The Guardian and the Archon; The Cursed Shadow

Chose

revelation. "The chosen one?" he echoed, his voice thick with disbelief. His fingers

ite the dim light. "Yes, Kael Darkhaven. You are the k

r. "Me? I'm just a blacksmith.

conviction. "Your mother wasn't just a victim of circumstance. S

shifted his weight, his boots scraping against the cold, damp

s city, keeping the balance between light and dark. Its threads have been unraveling

glanced around, half-expecting the shadows

hose you, Kael. You must find its scattered threads and repair the damage before it's too late. A

words pressed down on him, but alongside the fear, a spark of determination flicke

eyes. "Good. But be warned-this journey

elting into the shadows. "We'll speak again soon," his voi

-

weight of Caleb's revelation. The shadows seemed to ripple and

ting a pale glow over the uneven cobblestones. His apartment above the

r. His mother. The Shadow Weave. The Devourer. It was too much, too fast,

-shadows creeping up walls, glowing eyes watching from the dar

-

his hammer against metal usually soothed him, but today the rhythm felt off, dis

the edge of the market. Cloaked in shadows, the figure stood u

hammer was tight enough to hurt. When he glanced back, the

ket, his boots crunching on the dusty cobblestones. Sc

Darkhaven. The Devo

had written the message had disappeared w

-

et when a hooded figure stepped into his path. He stop

th sharp and captivating. Her piercing green eyes seemed to s

pected," she said, her vo

is stance guarde

ettling about it. "You've caused quite the stir

ed. "Caleb? who's this person? And

his muscles tensing. "It seems like...Caleb is hiding his identity with you, I know enough," she said, her voic

ched. "What do y

aid, her smile enigmatic. "Come alone. If you're

ed into the bustling crowd, leaving

-

ration and curiosity. He removed his soot-streaked shirt and je

gaze drawn to an old wooden cabinet tucked into the corner. It had been years since he'd o

, the pull w

opened the dusty box hidden inside. The scent of lavende

er's initials and a folded piece of parchment. Kae

he letter, his

eares

ger with you. I'm sorry, my love. Leaving yo

bay. But you... you're destined for so much more. You have a streng

your instincts, and remember: courage is not

be with you, Ka

mother

locket in his fist. For the first time in year

crets the shadows held, he would uncover them

his mother's legacy settling on his shoulders. The clock tower loomed i

promise of danger. Kael's grip on his hamm