Chapter 22: Into the Archives

The dust from the battle had barely settled, but there was no time to rest. Kieran's body screamed in protest as he forced himself to his feet, but the sight of the Black Archives looming ahead steeled his resolve. The Lightborn had given them a reprieve, but for how long? They needed answers, and they needed them now.

Corin, bruised but standing tall, walked over to Kieran and clapped a heavy hand on his shoulder. "We made it. But that thing will be back, and we'd better be ready."

Lira, leaning against a nearby tree, wiped the sweat from her brow. "The Lightborn saved us again, but we can't keep relying on them. We need to find out what that artifact is—why it's so important."

Elara, pale but resolute, nodded in agreement. "The Black Archives will have the answers. We just need to make it inside without drawing too much attention."

Kieran glanced toward the entrance of the Scholar's Quarter, the massive stone doors of the Archives sealed shut. Guards patrolled the perimeter, and it was clear they weren't going to stroll in unnoticed. The district was heavily fortified, and with The Shadow's influence spreading through the city, they couldn't afford to be caught.

"We need a plan," Eldric said, his eyes scanning the area. "The main entrance is a death trap, but there has to be another way in."

Lira's sharp gaze followed the guards' patrol routes. "I'll find it."

Kieran nodded. "Be quick, but be careful."

While Lira slipped into the shadows to scout, the rest of the group took the chance to catch their breath. Kieran sank to the ground, feeling the weight of exhaustion pull at him. He stared at the artifact hanging from his neck, the dull glow pulsing faintly.

The Shadow's leader had said it was a key to unlocking the true nature of the world, and the Lightborn had hinted that Kieran wasn't ready to use it. But how was he supposed to prepare for something he didn't understand?

"Kieran," Elara's voice cut through his thoughts. "Are you alright?"

He looked up at her, seeing the concern in her eyes. "I don't know," he admitted, his voice low. "Every time I think I'm starting to understand this artifact, something new happens. I don't know if I'm strong enough to control it."

Elara knelt beside him, her expression softening. "None of us are strong enough on our own. But we're not alone. We'll figure this out, together."

Kieran managed a small smile, grateful for her words. The weight on his shoulders felt a little lighter, if only for a moment.

Before they could speak further, Lira reappeared, her expression serious. "I found a way in, but it's not going to be easy. There's a side entrance near the Archives' back wall, but it's heavily guarded. We'll need to create a distraction."

Eldric cracked his knuckles, flames flickering in his palms. "I'm good at distractions."

Kieran shook his head. "No, we can't draw that much attention. We'll have to be subtle."

Corin raised an eyebrow. "Subtle? That's not exactly our specialty."

"Maybe not," Kieran said, standing up, "but we'll have to make it work."

Lira outlined the plan quickly. They would split into two groups: Lira, Corin, and Eldric would circle around to the front and draw the guards' attention with a low-key disturbance, while Kieran and Elara would sneak through the side entrance. Once inside, they'd regroup and find the records on the artifact.

The plan was risky, but it was their only option.

"Let's move," Kieran said, his voice steady with determination.

The group split up as planned, with Kieran and Elara moving swiftly through the alleyways toward the side entrance. Kieran's heart pounded in his chest, the tension rising with every step. The city around them was quiet, almost too quiet, as if it were holding its breath.

As they reached the side entrance, they could hear the faint sound of Eldric and Corin's "distraction" in the distance—shouts and the clang of metal against stone. The guards shifted their attention, and Kieran saw his opportunity.

"Now," he whispered to Elara.

They slipped through the side gate, moving swiftly through the shadowed corridors of the Archives. The building was ancient, its towering walls lined with shelves of books and scrolls that stretched up to the high ceiling. The air was thick with the smell of parchment and dust, and the silence was almost deafening.

"We need to find the central records hall," Elara whispered, her eyes scanning the shelves. "That's where the most important documents are kept."

Kieran nodded, but as they moved deeper into the Archives, an uneasy feeling settled over him. The place felt wrong—like they were being watched.

"Elara," Kieran murmured, his voice tight with tension. "Do you feel that?"

She paused, her brow furrowing. "Yes. Something's not right."

Before they could react, a low voice echoed through the halls. "I see you've made it this far. Impressive."

Kieran's blood ran cold as a figure stepped out of the shadows, cloaked in dark robes. It wasn't the Shadow's leader, but the presence was just as menacing. The man's face was obscured by a hood, but his eyes glinted with a sinister light.

"You won't find the answers you're looking for here," the man said, his voice smooth and taunting. "But I'm curious… how far are you willing to go to uncover the truth?"

Kieran stepped forward, his hand on the artifact. "Who are you?"

The man chuckled, the sound sending a shiver down Kieran's spine. "I am merely a guardian of knowledge. But the knowledge you seek comes with a price."

Elara's hand tightened on her staff. "What do you want?"

The man's smile widened, his eyes gleaming. "A simple exchange. Your lives, for the truth."

Kieran's heart raced, the weight of the decision pressing down on him. They had come too far to turn back now, but the man's offer hung in the air like a blade poised to fall.

Was the truth worth risking everything?

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