CHAPTER TWENTY NINE: SHADOWS RECKONING

Steve sat in a dimly lit chamber, his fingers drumming against the armrest of his chair. The flickering glow of a single lantern cast elongated shadows along the stone walls, mirroring the cold amusement in his eyes.

A voice, smooth yet unreadable, spoke from the darkness. "He's at Ashwood Haven Academy."

Steve's drumming stopped. His crimson gaze flickered with interest before settling into calculated thought. "Helen's school?" He let out a low chuckle. "She's always been cautious. Attacking it directly would be a fool's move."

The unseen figure remained silent, waiting.

Steve leaned back, steepling his fingers. "No, I won't storm in like some reckless brute. I'll take my time… pull him out from his little hiding place." His lips curled into a smirk. "One way or another, my boy will come to me."

The air in the chamber grew heavier, charged with quiet menace. The unseen figure remained still, their presence blending into the surrounding darkness.

Steve exhaled slowly, a dangerous glint in his eyes. "And when he does… he'll realize he never had a chance."

...... ✍️

The morning sun cast a golden glow over Ashwood Haven Academy's courtyard, where students stood in neat rows, their chatter a low hum of curiosity and excitement. At the front, on a raised podium, Helen stood with a poised smile, flanked by three new figures who had instantly captured the attention of the gathered crowd.

I stood to her right, arms crossed, my crimson red eyes narrowed in a barely concealed scowl. My entire posture screamed irritation, and the subtle growl on my face made it clear I would rather be anywhere but here.

Beside me, Ken stood with a relaxed stance, hands in his pockets, his expression unreadable. He barely spared a glance at the students below, ignoring the not-so-subtle winks and smiles sent his way.

Nicole, on the other hand, stood at Helen's left, beaming like the sun itself. She waved excitedly at familiar faces, her golden eyes sparkling with joy. Unlike her two companions, she welcomed the attention with open arms.

Whispers rippled through the students.

"That guy with the scowl is kinda scary, but…"

"Yeah, but also kinda cute?"

"What about the other one? He looks so cool!"

"I heard he's really strong. Do you think he has a girlfriend?"

"Nicole is adorable as always!"

Helen raised a hand, and the murmurs died down instantly. Her voice was clear and authoritative as she addressed the students. "I want you all to give a warm welcome to our newest additions."

My scowl deepened.

Ken sighed.

Nicole just grinned wider.

As the murmurs continued, Ken leaned slightly toward me, his voice barely above a whisper.

"Try smiling a little. Maybe you'll get a girlfriend."

My eye twitched. My scowl deepened, and I turned my head just enough to glare at Ken. "Shut up before I wipe that smug look off your face."

Ken smirked, clearly entertained. "See? That's the problem. You've got the charm of a rabid dog."

Nicole, catching the exchange, giggled. "Liam, just wave or something. You look like you're about to murder someone."

I rolled my eyes and muttered, "Not someone—Ken specifically."

Helen, ignoring our side conversation, continued, "These three will be staying here for the time being. I expect all of you to treat them with the same respect and courtesy as any other student."

Another ripple of whispers followed.

"Does that mean they're actually attending classes?"

"If they are, I hope I get to sit next to the cool one."

"You mean Ken? He seems kind of cold, but I bet he's really strong."

"What about Liam? I don't know whether to be scared or swoon."

I exhaled sharply, already regretting everything about this situation.

Helen, noticing my growing annoyance, decided to wrap things up. "Alright, that's enough. You'll have time to get to know them soon. Dismissed."

The students scattered, some still stealing glances at I and Ken, while Nicole waved cheerfully at anyone who made eye contact. I, on the other hand, wasted no time stepping off the podium and heading straight for the exit.

Helen watched as I go before sighing and turning toward Sophia, who had been observing quietly from the sidelines.

"We need to talk," Helen said, her tone shifting to something more serious.

Sophia arched an eyebrow. "About what?"

Helen gestured for her to follow, and the two walked toward her office.

Once inside, Helen stood near the tall windows, looking out at the school grounds. The energy of the assembly still lingered in the air, but her mind was on something else entirely. Sophia leaned against the desk, arms crossed.

"You want to send students outside the academy?" Sophia asked, cutting straight to the point.

Helen nodded. "I want to open the school to taking help requests from cities in need. There are countless places struggling with threats beyond their control—rogue hunters, lawless factions, even supernatural disturbances. We have the means to make a difference."

Sophia tilted her head slightly. "And you're planning to send students?"

"Not just any students," Helen clarified. "Only a few—those who prove themselves capable in a tournament. The strongest, smartest, and most disciplined among them. It will be a learning experience, a way for them to apply their skills outside the classroom while helping others."

Sophia tapped a finger against her arm. "And I assume Liam will be a part of this?"

"Of course."

Sophia frowned. "Helen, you realize Steve is still out there. He could use this as an opportunity to attack Liam when he's away from the school." Her voice dropped slightly. "Or Liam could use this as a chance to run."

Helen met her gaze without hesitation. "I'm aware."

Sophia narrowed her eyes. "And?"

Helen smirked. "And I have already put measures in place to prevent either scenario. I wouldn't be making this decision if I wasn't confident in my ability to keep things under control."

Sophia studied her for a moment before letting out a small chuckle. "You really are meticulous."

Helen shrugged. "It's a habit of mine."

Sophia exhaled, shaking her head. "Well, I hope you're right. Because if you're wrong—"

Helen's expression darkened slightly. "I won't be."

Sophia sighed, rubbing her temples. "Guess I'll just have to trust you on this."

Helen smiled. "You always do."

The open field behind the academy had become my favorite retreat. A large tree stood at its center, its thick branches stretching wide, casting a perfect shade beneath it. The grass was cool, the breeze gentle, and most importantly, it was quiet—away from the chatter of the academy halls.

I lay against the trunk, arms crossed behind my head, eyes half-lidded as I let the silence settle around me.

Then came the footsteps.

I knew who it was before I even looked.

Ken.

I let out a slow, controlled breath, already irritated.

"You really do love this spot, don't you?" Ken said, standing over me with hands in his pockets.

I said nothing.

Ken took that as an invitation to sit down, leaning back on his elbows. "Not a bad place to nap, but wouldn't it be better with some company?"

Still, I remained silent.

Ken smirked. "No reaction? Alright, I'll just sit here and—"

"Liam! Ken!"

I ignored the shout but Ken turned to see Nicole dashing toward, her usual brightness somehow amplified. She skidded to a stop, hands on her knees as she caught her breath.

"Did you hear?" she asked excitedly.

"Hear what?" Ken asked, but Nicole was already too eager to wait for a response.

"There's a tournament happening soon! Everyone's talking about it. They're selecting a few students to go on missions outside the school. It's all over the academy!"

Ken sat up, now fully interested. "A tournament, huh?" His lips curled into a grin. "Sounds fun. Might be a good way to shake things up."

He turned toward me. "What about you? You in?"

I didn't answer. Instead, I exhaled slowly and shut my eyes, feigning sleep.

Ken scoffed. "Guess that's a no."

Nicole tilted her head. "I don't know… Liam's not saying anything. That usually means he's thinking about it."

I ignored them, keeping up my act and wishing they would just disappear.

But inside, my mind was already working.

An opportunity…

Nicole plopped down beside me, her bright eyes full of warmth. She leaned a little too close, grinning. "You know, you could at least act a little excited. This could be fun."

I cracked one eye open and shifted away from her. "You're awfully friendly today." His voice was flat, unamused. "Did Helen put you up to this?"

Nicole blinked. "What?"

I sat up and rested my arms on my knees, my crimson red eyes sharp as I studied her. "Did she tell you to try and be my friend? Because if so, you can stop. I don't need any."

Nicole's smile faltered, her hands tightening slightly over the fabric of her skirt.

Ken let out a low whistle. "Man, you really know how to make people feel welcome."

I ignored him and turned my gaze toward him instead, my expression darkening. "And you—next time you approach me while I'm trying to sleep…" I tilted my head, my voice lowering into a dangerous edge. "I'll end you."

Ken simply grinned. "So what you're saying is, I'm invited back?"

My eye twitched.

Nicole, usually quick with a response, stayed silent this time. Her gaze lowered, her usual glow dimmed.

For a moment, the air grew heavy, but I didn't care.

With a sigh, I leaned back against the tree, shutting my eyes once more. "If you two are done, get lost."

Ken chuckled, but Nicole remained quiet.

Nicole clenched her fists, her usual warmth dimmed by the ice in Liam's voice. "I don't get you," she muttered, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liam scoffed, pushing himself up from the tree. He looked down at her, his crimson eyes void of any kindness. "Then stop trying to."

Nicole lifted her head, her blue eyes searching his face. "I just… I thought maybe we could be—"

"Friends?" I cut her off with a cold chuckle, shaking my head. "Yeah, I hate people like you."

Nicole flinched, taken aback.

I shoved my hands in my pockets, my tone sharper than ever. "Over-friendly, always smiling, trying to get close to people who clearly don't want you around. It's annoying."

Ken's smile disappeared as he glanced between us, sensing the tension thickening like a storm cloud.

Nicole swallowed, forcing herself to hold my gaze. "Why are you like this?"

I exhaled sharply through his nose, his expression unreadable. "It's none of your business."

With that, I turned on my heel and walked away without a second glance.

Nicole sat there, stunned, her breath caught in her throat. Her vision blurred as tears welled up, but she quickly looked down, blinking them away.

Ken, who had been watching in silence, sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Damn… He really know how to ruin a mood, am I right?"

Nicole didn't answer. She just sat there, staring at the ground, biting her lip to stop the tremble.

I was halfway across the field when a figure stepped in front of me, forcing me to halt. I scowled, already irritated.

Helen's assistant, a composed young woman with sharp eyes, stood with her hands clasped in front of her. "Headmistress Helen seeks your presence in her office."

My jaw tightened. "For what?"

"I wasn't informed." Her voice remained professional, unreadable. "She said it's important."

I exhaled sharply through my nose. "Of course she did."

I cast a glance over my shoulder—Nicole hadn't moved from where I left her, Ken standing beside her. I ignored the slight twist in my chest and turned back to the assistant.

"Fine," I muttered, shoving my hands into my pockets. "Lead the way."

The assistant led me through the academy's hallways, her pace brisk and efficient. I followed in silence, my mind preoccupied. Helen rarely called for me unless it was something significant, and after that ridiculous assembly, I wasn't in the mood for another lecture.

When we reached Helen's office, the assistant knocked twice before pushing the door open. Helen sat behind her desk, her piercing gaze already locked onto me. A cup of tea steamed beside her, untouched.

"Close the door," she instructed.

I did as told, leaning against the wall with my arms crossed. "What is it this time?"

Helen studied me for a moment before speaking. "I assume you've heard the news about the upcoming tournament."

My expression remained unreadable, though my silence spoke volumes.

Helen smirked. "I figured as much. That's why I'm calling you here. I want you to participate."

I scoffed, pushing off the wall. "And why would I do that?"

Helen leaned forward slightly. "Because this is an opportunity for you, Liam. The ones who win will be selected to take on real-world missions—dangerous ones. Isn't that exactly what you want?"

I narrowed my eyes. I hated how well she could read me. "I don't take orders," I said flatly.

Helen's expression didn't waver. "No, you don't. But you do take opportunities when they benefit you. And this, Liam, is the perfect chance to move freely without raising suspicion."

I tapped my fingers against my arm, considering her words. Then, a sharp smirk formed on my face.

"I know you may think you can control my movements and my thought process," I said, my voice laced with warning. "But if I choose to accept this ridiculous tournament of yours, I won't go easy on your weak students. And I will make you regret setting all of it up. But that's if I choose to participate."

Helen smiled knowingly. "We'll see."

I turned to leave, pausing at the door. Without looking back, I muttered, "I'll think about it."

As the door shut behind me, Helen leaned back in her chair, amusement flickering in her eyes.

As I stepped out of Helen's office, the air outside felt stifling. I shoved my hands into my pockets, my mind whirling with thoughts about the tournament. It was a perfect opportunity—one I couldn't ignore. But Helen's confidence in predicting my actions irritated me. It felt like she was always a step ahead, and I hated that.

"Tch." I clicked my tongue in annoyance, walking down the hallway.

I barely made it a few steps before someone fell into stride beside me. Ken.

"You look like someone just fed you spoiled food," Ken remarked, smirking.

I shot him a glare. "Go away."

Ken ignored me, as usual. "So… are you gonna enter?"

I scoffed. "Not your business."

Ken chuckled, hands behind his head as they walked. "You know, I was hoping you'd join. It'd be fun. And by fun, I mean kicking your ass in front of an audience."

I stopped, my crimson red eyes glowing with irritation. "You sure love to talk."

Ken grinned. "And you sure love to pretend you're not interested."

I turned away and kept walking. I could feel Ken's stare burning into my back.

After a beat, Ken's voice took on a more serious tone. "By the way… don't you think you were a bit harsh to Nicole?"

My steps faltered for just a second before I scoffed. "Not my problem."

Ken sighed. "Man, you really are a piece of work."

I didn't respond, but my expression darkened slightly. I kept walking, but in my mind, I had already made my choice.

Dark tendrils swirled as a portal opened, and Selena stepped through, her boots landing on cracked, barren ground. The air here was thick with shadow, curling and shifting like a living entity. Unlike the lush, ethereal beauty of the Shadow Realm's vast plains, this land was dead—an endless stretch of desolation where not even the faintest whisper of life stirred.

Sophia walked ahead, her posture rigid, her gaze locked on the shifting darkness. "Welcome to the Obsidian Wastes," she said, her voice carrying over the eerie silence. "It's a part of the Shadow Realm, but unlike the rest of our land, this place is nothing but decay. Nothing grows here, and those who enter unprepared are consumed by it."

Selena clenched her fists, her body tensed. She had seen glimpses of this place in books but had never imagined stepping foot here. The weight of shadow pressed against her skin, and for the first time, she understood the gravity of what she had lost.

Sophia turned to her, eyes sharp. "This is where you'll find a new shadow. But be warned, Selena—this is not a gift. It is a trial."

Selena exhaled, her determination unwavering. "Good. I don't want a gift. I'll take what's mine."

Sophia gave a small nod before leading her deeper into the Wastes, where the shadows thickened, waiting to test her resolve.

The heart of the Obsidian Wastes pulsed with an eerie stillness, a silence so deep it felt suffocating. Shadows slithered along the cracked ground, restless and hungry, drawn to the two figures standing at its center.

Sophia stopped, turning to face Selena. "Sit," she instructed. Her voice was firm but not unkind.

Selena obeyed, crossing her legs on the cold, barren earth. The air around her felt heavier now, charged with something ancient and watching.

Sophia took a step back, her arms crossed. "You are to absorb the shadows here, make them your own," she explained. "But understand this, Selena—these shadows are not passive. They will fight you. They will try to take over your body, to consume you from the inside out. If you falter, they will end you."

Selena met her gaze, unshaken. "I understand."

Sophia studied her for a moment before nodding. "Then begin." Without another word, she turned and walked away, leaving Selena alone with the waiting darkness.

As Sophia's presence faded, the shadows surged forward, curling around Selena like living tendrils, drawn to her open spirit. They slithered against her skin, whispering promises and threats in voices too faint to grasp.

Selena exhaled and closed her eyes, steadying herself. The trial had begun.

After Selena is left alone in the Obsidian Wastes, struggling against the overwhelming darkness trying to consume her, the scene shifts.

The academy's grand assembly hall buzzed with murmurs as students lined up in neat rows, their eyes fixed on the stage where Helen stood tall, her expression unreadable. The soft glow of the crystal chandeliers overhead did little to soften the tension in the air.

Helen's gaze swept over the eager faces before she spoke, her voice firm and commanding.

"In three days, the Abyss Reckoning will begin."

The whispers grew louder. A tournament? So soon? Some students exchanged excited glances, while others paled at the unknown challenge ahead.

"This tournament will determine those worthy of taking on real-world missions. You will compete in teams, facing trials that will test not only your strength but your ability to survive and adapt."

Ken smirked from where he stood at the edge of the assembly, already anticipating the thrill. Nicole, on the other side of the room, was practically bouncing on her heels. I, however, remained stone-faced, my arms crossed in disinterest.

Helen's voice cut through the murmurs.

"Prepare yourselves. The true test begins soon."

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