Chapter 85: shadows of Betrayal

Chapter 85: Shadows of Betrayal

The Burning Sands were eerily silent as Natasha and Alison pushed forward, their steps kicking up fine golden dust. The Emberstone's dim glow provided a faint light as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the dunes. Despite the stillness, an unshakable tension hung in the air.

Natasha glanced at Alison, who walked beside her, his sword still drawn. His normally easy demeanor was gone, replaced by a quiet intensity. She wanted to say something, to break the silence, but every word that came to mind felt inadequate.

"You okay?" she finally asked.

Alison didn't look at her. "I'm fine. Just thinking."

"About what?"

He hesitated. "About what comes next. About what we've already been through. And whether we're ready for what's waiting at the end of this journey."

Natasha nodded, understanding his unease. The Emberstone's power was unlike anything they'd encountered before, and the thought of using it—even for good—made her stomach churn.

"We don't have a choice," she said quietly. "We've come too far to turn back now."

Alison stopped walking, forcing Natasha to turn and face him. "But have we thought this through? What if the Magi aren't telling us everything? What if this stone does more harm than good?"

Natasha clenched her jaw. "You think I don't know that? I feel it, Alison. Every time I hold this thing, it's like it's alive, like it's trying to get inside my head. But we don't have the luxury of doubt. The Shadow King is getting stronger every day, and if we don't stop him, no one else will."

Alison's expression softened, but he didn't look entirely convinced. "I just don't want us to lose ourselves in the process."

Before Natasha could respond, a soft rustling sound drew their attention. They froze, their eyes scanning the dunes. The sound grew louder, closer, until figures began emerging from the shadows.

At first, Natasha thought they were human. But as they stepped into the Emberstone's light, their true forms became apparent. Their skin was pale and translucent, their eyes hollow voids that seemed to drink in the light around them. Shadowspawn.

Alison cursed under his breath. "Of course. They couldn't make this easy."

The Shadowspawn circled them, their movements slow and deliberate. There were at least a dozen, maybe more, their clawed hands twitching as if eager to strike.

Natasha gripped the Emberstone tightly, its warmth seeping into her palm. "We can't let them take this," she said, her voice steady despite the fear creeping into her chest.

Alison raised his sword, a grim smile tugging at his lips. "Then we make our stand here."

The first Shadowspawn lunged, its claws swiping at Alison. He parried the attack, his blade slicing through the creature's arm. It let out an unearthly shriek, retreating into the shadows.

Another came at Natasha, its claws aimed for her throat. She ducked and lashed out with her dagger, the blade glowing faintly as the Emberstone's power flowed through her. The creature recoiled, its form flickering like a dying flame.

"They're vulnerable to the stone!" Natasha called out.

Alison grinned. "Good to know!"

The fight was chaotic, the Shadowspawn attacking in waves. Natasha and Alison fought back-to-back, their movements synchronized as they fended off the creatures. But for every one they defeated, two more seemed to take its place.

"We can't keep this up!" Alison shouted, his voice strained.

Natasha glanced at the Emberstone, an idea forming in her mind. It was risky, but they were out of options.

"Cover me!" she yelled, stepping back from the fight.

"What are you doing?" Alison demanded, slashing at another Shadowspawn.

"Just trust me!"

Natasha focused on the Emberstone, willing its power to awaken. The stone grew warmer in her hands, its glow intensifying until it was nearly blinding. The Shadowspawn hesitated, their hollow eyes fixed on the light.

"Here goes nothing," Natasha muttered. She raised the stone above her head, channeling its energy outward.

A wave of fiery light erupted from the Emberstone, sweeping across the dunes. The Shadowspawn shrieked in unison, their forms dissolving into ash as the light consumed them. Within moments, the battlefield was silent once more.

Natasha lowered the stone, her body trembling from the effort. Alison rushed to her side, his expression a mix of relief and concern.

"Are you okay?" he asked, steadying her.

"I think so," she said, her voice faint. "But I don't know how many more times I can do that."

Alison nodded, his gaze scanning the horizon. "Let's hope you won't have to."

---

As they continued their journey, the dunes gradually gave way to rocky terrain. The air grew colder, the oppressive heat of the Burning Sands replaced by a chill that seeped into their bones.

Natasha couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched. The Emberstone's glow seemed dimmer now, its light barely illuminating the path ahead.

"Do you feel that?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Alison nodded. "Yeah. We're not alone."

They pressed on, their hands on their weapons, their senses on high alert. The tension was almost unbearable when a voice broke the silence.

"Well, well. Look who made it out of the Burning Sands alive."

Natasha and Alison turned to see a figure step out from the shadows. It was a man, tall and lean, with sharp features and a predatory smile. His black armor seemed to absorb the light, and his eyes gleamed with a sinister intelligence.

"Who are you?" Natasha demanded, raising the Emberstone.

The man chuckled, his voice dripping with mockery. "You don't recognize me? I'm hurt."

Natasha's eyes narrowed as recognition dawned. "Malrik."

The Shadow King's lieutenant spread his arms in a mocking gesture of welcome. "At your service. And I must say, you've made this far too easy for me. Bringing the Emberstone right to my doorstep? How thoughtful."

Alison stepped forward, his sword at the ready. "You'll have to kill us before you take it."

Malrik's smile widened. "Oh, I intend to. But first, let's have a little fun, shall we?"

With a wave of his hand, the shadows around them came alive, twisting and writhing like living creatures. Natasha and Alison braced themselves as the darkness closed in, the battle far from over.