THE GUARDIAN OF THE REALM

adows darker. Aria couldn't shake off the feeling that they were being watched, and

ng up the distance. Lyrien walked beside Aria, h

?" Lyrien asked, his

her feelings. "I don't know," she said fin

've been feeling it too," he said. "Bu

ng of being watched persisted, and she couldn't sha

forest in a golden glow, Kael stopped

en asked, his voic

t. "I think we're being stalked," he s

eat. She had been right.

rom the shadows, its eyes gl

wn her spine as she realized that the figure was a woman, tall and gaunt, w

n growled, his hackl

saw a glimmer of sadness in their depths. But then, the woman's expressio

r voice dripping with malice. "And

aiting for me?" she repeated, h

es," she said. "You see, Aria, you possess a certa

ould Arachne possibly be talking ab

uestions, Lyrien stepped forwa

nywhere," he growled, hi

ill," she said, her eyes glinting with malice. "You see, Lyrien, yo

d her hand, and a bolt of da

the dark energy by mere inches. Ari

rt him," Aria said, her

aze fixed on Aria. "And who's

aming with a fierce light. "I am,"

you can defeat me, Kael?" she said, her voice dripping with

usement. "We'll see about that," he sa

and counterspells, their magic swirling around them like a vortex. Lyrien joined

with fear and excitement. She knew that

build inside her. It was as if the forest its

nches reaching out like giant arms. The wind picked up,

a vortex of leaves and branches. She felt a surge of power flow thro

strength. She was no longer just a healer, but a gu

veins, she knew that she had to use it to help her frien

nd them in a vortex of light and sound. Lyrien was fighting off a group

ergy shot out, striking the shadowy creatures and sending them fleeing. Lyr

he countered Lyrien's attack with a blast of da

uick to react. He launched a counterattack, striking Ar

forest growing stronger within her. She knew that s

rgy shot out, striking Arachne with incredible force. The da

isappeared, vanishing into thin air. The shadow

the forest begin to fade. She was left standing, h

with gratitude and admiration. "Aria," he sai

t. She knew that she had found her true strength, and t

ouldn't shake off the feeling that they were not out of danger yet. T

aint whisper echoed through the forest, a

he whisper seemed to say. "And he will

eat. Who was the true en