now—turning the sanest men delusional." He pauses, his expression somber as his eyes scan the distant horizon. "People from all over have been flocking to Arroyo for refuge, but we simply don't have the resources. Our food is running low, and we have so few sources of clean water left."

I feel a tightness in my chest. The weight of Eldoria's suffering feels even heavier now, knowing that my homeland has remained untouched by the illness. The stark difference makes me feel helpless, my heart aching for these people.

Ryu's voice breaks through my thoughts. "Captain, we need to see the guild master. It's urgent."

Adolf stands firm, shaking his head again. "I'm sorry," he says, the regret evident in his tone. "I have strict orders from the Jarl—no one may enter, and no one may leave."

Ryu steps forward again, his voice taking on a sharper edge. "You have to let us in."

For a moment, Captain Adolf's face changes, as though the command has struck something deep within him. He blinks, then repeats the words, his tone strangely flat. "I have to let you in."

I exchange a confused glance with Ryu, my brow furrowing at the strange shift in Adolf's tone. Even Nikko looks confused, her ears twitching.

"It's urgent," Ryu presses, his voice steady.

Adolf echoes, "It's urgent." He pauses, as if internally grappling with something, then straightens his posture. "Very well," he finally says. "Let them in."

The soldiers around him exchange puzzled looks, clearly confused by their captain's sudden change in demeanor.

One soldier steps forward, his voice hesitant. "But Captain, the Jarl's orders were very specific..."

Captain Adolf's voice sharpens again, snapping with authority. "I know," he says, his tone cold. "But this is urgent. Let them in."

The soldiers still look bewildered, but they obey, parting as the massive gates creak open. As we step forward, the gate closes behind us with a loud, echoing thud, leaving us to face the eerie silence of the city of Arroyo.

The streets, once bustling with life, are completely deserted. Shops are closed, homes stand dark and still, and the oppressive quiet is broken only by the distant sound of the wind blowing through the empty streets. It feels like a ghost town, haunted by the absence of the people who once filled it with energy and laughter.

"This place feels so... dead," Nikko whispers, her voice barely audible.

Ryu nods, though his face is hidden beneath the shadow of his hood. "We need to find Lady Elizabeth quickly. The sooner we get answers, the better."

We move through the city, our footsteps echoing in the hollow streets. The further we go, the deeper the sense of dread sinks in. The once vibrant city feels cold, abandoned—a shell of what it used to be.

We walk through the empty streets of Arroyo, the silence pressing in around us like a heavy weight. The gates had closed behind us with a loud thud, leaving behind the confused soldiers and the desperate villagers. But something about the way we were let in doesn't sit right with me. Captain Adolf—the man seemed too strict, too resolute to have simply let us through on his own accord.

I glance over at Ryu, who walks ahead, his face still hidden beneath the shadow of his hood. Apollo moves silently beside him, with Nikko keeping close by, her curious eyes darting around at the eerily empty streets.

I can't shake the nagging feeling, though. There's a question forming on my lips, and finally, I can't hold it back any longer.

"What was that?" I ask, my voice breaking the heavy silence.

Ryu pauses, glancing back at me, his brow furrowing slightly beneath the edge of his hood. "What was what?" he asks, his tone calm, as if nothing unusual had happened.

I stop in my tracks, crossing my arms and narrowing my eyes at him. "Whatever you just did back there. That Captain Adolf would never have let us in so easily. So, what did you do?"

Beside me, Nikko looks up at Ryu, her head tilting slightly in curiosity. "Yeah, what was that, Papa?" she asks, her wide eyes filled with innocence, but there's a keen interest in her voice.

Ryu sighs softly, his hand brushing over his belt as he steps closer. "It's a little something I picked up from the Jedi," he says, his voice calm but careful, as if weighing how to explain it to me. "It's called a mind trick. I... manipulated his mind a bit to let us in."

I blink, the words settling over me like a cold weight. "Ryu," I snap, my voice rising in disbelief. "You manipulated him?!" The thought of it—of Ryu using someone like that—sends a shiver down my spine. I can't believe it.

"It's not as terrible as it sounds," he says quickly, his tone steady but with a hint of defensiveness. He takes another step toward me, lowering his voice as he explains. "I merely planted a suggestion. Captain Adolf believes it was his own decision. It won't affect him in any way, I assure you."

I stare at him, my heart racing a little. I want to believe him, and I know Ryu well enough to trust that he wouldn't do something like this lightly. But still, the thought of him manipulating someone's mind—it's unsettling.

Ryu watches me carefully, his expression softening. "I wouldn't have done it if there were another way," he adds, his voice quieter now. "We needed to get into the city, and that was the quickest way."

I bite my lip, my arms still crossed. I do believe him—I can see it in his eyes that he means no harm. But the discomfort lingers, a faint knot in my chest. I nod slowly, though the thought continues to gnaw at me.

Nikko's voice breaks through the tension. "But will Captain Adolf be okay?" she asks, her voice small and worried, tugging at Ryu's sleeve.

Ryu smiles softly at her, his hand resting on her head in a comforting gesture. "He'll be fine, Nikko. It won't hurt him. He'll just go about his day like normal."

Nikko seems satisfied with the answer, giving Ryu a small, trusting smile. I, on the other hand, let out a slow breath, forcing myself to push the discomfort aside. I trust Ryu—I know he wouldn't do something reckless. But still, the fact that he has the power to alter someone's mind like that leaves me unsettled.

We continue walking, the silence settling back in around us, but my thoughts are louder than before.

Finally, we reach the guild hall, its grand entrance looming ahead, but something about it feels off—ominous. I try the doors, but they don't budge.

"Now what?" I ask, my voice tense with frustration.

Ryu steps forward, his calmness unwavering. "We step in, of course." He waves his hand, and I hear the soft click of the lock disengaging. He pushes the doors open, and we step inside.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

The interior of the guild hall is just as empty as the streets outside. The room, usually filled with adventurers, chatter, and activity, now stands eerily silent. The job board is bare, the reception desk abandoned, and the bar, once the center of life here, stands still, tables and chairs scattered as if left in haste.

I shiver at the emptiness, the void of life that fills the space.

"Is anyone here?" Ryu calls out, his voice echoing through the empty hall.

I raise my voice too, the urgency rising in me. "Felicity? Lady Elizabeth?"

For a long moment, there's only silence. Then, from the stairs above, footsteps.

A woman appears at the top of the stairs, her dark hair pulled back tightly, her eyes sharp but weary. She looks like someone who hasn't slept well in days—her clothes slightly disheveled, her expression stern but worn.

"Lady Elizabeth," I greet her with a slight bow.

She regards us with suspicion, her voice firm. "What are you doing here? The guild has been closed off. Didn't you see the sign?"

Ryu steps forward, his tone apologetic but firm. "We didn't see the sign, and we apologize for the intrusion, but we need to know what has happened here. We're here to speak with you about the Shadowfell."

"The Shadowfell? That's just a myth," Lady Elizabeth scoffs, her tone sharp and dismissive. Her arms are crossed tightly over her chest as she stands behind her desk, clearly impatient. "Now please, I have more pressing matters to attend to."

The weight of her words sinks in, but Ryu doesn't falter. He stands firm, his gloved hand subtly flexing at his side. I can see the tension in his posture as he tries to keep calm. "Please," he says, his voice steady but insistent. His gloved hand moves to the device embedded in his wrist. "This is an urgent matter."

A faint blue light flickers to life from the small projector on his glove, and in an instant, a hologram materializes between us and Lady Elizabeth—an image of the Shadowfell, captured during our terrifying encounter in the dragon's den. The shadowy figure hovers there, its ominous form twisting and writhing, a chilling reminder of the dark force we barely escaped.

Lady Elizabeth's stern expression falters. Her eyes widen in disbelief as they focus on the hologram, her lips parting slightly. For a moment, she is silent, her usual commanding demeanor shaken.

"What is this?" she finally asks, her voice quieter, her curiosity clearly piqued.

Ryu doesn't hesitate. "An image of the Shadowfell," he explains calmly, his voice carrying the weight of our experience. "Talia and I encountered it in the dragon's den. The illness spreading through Eldoria, the despair—it's all caused by this." His tone is measured, but I can hear the urgency beneath it.

I watch as Lady Elizabeth takes in the image, her eyes narrowing in thought. She's no longer dismissive, but something about the hologram has clearly unsettled her. I feel a faint sense of relief—maybe now she will take us seriously.

"And I know you possess a book about the Shadowfell," Ryu continues, his voice never wavering. "We would like to see it, please."

Lady Elizabeth tears her gaze from the hologram, her eyes flickering between me, Ryu, and Apollo. She exhales slowly, a soft sigh escaping her lips, as if the weight of our request has finally settled on her shoulders. She seems to be contemplating something before she nods, her stern expression softening ever so slightly.

"Very well," she says at last, her tone more serious now. She steps away from the desk. "Follow me."

We trail behind her as she leads us through the grand hall and into her private office. The room is large, filled with tall shelves stacked with countless books, each one neatly organized, though some appear worn from years of use. The smell of old parchment and leather fills the air, adding to the scholarly atmosphere. Lady Elizabeth gestures to a small table near the center of the room, indicating for us to sit.

"Take a seat," she says curtly, already moving toward the massive bookshelf that lines the far wall. I hesitate for a moment before sitting down. Nikko climbs into the chair beside me, her ears twitching in quiet curiosity, while Apollo remains standing, his metallic frame casting a tall shadow in the corner of the room.

Ryu moves to sit beside me, his eyes following Lady Elizabeth as she scans the shelves, clearly searching for something specific. She runs her fingers along the spines of the books, her brow furrowed in concentration.

After a few moments, her hand stops on a particular volume, and with a slight grunt, she pulls it from the shelf. A large, weathered book—its cover cracked with age and worn at the edges. It looks like something ancient, a relic of knowledge lost to time.

"This is all I have on the Shadowfell," Lady Elizabeth says, carrying the heavy book over to the small table where we sit. "Not many of these books were made," she explains as she sets the tome down with a soft thud, the weight of it palpable.

The book is massive, bound in dark leather that has faded over time. The intricate designs on the cover are barely visible anymore, but the sense of age and importance radiates from it. I glance at Ryu as he opens the cover with careful hands, and Nikko leans in, her eyes wide with fascination. Even I find myself holding my breath, curious to see what secrets the pages hold.

Ryu flips through the old, yellowed pages, each one filled with carefully written text and illustrations. The inked drawings of dark, shadowy creatures make my stomach twist—the Shadowfell has existed far longer than I imagined. Each turn of the page reveals more details—old prophecies, accounts from long-forgotten scholars, and images of a force that has plagued worlds before ours.

I catch glimpses of the Shadowfell, drawn in painstaking detail. It looks just as terrifying as it did when we faced it, its form always shifting, always ominous. I can feel Nikko's grip tighten on the edge of the table as she watches, her eyes wide and unblinking.

Apollo stands silently in the corner, his eyes scanning the room. Lady Elizabeth glances at him and raises an eyebrow. "Aren't you going to sit too?" she asks, gesturing toward the empty chair beside me.

Apollo merely shakes his head, his voice calm. "No, thank you."

Lady Elizabeth gives a small nod, though her gaze lingers on him for a moment longer before turning back to us. Ryu continues to flip through the book, his brow furrowed in concentration. His fingers stop suddenly, landing on a page with an accurate drawing of the Shadowfell—the same one we encountered.

The air in the room grows heavier, and I can feel a chill run down my spine as we all stare at the illustration.

The room falls silent, even the faint sound of the wind outside seems to have stilled. Lady Elizabeth, who had been dismissive at first, sits in quiet contemplation now, her eyes fixed on the book. The shift in her demeanor is palpable—gone is the firm disbelief, replaced now by something closer to wary attention.

Ryu begins reading aloud, his voice steady but carrying the weight of the words, as though each one is drawn from some long-lost truth.

"These seem to be journal entries written by a High Priest Julius," Ryu says. He clears his throat before he starts. "I still cannot believe it," he reads, the voice of the High Priest Julius emerging from the pages, written in a time long past. "At first, the signs were subtle, mere whispers in the wind. It began with doubt—a seed sown deep within the hearts of men. Friends became enemies, turning upon each other with a hatred that grew from nothing. Loved ones, too, were caught in its grip, convinced that those dearest to them were plotting their downfall."

I listen, each word chilling in its simplicity, and I feel the air grow heavier as Ryu continues.

"Then came the nightmares," Ryu reads, his voice growing more somber, as though the very weight of the memory seeps into the room with the words. "Nightmares so vivid, so real, that waking from them brought no comfort. I too was afflicted by such terrors—visions of a being of shadow, whispering foul things in my mind. But my will is strong, and I withstood what others could not."

I can't help but shift uneasily in my seat, remembering my own nightmares, the vivid horrors the Shadowfell cast into my mind, twisting my worst fears. The memory of its cold whispers sends a shiver through me.

"My friends, though," Ryu continues, "were not as fortunate. They lacked the strength to withstand it. One by one, they fell. I had no choice but to lock them away, for their own good. But none broke my heart so much as my dearest friend, Augustus."

Ryu pauses, his fingers momentarily hovering over the page as though the weight of what comes next holds him back. His voice softens as he reads the next line.

"Augustus, who had once been as a brother to me, came to see me as a traitor. I still remember the look in his eyes—a fury born not from reason, but from the dark whispers that had taken hold of his mind. It pained me more than words can say to have him locked up. Yet, there was no choice. Not if I wished to save him from himself."

I glance at Lady Elizabeth. At the start, she had been so certain—so sure that the Shadowfell was nothing more than a myth, a tale to frighten children. But now? Now, her gaze is steady on the pages, her stern expression softening into one of grim realization. Whatever doubts she held seem to be slowly melting away.

Ryu continues reading, his voice a little quieter now, as if the words weigh heavier with each passing sentence.

"It was then that the wildlife began to turn as well," Ryu reads. "Creatures once fearful of men now acted with a madness that no one could explain. Beasts that had once fled at the sight of us now bared their fangs and attacked with a fury I had never seen. I myself was forced to flee from a creature as harmless as a rabbit, so fierce was its assault. My leg still bears the wound."

He stops for a moment, lifting his eyes from the page as though to take a breath, but his expression betrays a sense of unease. The air in the room feels dense, as if the very words themselves are infecting the space around us with the dread of what came before.

Even Nikko, usually so curious and energetic, remains unusually still, her ears twitching only slightly as she listens to Ryu's voice.

After a moment, Ryu glances at me, then at Apollo, who stands silently in the corner, ever watchful. With a soft sigh, Ryu returns his gaze to the text and continues.

"But it was not the madness of the animals that broke me," he reads softly. "It was what happened to Augustus. He... he was found standing over the bodies of his wife and daughter."

The words hang in the air like a curse, and I feel my stomach churn at the image they conjure.

"He killed them both," Ryu says, his voice barely above a whisper now, as though the act of saying it aloud is almost too much to bear. "And yet, in his eyes, there was no guilt. No sorrow. Only peace. It sickened me to my core. The whispers had taken everything from him."

Ryu stops again, and this time, the silence in the room feels oppressive. I can barely breathe, the weight of Julius's words pressing down on me like a heavy cloak. My heart aches for what this man must have endured, watching the world around him fall apart, consumed by something so evil and dark.

I glance again at Lady Elizabeth. Her face is paler now, her lips pressed tightly together as she listens. Gone is the dismissive tone she carried earlier. Instead, there is something deeper in her eyes now, a recognition that this is no mere tale. This is something real. Something that has returned to plague us all.

Ryu clears his throat softly before continuing to read aloud from the ancient tome. His voice carries a weight that fills the room, a grim echo of the past.

"Then came the illness," Ryu reads, his tone somber as though he, too, can feel the despair that the words carry. "It swept across the lands, like a plague sent by the darkest of forces. The water, once clean and pure, grew foul and undrinkable. The crops, once plentiful, withered away under the sun, leaving the earth barren and cracked. And the livestock..." Ryu pauses, the words on the page heavy with sorrow. "The livestock grew ill. The milk from the cows turned sickly, no longer white and nourishing, but a shade that one could only describe as diseased. The eggs, once a source of sustenance, cracked open to reveal blood within, as if cursed by the very shadows that now plagued the land."

I feel a shiver run down my spine as Ryu continues. The imagery of bloody eggs and tainted milk makes my stomach twist, and I can sense the tension in the room growing. Even Nikko, usually curious and attentive, has grown silent, her ears flattened as she listens with wide, fearful eyes.

"I remember one day," Ryu reads on, his voice softening slightly, "when I passed by a villager preparing to slaughter a goat. But when the blade cut through its skin, it was not blood that flowed, but something far worse—a black, viscous substance, thick as tar and fouler than any stench I had ever known. The villagers recoiled in horror, unable to comprehend what had befallen their once healthy livestock. All beasts that showed signs of the sickness were gathered in desperation, slain, and burned in great pyres, in hopes that the flames might quell whatever evil had taken root within them."

I glance toward Lady Elizabeth, who sits motionless now, her stern demeanor long gone. Instead, her face is a mask of grim realization, as though the gravity of what she had dismissed as a myth is beginning to sink in.

Ryu pauses for a moment, looking at the illustrations on the page, then continues.

"But what grieves me more," he says, his voice carrying the sorrow of High Priest Julius, "is the knowledge that our kingdom is not alone in this affliction. Word has spread that the other realms of Aranthia are suffering as we are. No kingdom is safe. Our food stores grow low, and with each passing day, the hope of relief grows fainter."

The room is heavy with silence, the words hanging over us like a shroud. I can almost feel the despair that Julius must have felt as he wrote these words, watching his world fall apart.

"But it is not the sickness of the land that haunts me most," Ryu reads on, his voice lowering, "It is the whispers—the dark voices that never cease. They speak to me always, urging me to take what is not mine, to betray those closest to me. Friends, family—they want me to turn against them. I pray, day and night, for the voices to be silenced, but they only grow louder, more persistent. They promise me power, they promise me safety, but I know they lie."

Ryu's voice trails off, and for a moment, the room feels as though it's been plunged into a deeper silence, a silence that weighs on my chest.

He stops reading, his eyes lingering on the faded ink of the page. I see Lady Elizabeth shift in her seat, her hands clasped tightly together. The dismissive air she had earlier is gone—replaced now with a heavy concern that she can no longer deny.

"What then?" Elizabeth asks, her voice quieter now, a mixture of dread and urgency in her tone. "What happened after that?"

Ryu doesn't answer right away. Instead, he flips through the pages, his brow furrowed as he searches for more—some piece of the puzzle that might tell us what came next. But his eyes narrow in frustration as he turns page after page.

Finally, Ryu looks up. "It just repeats, similar accounts written by different people. Apollo, can you take a look?" he asks, holding out the book.

Without a word, Apollo steps forward, his metallic form moving with silent grace. He takes the ancient tome from Ryu's hand, the weight of it seemingly nothing to the droid. Lady Elizabeth's eyes widen slightly, a flicker of surprise crossing her face as she watches Apollo. I, too, can't help but feel a bit of awe at what comes next.

Apollo begins flipping through the pages at a speed that blurs his motions. His eyes seem to scan the text with incredible precision, faster than I can even register the words. The pages fly by, one after another, as if he's absorbing the entire contents of the book in mere seconds.

I exchange a glance with Ryu, my eyes wide with amazement. Nikko leans forward, her eyes tracking Apollo's movements, though it's clear she can't keep up with him.

In no time at all, Apollo reaches the final page. He closes the book gently and hands it back to Ryu, his mechanical voice steady as ever. "There are forty-seven similar reports of such events documented within, but nothing further on this particular account," he states, his tone matter-of-fact.

Lady Elizabeth blinks, her eyebrows lifting in surprise. "You got all that so quickly?" she asks, her voice betraying both astonishment and skepticism.

Apollo nods, ever composed. "Affirmative. I have become highly acclimated to the gathering and retention of knowledge," he begins, his tone factual, but Ryu cuts in before Apollo can continue.

"I'd explain more about how Apollo is capable of such feats," Ryu says, his voice calm but with an undercurrent of urgency. "But we're running out of time, Lady Elizabeth. As you can see, the Shadowfell is no myth. It's real, and we need to stop it before it's too late."

Lady Elizabeth's face is pale now, her sternness completely replaced by a grim acknowledgment of the truth. The room is filled with a tense silence, broken only by the sound of the ancient book's cover softly closing in Ryu's hands.

"Are you okay, Lady Elizabeth?" I ask, noticing how her hands shake slightly as she clutches the bottle of alcohol.

"I grew up with this old fairy tale," she says softly, almost as if she's speaking to herself. Her voice takes on a quieter, more fragile tone. "My mother used to tell it to me when I was little. 'If you don't behave,' she'd say, 'the Shadowfell will snatch you away.'"

Her lips press into a thin line, and for a moment, she seems lost in the memory. "To me, as a kid," she continues, her voice trembling slightly, "the Shadowfell wasn't just some far-off monster in a story. It was... it was the monster under my bed. The one in the closet that I was terrified of. The one my mother would check for at night before tucking me in."

I watch her as she runs a hand through her hair, her voice shaking with the weight of old fears. "My parents used the Shadowfell to seize bad behavior," she says, letting out a strained chuckle. "Any time I acted up, they'd remind me that the Shadowfell could come for me. 'If you're bad,' they'd say, 'it will take you away.' And I believed it, whole-heartedly."

Her eyes darken, and she takes another gulp of her drink, as though trying to wash away the remnants of her childhood fear. "It felt so real back then," she admits. "Like... if I misbehaved even a little, the Shadowfell would be there. Waiting. Ready to drag me away into the dark."

Her attempt at a chuckle is strained, and I can hear the lingering unease in her tone. She stands up, running a hand through her hair, and with a resigned sigh, she adds, "I need a drink."

We follow her as she leaves her office and heads for the bar next to the reception area. The atmosphere in the guild hall feels heavy, the silence broken only by the sound of Elizabeth's footsteps on the wooden floor. The bar, which once must have been a lively place for adventurers to unwind, now feels almost ghostly, with the shelves of bottles collecting dust. She approaches the display of bottles and grabs one of them, her fingers shaking slightly as she reaches for it.

"Want anything to drink?" she asks, turning back to us, holding the bottle in her hand, her gaze wandering over us.

Ryu shakes his head politely, his voice calm. "No, thank you." I follow suit, declining with a small shake of my head. Apollo, of course, remains as still as ever, his mechanical eyes focused on her but offering no response.

But then Nikko pipes up, her small voice breaking the tension. "I would like some juice," she says, her ears perking up hopefully.

Elizabeth's eyes soften at Nikko's request, though she lets out a tired sigh. "I'm sorry, little one," she says, her voice apologetic. "All we have is water. Is that okay?"

Nikko nods eagerly, her tail flicking with the same enthusiasm she always has. "Water's okay!" she says, her cheerful tone a stark contrast to the somber mood hanging over us.

Elizabeth disappears behind the bar, rummaging through the cabinets. After a few moments, she returns with a pitcher of water in one hand and a glass in the other, along with the bottle of alcohol she had picked up for herself. She pours Nikko a glass of water, which Nikko takes with both hands, her eyes gleaming with gratitude.

"Thank you!" Nikko says, smiling up at Elizabeth, who gives her a small, tired smile in return.

As Nikko happily drinks her water, Elizabeth unscrews the cap of her bottle and takes a long gulp of the alcohol, closing her eyes briefly as if trying to drown out her thoughts. Her throat works as she swallows, and when she exhales, it's with that kind of deep, almost sighing exhale that follows a strong drink—the kind that tells you it's not her first time needing this kind of release.

The silence stretches, but then Elizabeth's voice cuts through the stillness, shakier now. "We received nothing but animal-slaying quests at first," she begins, her voice unsteady. "It started small. But the missions kept piling up. Villagers complaining of strange animal behavior all over the kingdom. We thought it might just be some natural phenomenon, perhaps a mage causing mischief..."

She pauses, her hands trembling as she grips the edge of the bar. "But then people started leaving." Her voice lowers, thick with emotion. "Many of the adventurers just left, abandoning their quests. I don't blame them. The missions didn't pay that much even with the addition of animal parts. But it wasn't just the missions that caused them to leave. There was... something unnatural in the air. A kind of sickness spreading, but we couldn't place it."

Her breath quickens slightly as she recalls something, her eyes glazing over with a distant look. "Then the illness spread across Arroyo," she says, her voice dropping even lower. "I remember this little dog by the bakery down the road..." She swallows hard, her breathing becoming labored, as though just recounting it brings back the memory too vividly. "Sweetest dog in the world. Always greeted customers. Played with children. Everyone loved him."

Her eyes grow darker, the strain of the memory weighing heavily on her. "I saw that same dog attack a woman in broad daylight. It—it took two grown men to pull him off of her." She stops for a moment, taking another gulp from the bottle, her hands shaking even more now. "Such attacks started happening all over the city. I couldn't make sense of it. But now..." She trails off, her voice a whisper as she grips the bottle tighter. "Now, I see it. It's all connected."

The horror of what she's describing sends a chill through me. Even Ryu, usually so composed, shifts slightly.

"What happened to the staff?" Ryu asks, breaking the tense silence.

Elizabeth sighs again, setting the bottle down more gently this time. "I let them go home," she says softly, a deep sadness in her voice. "To be with their families. They were all terrified, and I couldn't ask them to stay in this nightmare." Her lips tighten into a thin line. "My husband is overseas, visiting his brother, and my kids—they're grown. They have families of their own now." Her voice wavers. "I thought maybe I'd leave too... before it was too late."

Nikko, with her ever-curious eyes, looks up from her glass of water. "But the city is closed," she says, her voice innocent and full of wonder. "How would you be able to leave?"

Elizabeth turns toward Nikko, a small, almost mischievous smirk tugging at the corners of her lips. "I have my ways," she says, her tone holding a touch of mystery. There's something about the way she says it that makes me wonder if she's been planning an escape route for some time.

The room falls silent again, the tension palpable. I feel the weight of the situation pressing down on me. Elizabeth, once so stern and dismissive, now appears fragile—her facade of authority cracking as the reality of the Shadowfell takes root. I exchange a glance with Ryu, hoping he has the answers we need, but even he seems lost in thought, his hand gently resting on the cover of the book.

I glance at Ryu, who remains silent, his gaze tracking Elizabeth carefully. He's waiting, letting her process the weight of everything we've told her. But I can't stay silent any longer.

"Lady Elizabeth," I begin cautiously, watching her take another long gulp from the bottle. She lowers it slowly, her eyes now focused on me. "Were you able to get an audience with the king?"

She exhales again, this time a deep, weary sigh, and shakes her head, her expression darkening. "The king blew me off," she says, her voice tinged with frustration. "He wouldn't believe the Shadowfell is real. Dismissed me entirely. Said it was just a story—a fairy tale to scare the gullible." Her eyes harden with regret as she looks down at the bottle in her hands.

I feel a twinge of sympathy for her. I can't imagine how hard it must be, knowing the truth and having no one believe you. She takes another swig from the bottle, her hand trembling slightly as she sets it down on the bar with a soft clink.

"I stopped believing in it too," she admits, her voice quieter now, a trace of sorrow lingering in her words. "Or else I would have fought harder to convince him."

The way her expression falters tells me that she regrets it deeply—that if she had believed, maybe things would be different now. She looks up at us again, her eyes filled with a grim determination. "But with this book," she says, glancing at the ancient tome that Ryu still holds, "maybe I can make him believe. Maybe then he'll see it's not just a myth." She takes a deep breath, her shoulders slumping as if the weight of the kingdom rests on her. "I can't make any promises," she adds softly, her tone weary, "but I'll try."

She sets the bottle down harder than before, her hand gripping the edge of the bar as if trying to steady herself.

I feel a small flicker of hope rise in me, but it's faint—barely there. The darkness of the Shadowfell, the illness spreading across Eldoria, the desperation in the streets—it all feels so much bigger than us. But still, that tiny flicker of hope is enough to make me nod, to make me believe that maybe, just maybe, we can stop it.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

There's a sudden, heavy knock that echoes through the guild hall, cutting off our conversation. I freeze, my hand gripping the edge of the bar.

"Lady Elizabeth?" a deep male voice calls from the other side of the door. "May we have a word?"

I recognize it immediately. Captain Adolf. I glance over at Nikko, and her ears twitch, her expression changing. There's fear in her wide eyes, and I can tell something is wrong. She senses it, and so does Ryu. His muscles tense, his gaze sharp as he turns towards the door.

"Lady Elizabeth, wait!" Ryu shouts, his voice filled with urgency, but it's too late.

Elizabeth, already halfway across the room, reaches for the door. She swings it open, and Captain Adolf storms in, followed by a dozen or so soldiers. The clanking of their armor fills the air as they flood the guild hall. Two of them immediately grab Elizabeth by the arms, holding her tightly as she struggles to break free.

"What are you doing, John?" Elizabeth cries out, her voice sharp with anger and betrayal, but the soldiers' grip on her is too strong.

Ryu quickly ducks behind the edge of the tavern, pulling me, Nikko, and Apollo with him, staying out of sight. We crouch in the shadows, peeking out from around the corner, hearts racing.

I watch as Captain Adolf strides further into the hall, his cold eyes scanning the empty room. "It has come to my attention," he begins, his voice loud and authoritative, "that four adventurers snuck into the city. But not just any adventurers."

He retrieves a folded piece of parchment from a pouch at his belt, his eyes narrowing as he unfolds it. "Four wanted adventurers," he continues, holding the paper out for Elizabeth to see. She stares at it, her demeanor steely, showing no reaction.

"On what grounds are they wanted?" Elizabeth demands, her voice unwavering despite the situation.

Captain Adolf tucks the paper back into his pouch, his expression grim. "For releasing the plague that is afflicting this kingdom," he says sharply, folding his arms across his chest.

"That's nonsense, and you know it!" Elizabeth snaps, her voice filled with righteous anger. 

Captain Adolf steps closer to her, his expression cold. "It doesn't matter what I believe," he says, his tone eerily calm. "These orders come straight from the king."

His gaze darkens as he glances around the empty hall. "And it has also come to my attention," he continues, his voice dripping with suspicion, "that these adventurers entered this guild hall not too long ago. Now, where are they?"

Elizabeth holds her ground, her jaw set. "They left," she says, her voice firm and unwavering.

For a moment, Adolf simply stares at her, but then he nods toward one of the soldiers holding her. Without hesitation, the soldier strikes Elizabeth in the gut with a powerful punch. She gasps in pain, her body collapsing forward, but the soldiers hold her up by the arms, pulling her back to her feet. Her face is twisted in agony, but she still refuses to give in.

Anger surges through me, and I instinctively want to leap from my hiding spot to help her, but Ryu holds me back. His hand grips my arm, shaking his head slightly. I can't see his expression in the dim light, but I know what he's telling me—charging in now would only make things worse. I clench my fists, swallowing my frustration, but I can't take my eyes off Elizabeth and Adolf.

"You've got quite the stone face," Adolf says, pacing slowly in front of her, his voice filled with venom. "But I know that's a lie."

He turns to his soldiers. "Search the guild hall," he orders, his voice booming. "Every room, every crevice. Leave no stone unturned."

The soldiers nod and begin to spread out. Two of them make their way toward the tavern, their footsteps heavy against the wooden floor. My heart pounds in my chest as they get closer. Ryu and Apollo exchange a glance, a silent understanding passing between them.

Just as the soldiers pass our corner, an unseen force pulls them both toward us. Apollo wraps one arm around the soldier's neck, his other hand muffling the man's cries as he struggles. The soldier's movements weaken, and his body eventually slumps to the floor, unconscious.

Ryu moves swiftly, his hand gripping the other soldier by the forehead. The man instantly goes limp, and Ryu carefully lowers him to the ground. I let out a quiet breath of relief, but it's short-lived as my attention snaps back to Adolf and Elizabeth.

Captain Adolf paces in front of her like a wolf circling its prey. "I will ask you only once more," he says, his voice cold and calculating. "Where are they?"

Elizabeth remains silent, her fierce gaze fixed on Adolf. Her jaw tightens as she refuses to answer him.

"So be it," he says, his tone cold and devoid of any mercy. "Then I will consider you a conspirator and a traitor to the crown." He draws his sword, the sound of metal sliding against its scabbard sending a chill through me. His blade gleams in the dim light of the hall as he points it toward Elizabeth.

"Your sentence will be death." His words hang in the air like a death knell, his voice as cold as the steel in his hand. "Any final words?"

My heart races, and just as I'm about to act, Ryu steps out from the shadows, his voice clear and commanding. "That's enough!"

Adolf halts mid-step, turning sharply to face us. Nikko, Apollo, and I step out from behind the corner with Ryu, the tension in the room mounting as the remaining soldiers quickly stop their search, surrounding us with swords drawn.

A smirk crosses Adolf's face as he lowers his sword slightly. "There you are," he says, his tone almost mocking. The soldiers move into position, their blades gleaming threateningly under the dim lights. "Will you come peacefully?" he asks, his voice dripping with false calm as his men tighten their grips on their swords.

Ryu meets his gaze, his expression unyielding. "No, I won't."

Before any of us can blink, Ryu draws his blaster, moving so fast I can barely follow. A blue ring of energy fires from the barrel, striking Adolf in the chest. A wave of blue energy engulfs him, crackling around his body for a split second before he collapses to the floor, unconscious. His sword clanks loudly as it hits the ground. Shock ripples through the room. The soldiers, and even Elizabeth, stare in wide-eyed disbelief at what just happened.

Without hesitation, Ryu fires again, and Apollo raises his wrists. Together, they send out a volley of blue energy rings that strike each soldier in quick succession. One by one, they fall to the ground, unconscious like Adolf. The silence that follows is deafening, with only the sound of our ragged breaths filling the space.

Elizabeth remains standing, her mouth slightly open, her eyes wide as she looks at the fallen soldiers around her. She clutches her stomach where she'd been punched, still processing the swift turn of events.

Ryu holsters his blaster with a smooth motion and strides over to Adolf's limp form, crouching down to retrieve the folded parchment from his pouch. He pockets it without a word.

I step over to Elizabeth, concern etched into my face. "Are you okay?" I ask softly.

She nods, though she's still catching her breath, her hand pressing against her abdomen. "I'm fine," she says, though her voice is strained. Her gaze shifts to the fallen soldiers. "Are they... are they dead?"

Ryu shakes his head. "No. They're just unconscious. But we need to leave. Now." He turns towards the open entrance, Nikko, myself, and Apollo close behind.

Elizabeth lifts her hand, stopping him. "Wait," she says, her voice still shaky. "The streets are far too dangerous, especially for your little girl." She gestures toward Nikko, concern flickering in her eyes. "Follow me."

Without waiting for a response, she leads us behind the reception area to the back of the guild hall. I follow closely, my heart still pounding from the confrontation, as Elizabeth approaches a plain-looking section of the wall. She mutters something under her breath—a soft incantation—and the wall shudders. Slowly, a part of it pulls back, sliding aside to reveal a hidden tunnel, its entrance swallowed by pitch-black darkness.

"This will take you to the sewers," Elizabeth says, her voice low. "Follow them, and they'll lead you out of the city."

Suddenly, loud shouting echoes from outside the guild hall. My stomach tightens.

"Now go!" she urges, her voice more frantic. "I'll buy you some time."

Nikko, Apollo, and I step into the tunnel, the darkness pressing in on us like a suffocating blanket. But Ryu doesn't move. He stands at the entrance, his expression unreadable.

"That's a terrible idea, and you know it," he says firmly, his voice cutting through the tension. "They'll either imprison you or have you killed."

Elizabeth lets out a heavy sigh, her shoulders slumping, just as the loud thud of footsteps echoes through the hall, closer now. Dozens of boots hitting the floor in quick succession.

"Captain Adolf?" I hear a man's voice call out, his tone sharp.

"Search the guild! They can't be far!" another shouts, urgency in his voice.

"Just go!" Elizabeth snaps, pushing Ryu into the tunnel, but he reacts faster. 

He grabs Elizabeth's arm and pulls her in with us just as the wall slides shut with a heavy groan, cutting us off from the shouting soldiers. The tunnel plunges into complete darkness, save for the faint muffled voices growing closer behind the wall.

"Why did you do that?" Elizabeth whispers, her voice tight with frustration. She sounds as though she's on the verge of panic.

A bright light from Ryu's glove cuts through the suffocating darkness, casting shadows across the damp, stone walls of the tunnel. "Because," he says, his voice calm but firm, "I wouldn't let you or anyone else sacrifice themselves for us."

Nikko grabs Ryu's hand, holding it tightly, her little fingers trembling. "Papa..." she whispers.

⚔⚔⚔⚔⚔

We begin our descent into the tunnel, the air damp and heavy around us. I summon a ball of light in my palm, casting a soft glow ahead of us, but it does little to ease the oppressive feeling closing in on us from all sides. The tunnel feels cold, the faint scent of mildew and rot lingering in the air.

Elizabeth walks behind us, her breathing shallow and uneven. I can tell she's still shaken, her steps unsure. But there's no turning back now. We'd draw too much attention, so the only way is forward.

As we descend deeper into the tunnel, the air becomes cold and damp, carrying the unmistakable stench of sewage. The narrow passageway is lined with rough stone walls, slick with moisture. The beam of light from Ryu's gauntlet casts eerie shadows, making the space feel even more claustrophobic. The ground beneath our feet is uneven, a mixture of slick stone and patches of muddy water.

Soon, the air grows thick with an unbearable stench, far worse than I could have imagined. It claws at my throat, making it difficult to breathe, and every step forward feels like a test of endurance. Nikko wrinkles her nose beside me, her ears twitching in discomfort, but she remains quiet, gripping Ryu's hand tightly.

The narrow passage begins to widen, the rough stone walls giving way to a larger, arched corridor. The ceiling stretches higher here, though the sense of confinement remains, the oppressive air pressing down on us. Ryu's glowing glove casts eerie shadows along the damp stone walls, the light reflecting off the slick surfaces that glisten with moisture. Dark water flows sluggishly through the channel beside us, its surface rippling with every drip that falls from above.

The sound of water dripping into the murky stream below echoes around us, creating an unsettling rhythm, each drop adding to the tension that fills the air. The water itself reeks of decay, a foul, sickly odor rising from it, thick enough to make my stomach churn. I instinctively cover my mouth, but it does little to block out the rancid smell.

As we move further, the skittering of small creatures catches my attention—rats, most likely—scurrying away from our footsteps, their tiny claws scraping against the stone. I can hear their quick movements, but I can't see them in the dim light, which makes it all the more unsettling.

The walls are uneven, carved long ago, now worn down by time and the constant flow of water. In places, the stone has crumbled, leaving gaping holes through which I can faintly hear the distant gurgling of water. Some parts of the tunnel are covered in a slimy green moss, clinging to the damp stone like a living organism. The ground beneath us is slick and treacherous, and I can feel the dampness creeping through the soles of my boots.

Every now and then, Ryu pauses, scanning the area ahead with a careful gaze. The further we go, the more I feel like we're descending into something ancient, forgotten—something that should have been left buried beneath the city. The faint echoes of water, the constant dripping, and the occasional scurrying of unseen creatures only heighten my sense of unease.

The air is thick with the scent of rot and waste, and it seems to cling to us, settling on our skin and clothing like an invisible film. Elizabeth, walking a few paces behind us, breathes heavily, though I'm not sure if it's from the smell or the weight of the situation. Nikko presses closer to Ryu, and I can't help but keep a watchful eye on every shadow that flickers in the dim light.

The passage seems to stretch on forever, and every step brings with it a new wave of the foul odor, but I know we have to keep moving forward. There's no turning back now, not with the city guard likely still searching for us.

Elizabeth began leading us with sure steps, her knowledge of the sewers evident as she navigates the twists and turns. "This way," she says, her voice steady but tinged with urgency.

We come to a junction where multiple tunnels converge, and Elizabeth hesitates for a moment, then takes the leftmost path. The space narrows again, forcing us to move single file. The light from Ryu's gauntlet flickers slightly, casting our shadows against the grimy walls.

Finally, we reach the exit, a large stone pipeline that opens to the outside. The tunnel widens here, and the flow of sewage is more concentrated, the sound of rushing water louder. But our way out is blocked by thick iron bars.

"These weren't here before," Elizabeth says, a hint of frustration in her voice.

"Must be the Jarl's doing," Ryu says. "No one in or out, right?"

Elizabeth, looking defeated, asks, "Now what?"

"Now we escape of course," Ryu says. Elizabeth looks puzzled and was about to ask when Ryu raises his hand, concentrating. For a moment, nothing happens.

"What are you doing?" Elizabeth asks, confused.

"Just watch," I say, knowing what's coming.

The bars begin to creak and bend, the ends snapping one by one until the gate falls forward with a loud crash. Elizabeth looks shocked, and I can't help but smile a little.

We step into a large canopy of tents and huts, the ground wet and muddy beneath our feet. The air is thick with the stench of unwashed bodies and decaying refuse, an odor far worse than the sewers we just left. The makeshift village stretches out before us, a labyrinth of tattered tents and crudely constructed huts. People in various states of filth and hunger emerge from their homes, staring at us with hollow eyes.

Several villagers, upon spotting the sewer entrance now open, rush towards the opening, nearly bumping into us in their haste. Those who remain watch us with wary expressions, retreating into their homes, their faces etched with worry. The smell is almost unbearable, and I cover my nose, feeling a wave of nausea. Nikko, too, covers her nose, her face contorted in disgust as she clings to Ryu.

As we navigate the muddy path through the village, I spot various figures within the tents and huts, their eyes following us. The sight is overwhelming, and I feel a deep sense of pity for these people. Their suffering is palpable, and the hopelessness in their eyes weighs heavily on my heart.

More villagers step into our path, their grim faces hardened with despair, clutching rusty knives and crude weapons. Their numbers grow as they close in around us. They seem threatening, their expressions shadowed in the dim light of dusk. The gleam of steel catches my eye, and for a moment, it feels like we're about to be attacked.

Ryu, standing at my side, instinctively reaches for the hilt of his sword, his body tensing as if preparing for a fight. I follow his lead, my hand hovering over my short swords, and I see Apollo gripping his spear tightly, his eyes glowing faintly beneath his helmet. Even Elizabeth, normally composed, stiffens beside me, her hand inching toward a dagger she keeps at her waist. I glance at her face and see the faint twitch of her lip, the only betrayal of the tension coursing through her. She's quiet, but ready, her posture alert.

The air is thick with unease as the villagers advance. My pulse quickens, and I brace myself for the worst.

But then, Ryu hesitates.

His hand, already resting on his sword, pauses, and he doesn't draw it. Confused, I look to him, wondering why he's stopped. His gaze is fixed on the villagers, his posture no longer one of battle readiness but of caution. He doesn't seem scared, but something holds him back.

I glance at the villagers again, my breath catching in my throat. This time, I notice what I hadn't before. Beneath their grim expressions and dirty clothes, they don't look malicious. They look... afraid. Desperate. One man, gripping a knife, trembles visibly, his knuckles white. His eyes dart nervously between us, but there's no malice in them—just fear and hunger.

The woman next to him, clutching a dagger, doesn't have the look of a killer. Her eyes are hollow, sunken in her gaunt face, and her lips quiver as she tries to hold her weapon steady. I follow her gaze and see a small boy clinging to her side, his face pale and his eyes wide with fear.

Ryu lowers his hand, his fingers moving away from the hilt of his sword. The tension in his body seems to drain slightly, but his voice remains calm and steady as he speaks. "We just want to pass," he says, lifting his hands slightly in a peaceful gesture. His tone, though gentle, carries the weight of authority.

The villager who had been eyeing Nikko nervously steps forward, his grip on the knife still shaky. His lips tremble as he speaks. "Ha-hand over all of your supplies," he stammers, though the tone in his voice betrays him. He doesn't sound threatening—he sounds scared.

Behind him, I notice more villagers gathering, their eyes flickering with hunger and desperation. One woman clutches a ragged child to her side, her own eyes hollow from starvation. I glance at Elizabeth, whose tense posture remains, but her expression softens just slightly, as though she's beginning to see what we see. Her hand moves away from her dagger, and she watches the scene unfold in silence, her body still as a statue but her eyes shifting between the villagers and us.

I feel a tug on Ryu's cloak and glance down to see Nikko, her wide, innocent eyes looking up at her father. "Papa, please..." she whispers, her voice trembling. She's seen enough to know these people aren't enemies, and her plea tugs at my heart.

Ryu sighs softly, his hands still raised in a non-threatening gesture. "You don't have to do this," he says gently. "We just want to pass through. No harm will come to any of you if you just let us pass."

The man's hand shakes even more as he raises the knife, but I see the conflict in his eyes. He doesn't want to do this. "You must have food," the man says, his voice cracking. "Your clothes are clean, and you don't look... starved. Just give us all of your food and you can pass." His grip on the knife falters.

That's when I notice the small boy behind the man, his face gaunt and his eyes wide with hunger. My heart aches for him, for all of them. They're not trying to hurt us—they're trying to survive. Ryu takes a deep breath and slowly reaches into his cloak. The man jumps, panicked. 

"Wh-what are you doing?" he cries, his voice shaky, as if fearing an attack.

"Relax," Ryu says calmly, his movements slow and deliberate. "I'm reaching into my pouch. If I give you half of our supplies, will you let us pass?"

The man stops, blinking in confusion. He glances back at the other villagers, who nod at him eagerly, their desperate eyes urging him to agree. He looks back at Ryu, his hand still trembling, but he nods. "Oh-okay," he stammers, his voice unsure. "But... but very slowly... or-or your little girl gets it," he adds, though it's clear he doesn't mean the threat.

Ryu moves carefully, pulling out his pouch of holdings and whispering an incantation. A blob of white energy flows from the bag, landing in front of the villagers. Slowly, the whiteness dissolves, revealing several large burlap sacks filled with food. One of them is the same sack Elandor had given us, filled with bread, cheese, and dried meat.

"Here," Ryu says softly, stepping back as the sacks manifest. "I wish I could give more, but—"

Before he can finish, the villagers rush forward, tearing into the sacks with frantic hands. Bread, cheese, and meat spill onto the ground as they claw at the food, stuffing their mouths with whatever they can grab. Behind us, more villagers run past, joining in the frenzy. It's chaos—desperation driving them to behave like animals.

I glance at the man who had threatened Nikko. His face softens as he hands the boy a loaf of bread. The boy tears into it ravenously, crumbs falling from his mouth as he chews. The man's eyes fill with tears as he watches his son eat. There's no joy in his expression, only a deep sadness mixed with relief. My heart clenches again, feeling the weight of their suffering.

"Let's go," Ryu says quietly, and we begin to move past the crowd of villagers. As we walk, I can't help but glance back at them, their desperate faces burned into my mind. I feel Elizabeth moving beside me, her eyes still trained on the villagers. Her expression is grim, but she doesn't speak, just nods faintly to herself as we pass by the chaos.

We continue onward, but the image of those starving people stays with me, gnawing at my conscience.