a higher shadow

Lila's stance remained firm, her eyes locked on Ava, whose smile dripped with a cruel certainty. She could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on her chest, but she refused to back down.

"We're not interested in your weak powers," Ava sneered, her tone cold and calculated. "We're only here for Ryu, so leave now."

Lila's hands clenched into fists. Her heart raced, but her words were calm, despite the tension bubbling under the surface. "Sure, just like you weren't interested in Mei and Kai? You sent James to abduct them, didn't you?"

Ava's lips twisted into a small, amused smile, but there was something dark about it. "James... James was here," she said, her voice laced with a certain satisfaction.

Lila's patience was wearing thin. She raised an eyebrow and folded her arms. "Don't act clueless, like you don't know what's going on."

Morgan, who had been standing quietly in the background, suddenly let out a low chuckle, as though amused by the situation. "That bitch really wants trouble," he muttered, his eyes narrowing as he shifted his gaze toward Lila.

Ryu, who had been struggling to stay conscious, finally spoke up, his voice weak but focused. He pressed a hand to his bleeding stomach, his body refusing to cooperate with his mind. "Who... is James?" His voice trembled with confusion.

Lila could feel the sense of urgency rising. She could see Ryu's pained expression, and the panic in his eyes only intensified her determination. Without saying a word, she raised her hand subtly, sending a pulse of healing energy toward Ryu. It was a beam of focused light, bright and full of power, directed at his injured stomach.

Ryu's wound started to close, the bleeding stopping as the healing light mended his torn flesh. The pain didn't completely fade, but it was enough to allow him to stay conscious, to keep his senses sharp.

Still lying on the ground, Ryu chose to remain there for now. He didn't want to give away that he had healed, especially when they were so close to learning more about the enemies they faced.

Lila turned to face Ava once more, determined not to let them get away with any more secrets. "I'm still here, by the way. Hello? Go deeper. Who the hell is this 'James'?"

Morgan stepped forward, his voice low but firm as he placed a hand on Ava's arm, pulling her back a little. "He's someone you should never cross paths with," he said cryptically. "And now that he has your friends, he's only going to make them his disciples... and they will come for you."

Lila's mind was swirling, and confusion mixed with fear. She took a step closer towards them , smoke began swirling around Morgan and Ava, immediately it dawned on Lila that Morgan and Ava were about to escape

Lila stood firm, her heart racing as Morgan and Ava disappeared into the swirling smoke. Ryu groaned from the ground, clutching his stomach where the wound had bled moments before. The air felt heavy with tension, and Lila's sharp voice cut through the haze.

"Ryu, now!"

At her command, Ryu conjured a shadow blade. His aim was swift and precise, the dark weapon piercing through the smoke and striking Ava in the chest. Morgan vanished into the shadows, leaving behind nothing but the echoes of his mocking laughter.

Lila's fists clenched in frustration as the smoke cleared. "Ugh! We couldn't catch him."

Ryu staggered to his feet, his strength returning thanks to Lila's earlier healing beam. He placed a steadying hand on her shoulder. "Relax. At least we captured Ava. That's something."

They turned their attention to Ava, who lay motionless on the ground. Her previously glowing hair had dulled, and her chest rose and fell weakly.

"She's alive," Ryu confirmed, crouching down to examine her.

Lila frowned, eyeing the unconscious figure. "I hope she's not just faking it."

"She's not. The sword's enchantment makes sure of that," Ryu said with a faint smile. "She's powerless for the next six hours."

Lila huffed, pacing back and forth. "We should have used it on Morgan instead of wasting it on her. That beast just slipped through our fingers."

Ryu began lifting Ava carefully, preparing to carry her back to their sanctuary. "Morgan's day will come, Lila. For now, let's focus on what we've got. Ava might be the key to figuring out James' plan."

Lila stopped pacing and folded her arms. "You really think she's worth the trouble? She's the one who nearly killed you tonight, Ryu. She didn't hesitate."

"And you didn't hesitate to save me," Ryu countered. "That's why we win, Lila. We don't abandon anyone—not even the ones who think they're our enemies."

Lila didn't look convinced, but she didn't argue further. Together, they began the trek back to the sanctuary, carrying their unconscious prisoner and the weight of unanswered questions.

---

The sanctuary, a hidden stronghold deep in the forest, was quiet when they arrived. The small group of their remaining allies gathered around as Ryu set Ava down on a cot.

"Who is she?" a voice asked, sharp and serious. Jin stepped forward from the shadows, his piercing gaze fixed on Ava.

"Ava," Lila replied curtly. "One of Morgan's lackeys. We managed to capture her, but he got away."

Jin's expression hardened. "You brought her here? Do you realize how reckless that is?"

"She's powerless for now," Ryu said, standing his ground. "The shadow blade will keep her abilities locked down for six hours. We'll keep her contained and get the answers we need."

Jin's eyes narrowed as he stepped closer, inspecting Ava with a critical eye. "You're too trusting, Ryu. Enemies like her are dangerous, even without powers. One wrong move, and she could jeopardize everything."

"And doing nothing jeopardizes Mei and Kai," Lila shot back, her frustration bubbling to the surface. "Morgan made it clear that James has them. If we don't act, we lose them for good."

Jin folded his arms, his jaw tightening. "And you think she is the solution? For all we know, this could be a trap."

Ryu placed a hand on Jin's shoulder, his tone calm but firm. "I understand your concern, but this was the best move we had. Ava might be the key to understanding James' plan. If she's not, we'll deal with her accordingly."

Jin exhaled sharply, stepping back. "Fine. But don't expect me to be thrilled about this. Keep her under constant watch. The moment she shows any sign of trouble, I'll take care of her myself."

---

Ava woke with a start, her eyes snapping open to find herself surrounded. Lila stood nearby, arms crossed and expression cold, while Ryu watched from the corner of the room. Jin leaned against the wall, his arms folded and his piercing gaze fixed on her.

"Good morning," Lila said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Or should I say, welcome to your new reality?"

Ava glared at her, attempting to sit up, but her body felt heavy and unresponsive.

"Don't bother trying to use your powers," Lila continued. "That blade you were hit with? It made sure you're just a regular human for the next few hours."

Ava's lips twisted into a bitter smile. "You think this changes anything?"

"It does if you start talking," Ryu said, stepping closer. His tone was calm but firm. "Tell us about James. What's his plan?"

Ava laughed weakly. "You have no idea what you're up against. James is... beyond anything you can imagine. If you're smart, you'll let me go and hide while you still can."

"Not happening," Lila snapped. "What does he want with Mei and Kai? Why did Morgan say they'll come for us?"

Ava's smirk faded, replaced by a flicker of hesitation. For a moment, it seemed she might refuse to answer, but then she sighed.

"James doesn't just take people. He changes them," she said quietly. "Mei and Kai are more than just pawns. They're part of a bigger plan. He's building an army, and your friends are just the beginning."

Jin straightened, his eyes narrowing. "An army for what?"

"An army to reshape the world," Ava replied. "James wants control, and he's using people like Mei and Kai to get it. Once he's done with them, they won't even remember who they are. They'll only know loyalty to him."

Lila's fists clenched at her sides. "You're lying."

"I wish I were," Ava said, her voice barely above a whisper. "You don't know what he's capable of."

Ryu's expression darkened. "Then you'd better start telling us everything you do know."

---

The hours ticked by as Ava reluctantly shared fragments of information. She described James as a master manipulator, a shadowy figure who always stayed one step ahead.

"He doesn't just rely on power," Ava explained. "He uses fear, control, and deceit. By the time you realize you're under his influence, it's too late."

Jin remained skeptical, his eyes never leaving Ava. "If you're trying to make us pity you, it's not working. Whatever you've told us better be true, or you'll regret it."

As Ava spoke, Lila felt a growing sense of unease. They were dealing with an enemy who was more than just powerful—he was calculated and ruthless.

"We'll get Mei and Kai back," Lila said firmly, more to herself than anyone else.

Ryu nodded. "We will. But first, we need to figure out how to stop James ".