Chapter 9: Chapter 8: Shadows in the Archives
The air inside the Lunar Archives was heavy, as though centuries of silence had settled into the stone walls. Dim light emanated from glowing runes etched into the walls, illuminating rows of ancient tomes, scrolls, and artifacts. The scent of old parchment and lingering magic filled the cavernous space.
"This place is incredible," Amara whispered, her voice echoing slightly.
Kael stepped forward, brushing dust off a pedestal holding a cracked orb. "It's definitely old. Let's just hope we don't break anything important."
Seris moved with purpose, her silver eyes scanning the room. "Stay alert. The wards outside may have been the first line of defense, but the archives were built to protect their secrets. There could be more traps—or worse."
Amara's grip tightened on the pendant as she followed Seris deeper into the chamber. The runes on the walls seemed to pulse faintly in time with the pendant's glow, as though acknowledging its presence.
"What exactly are we looking for?" Kael asked, trailing behind.
"Answers," Seris replied. "The true nature of the Crescent Light, its connection to the Lunar Clan, and the reason the Ember Shadows want it so desperately."
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As they ventured further, the air grew colder, and the runes' light dimmed. The shelves became more chaotic, with broken artifacts and scattered scrolls hinting at past intrusions.
"This doesn't feel right," Amara said, shivering.
Seris stopped abruptly, her hand on the hilt of her blade. "You're not wrong. Something is here."
Kael raised his sword, his eyes scanning the shadows. "Something like what?"
Before anyone could answer, a low growl echoed through the chamber. The shadows seemed to shift and ripple, forming into a massive, hulking figure. Its eyes glowed a sickly green, and its body was a swirling mass of darkness, solid yet fluid.
"A shadow guardian," Seris said, her voice tense. "It's a construct left behind by the Lunar Clan to protect the archives. But it's been corrupted by the same dark energy as the wards."
The creature roared, its voice a guttural mix of rage and anguish. It lunged toward them, its massive claw swiping at the group.
"Move!" Seris shouted, drawing her blade and dodging the attack.
Kael rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding another swipe. "I thought these things were supposed to protect the archives, not kill us!"
"They protect against intruders," Seris said, slashing at the creature's arm. Her blade passed through it harmlessly, the shadowy form reforming instantly. "And right now, that's what we look like."
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Amara backed away, the pendant glowing brighter as the creature advanced. "How do we stop it?"
"The pendant," Seris said, dodging another attack. "Its light can purify the corruption, just like with the wards. But you'll need to get close!"
"Close? Are you serious?" Kael shouted, blocking a strike that sent him skidding backward.
Amara swallowed her fear, clutching the pendant tightly. She could feel the creature's dark energy, a swirling mass of anger and despair that pressed against her senses.
"Balance," she whispered, focusing on the pendant. "Light and shadow."
The pendant flared to life, its silver glow illuminating the chamber. The creature recoiled, its growls turning to pained snarls.
"Now, Amara!" Seris shouted, holding the creature's attention with a feint.
Amara darted forward, the pendant's light forming a protective barrier around her. She reached the creature and thrust the pendant toward its chest.
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The light erupted in a blinding flash, engulfing the creature. It howled, its form writhing as the corruption was burned away. For a moment, Amara felt the creature's pain—a deep, ancient sorrow that made her chest ache.
When the light faded, the shadow guardian was gone, leaving behind a faintly glowing crystal. Amara picked it up, feeling a strange warmth emanating from it.
"What is it?" Kael asked, peering over her shoulder.
"A memory crystal," Seris said, her voice thoughtful. "The Lunar Clan used them to store knowledge. This might hold the answers we're looking for."
Amara nodded, her fingers brushing the pendant. "Then let's find out."
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