The Whispering Shadows

Aria arrived at the abandoned windmill, her dagger at the ready. The hooded figure awaited her, shrouded in darkness.

"Who are you?" Aria demanded. The figure stepped forward.

"I am Elian," the figure revealed. "A member of a secret order." Elian's voice was laced with urgency.

"The ancient evil I spoke of," Elian continued, "is known as the Umbra Collective. A cabal of dark sorcerers." Aria's grip on her dagger tightened.

"What do they seek?" Aria asked. Elian's eyes darted nervously.

"The Umbra Collective seeks to reclaim their lost city," Elian said. "Erebus, the City of Shadows." Aria's brow furrowed.

"Erebus?" Aria repeated. "I've never heard of it." Elian nodded.

"Few have," Elian said. "Erebus holds the key to unimaginable power." Aria's determination hardened.

"I won't let that happen," Aria vowed. Elian's expression turned grave.

"You must be cautious," Elian warned. "The Umbra Collective has infiltrated Elyria's highest ranks." Aria's eyes widened.

"Who can I trust?" Aria asked. Elian handed her a small parchment.

"These names are loyal," Elian said. "But be vigilant. The Umbra Collective will stop at nothing." Aria's gaze scanned the list.

Kael's name was absent.

Aria's heart sank.

Was Kael involved?

Elian vanished into the night.

Aria stood alone.

The whispering shadows seemed to closing in.