Shadow slave:The Forgotten Spawn

Volume 2: Shards of Unity

Chapter 26: Shadows of the Past

The group emerged from the Duskwood under the light of a pale moon, their breaths heavy from the exertion of the battle. The open expanse before them was a stark contrast to the oppressive gloom of the forest, yet none of them felt relief. The Duskwood's silent watch still lingered at their backs, an unspoken warning of what awaited if they returned.

"Where now?" Kael asked, running a hand through his sweat-drenched hair.

Eryth surveyed the landscape, their gaze settling on the jagged mountains far to the north. "We find allies. Somewhere out there, someone has to be willing to stand against the Sovereign."

Kaelen let out a bitter laugh. "After what just happened? Who would trust us now?"

Eryth didn't answer. Their mind was spinning with the weight of the betrayal, the relic's faint glow a reminder of the power they carried—and the danger it brought.

"Let's move," Solas said, breaking the silence. "The Sovereign's forces won't wait. If they know we're alive, they'll be coming."

Nyx growled softly, its ears twitching. The nightmare creature's golden eyes scanned the horizon, its body tense.

"What is it?" Eryth asked, kneeling beside it.

Nyx's gaze snapped to the west, where the faint glow of a distant fire flickered against the night sky.

"Someone's out there," Solas said, following the creature's gaze.

"Could be a camp," Kaelen added.

"Or a trap," Kael muttered.

Eryth stood, gripping the relic tightly. "We don't have a choice. If it's a camp, we need supplies. If it's a trap… we'll deal with it."

A Flicker of Hope

The journey toward the fire was tense and silent, the group moving cautiously through the uneven terrain. Every sound seemed amplified in the stillness, and the weight of the relic pressed heavily on Eryth's chest.

As they drew closer, the faint hum of voices reached their ears. The fire was larger than it had appeared from a distance, casting shadows over a cluster of makeshift tents.

Eryth motioned for the group to stop. "Stay here. I'll approach alone."

Kael frowned. "That's a terrible idea."

"Maybe," Eryth admitted. "But we can't risk scaring them off—or walking into an ambush as a group."

"I'll go with you," Solas said.

Eryth nodded, grateful for the backup. The two of them approached the camp slowly, hands visible and weapons sheathed.

A figure stepped into the firelight, their posture tense but not hostile. They were tall and lean, with dark hair and sharp features. Their armor was patched and worn, but the emblem of a shattered crown marked their chest.

"Who are you?" the stranger demanded, their voice low and steady.

"My name is Eryth," they replied, raising their hands. "We mean no harm. We're… looking for allies."

The stranger's eyes narrowed. "Allies against whom?"

"The Sovereign," Eryth said simply.

The tension in the air shifted. The stranger hesitated, their gaze flicking to the relic at Eryth's side.

"You carry a dangerous burden," they said. "Come closer, but know this—if you're lying, I'll kill you where you stand."

A Fragile Alliance

The camp was a mix of refugees and warriors, their faces weary but determined. The stranger introduced themselves as Alaric, a former soldier who had defected from the Sovereign's army.

"We've been gathering survivors from the Sovereign's campaigns," Alaric explained as they led Eryth and Solas to the fire. "But it's not enough. Every time we try to fight back, we're crushed before we can gain any ground."

Eryth exchanged a glance with Solas. "You've survived this long. That counts for something."

Alaric's expression hardened. "Barely. The Sovereign's Heralds are hunting us, and it's only a matter of time before they find this camp."

"Then let us help," Eryth said. "We've fought a Herald before. We can do it again."

A murmur rippled through the camp. Alaric's eyes narrowed. "If you've truly faced a Herald and lived, then prove it. Show us what you're capable of."

Before Eryth could respond, Nyx stepped forward, its golden eyes blazing. The camp fell silent as the nightmare creature's presence filled the space, its power undeniable.

"What is that?" someone whispered.

Eryth placed a hand on Nyx's shoulder. "This is Nyx. It's fought alongside us against the Heralds—and won."

Alaric studied the creature for a long moment, then nodded. "If you can protect this camp, we'll consider your offer. But know this—if you fail, there won't be another chance."

Shadows Approach

As night fell, the camp prepared for an attack. Alaric's scouts had reported movement on the horizon—shadows that moved unnaturally fast, their forms shifting like smoke.

"The Herald knows we're here," Solas said grimly.

"Good," Kael replied, flames flickering at his fingertips. "Let them come."

Eryth stood at the edge of the camp, the relic glowing faintly in their hands. Nyx sat beside them, its body coiled like a spring.

"We're not just defending this camp," Eryth said quietly. "We're sending a message. If we can hold our ground here, others will see that the Sovereign isn't invincible."

Nyx growled softly, its golden eyes fixed on the horizon.

The first shadow appeared moments later, darting toward the camp with inhuman speed. Nyx leapt to meet it, claws glowing with golden energy. The two clashed in a burst of light and shadow, and the battle began.

More shadows poured over the ridge, their forms shifting and blending with the darkness. Alaric's warriors fought valiantly, their weapons striking true, but the shadows seemed endless.

Eryth raised the relic, its light cutting through the chaos like a beacon. "Hold the line!" they shouted, their voice carrying over the battlefield.

Nyx roared, its power surging as it tore through the enemy ranks. But even as they fought, Eryth couldn't shake the feeling that this was only the beginning.

The Sovereign was watching—and it would not be so easily deterred.