Chapter 13: Unveiling Shadows

Emma hadn't felt the same since the encounter on the cliffs. Even in moments of peace, a trace of darkness seemed to linger in her thoughts, a reminder of how close they had come to something terrible. Every time she closed her eyes, she could see the sickly green glow of the Nightfall agent's eyes and feel the chill of the darkness pressing down on her.

She and Jake decided to meet at the town's ancient library, a place where the oldest records and mystical texts were preserved. They hoped to find information on the Nightfall—a record, a warning, anything that might help them prepare for what lay ahead.

The library was silent when they entered, only the faint scent of parchment and dust filling the air. Rows of leather-bound books and scrolls lined the shelves, their spines covered in faded lettering and symbols Emma didn't recognize. The librarian, an elderly woman with keen eyes, greeted them with a nod and directed them to a section in the back.

"This is where we keep the history of the coast and its mystical stories," she whispered. "Be careful; some knowledge is meant to remain hidden."

Emma gave her a grateful smile as they began sifting through the musty old volumes, each bound in rich, dark leather with the unmistakable aura of age and secrecy. Jake began reading aloud from a faded journal, his voice hushed but urgent.

"There are tales of an ancient being," he read, "one that existed long before our time. Known only as the 'Dark Wave,' it consumes everything in its path, leaving only shadows in its wake. The locals spoke of the Nightfall, a force tied to the Dark Wave, as an embodiment of its will."

Emma felt a shiver creep down her spine. "Dark Wave? That sounds exactly like what we saw."

Jake nodded, his brow furrowed. "It gets worse. It says here that the Dark Wave isn't just a legend—it's bound to reappear whenever there's a light strong enough to rival its power. And that's you, Emma."

Emma took a steadying breath, clutching the seashell pendant around her neck. "So they're coming because they feel threatened? Because my power has reached a level that scares them?"

"Exactly. And it means they'll keep coming until either they stop you, or…" He didn't finish, but she understood. The darkness wouldn't rest until she was defeated.

Just then, Leo entered the library, his gaze sweeping over the rows of books before he spotted them. He moved quickly, slipping through the stacks until he stood by their side, his face etched with worry.

"You'll want to hear this," he murmured. "The townspeople are getting spooked. More strange occurrences, more sightings of shadows. They think the Nightfall is already here."

Jake frowned, glancing over at Emma. "We need a plan—and fast. If this thing is targeting Emma, we have to protect her and keep the town safe."

Emma squared her shoulders, determination hardening her gaze. "No. We're not just going to wait for it to strike again. We're going to find it—and end this once and for all."

Leo arched an eyebrow, a spark of admiration lighting his eyes. "That's the spirit."

They spent the rest of the day strategizing, poring over maps and old records, looking for clues as to where the Nightfall's power might be concentrated. As night fell, they left the library with a sense of purpose, each of them more resolved than ever to protect their home and each other.