CHAPTER SIXTY FOUR: SHIFTING SHADOWS

Selena stood in front of the mirror, tightening the sash of her robe, her expression sharp and focused. The room around her was silent, save for the distant whispers of wind sweeping through the high towers of the Shadow Realm. She barely heard the door creak open before Sophia's voice broke the quiet.

"Oh, you've got to be kidding me," Sophia huffed, stepping inside with all the subtlety of a storm. "Helen actually sent that boy to me? What, does she think I have some kind of miracle spell that fixes scrambled brains now?"

Selena didn't turn around. "Good morning to you too, Sophia."

"I'm serious," Sophia said, throwing her arms up. "The kid can't even tell the difference between a chair and a person. And yet Helen just drops him here like I'm a walking cure-all."

Selena finally turned, raising a brow. "You done ranting?"

Sophia folded her arms, muttering, "Almost."

Selena gave a faint smirk before brushing her hands over her robes. "I have a meeting with the King and the Elders in an hour. You can either keep ranting or help me finish tying this—unless you'd rather be the one walking into that room."

Sophia scowled but moved to help, grumbling, "Next time someone loses their mind, I'm tossing them into the Abyss and letting it sort them out."

Sophia tightened the final knot on Selena's sash with more force than necessary. "There. Try not to pass out from the pressure."

Selena gave her a look. "If I do, you'll be the one dragging me to the council chamber."

"Ugh, don't tempt me," Sophia muttered, stepping back and crossing her arms again. Her eyes drifted toward the open window, where the Shadow Realm stretched out in all its quiet, haunting beauty. "You'd think Helen would give me a break for once. Sends me a boy with a scrambled brain like I've got a spellbook that fixes trauma."

Selena adjusted a loose strand of hair, sighing. "She trusts you. That's why she sent him."

"She overestimates me," Sophia replied, voice low. "I heal bodies, not minds. What that boy needs is a miracle."

"You'll find a way," Selena said simply, then turned from the mirror. "You always do."

Sophia stared at her. "You know, sometimes I wish you weren't the Sage. Not because you're not good at it—hell, you're terrifyingly good—but because the world won't let you be anything else."

Selena's steps paused. She looked back, voice quiet. "I chose this."

"Yeah, and you've been great at it"

A long silence passed between them. Then Selena straightened, her tone steady. "The Shadow Realm need someone who won't just sit around waiting for disasters. Liam is still running away from his destiny so I'm here doing the work of a Guardian and Sage and the council isn't helping. They need someone who doesn't flinch when truths get ugly. That's not a choice I regret."

Sophia rolled her eyes, trying to mask her concern. "Fine. Be all noble and stuff. Just don't forget to breathe, Sage."

Selena's lips quirked. "I'll try."

They stepped out into the corridor, shadows dancing at their feet—calm for now, but always ready to stir.

The great chamber of the council was dimly lit, with shadowflame torches flickering along the walls. Their bluish-purple glow cast dancing silhouettes across the cold stone pillars, making the elders look even more severe than usual.

Selena stepped into the center of the room, her presence commanding despite the silent weight of scrutiny pressing against her shoulders. Cloaked figures lined both sides of the chamber, their hoods drawn back just enough to show the sharp glint of suspicion in their eyes. They didn't speak—but their glares spoke volumes.

What does the Sage have to say now?

Another excuse? Another burden?

She felt every thought like a thorn, but her expression remained unreadable.

At the far end of the room, seated atop a throne of braided obsidian and shadowvine, the King of the Shadow Realm leaned forward. His face was older than when she last stood before him, but his voice still held the same deep, careful control.

"Selena Remmick," he greeted, voice echoing. "We welcome you."

Her eyes met his with a respectful nod. "Your Majesty."

The King leaned back in his seat, his tone shifting to one of calculated approval. "I've heard of your recent accomplishment, Selena." He gave a small, approving nod. "The new shield you've set up. It has proven effective, hasn't it?"

Selena's eyes narrowed slightly, a flicker of pride crossing her face before she composed herself. "Yes, Your Majesty. The barrier is strong. Steve won't be able to infiltrate us again."

The room seemed to collectively exhale, as though a weight had been lifted from their shoulders. The King's lips curled into a faint smile, and the tension in the air eased ever so slightly.

"That is good news indeed," the King remarked, his voice tinged with approval. "I've been briefed on your methods, and I must say, you've done well. Your efforts have secured our borders—and perhaps more importantly, our minds will be at ease knowing that Steve Nazar will no longer be able to use his shadowcraft against us. You've provided us with much-needed peace."

He paused for a moment, his eyes scanning the council members, who seemed to be in agreement.

"Your skill has always been something to admire, Selena," the King continued. "And now, it seems, it is also a shield for us all. For that, we are grateful."

Selena remained silent for a moment, a bitter taste in her mouth at the mention of Steve, but she pushed it aside. She was here for something far bigger than gratitude, though it didn't hurt to hear it.

She nodded slowly, giving the King a curt but respectful reply. "I do what I must."

The council fell into an expectant silence, and the King leaned forward, his gaze now more focused. "Then, Sage, tell us what comes next. What can we do for the Realm—and for those within it—now that you've ensured our protection?"

Selena's heart tightened. She was walking a dangerous line, one she wasn't sure the King would understand. But the Realm needed answers—and it needed action.

Selena stood tall, her eyes unwavering as she addressed the council. "I believe it's time we put an end to the fruitless feud with the Demon Realm," she said, her voice cutting through the murmur of the room. "We've spent far too long entrenched in conflict, and for what? A cycle of violence that benefits no one. It's time for us to open our doors to new possibilities—new alliances, new friendships."

The room went still, the weight of her words hanging in the air like a dense fog. For a moment, there was nothing but silence, broken only by the faintest rustle of robes. Selena could feel the eyes of the council members boring into her, their glares sharp and full of suspicion. The old ways had held for so long, and she was now challenging everything they stood for. The very foundations of the Shadow Realm were built on mistrust, on holding the Demon Realm at arm's length. To suggest they should consider peace? It was nothing short of sacrilege.

Sophia, perched in a corner with her arms crossed, was the first to show a hint of amusement. A smirk tugged at the corners of her lips, her expression one of quiet satisfaction. She'd expected this—she'd known it was coming. Selena had a fire in her, a desire to change things, and Sophia had always known that fire would eventually burn too bright to ignore. It was no surprise to her that Selena would come here, pushing for something so radical. But Sophia didn't look at it with admiration or respect; rather, she saw it as an opportunity. One that would either make Selena a hero or a pariah.

The elders, however, weren't so easily amused. A wave of discontent rippled through the room, and the whispers started almost immediately. They exchanged looks, their eyes filled with doubt and mistrust. Some even scoffed under their breath. The Demon Realm? Peace? It was unthinkable. How could they simply throw away centuries of conflict for the sake of a few potential allies?

One of the elders—a tall, thin man with sharp features—spoke first, his voice laced with skepticism. "Are you suggesting we forgive the demons for their atrocities? The lives lost, the lands ravaged? We can't just forget what they've done."

Selena met his gaze, unwavering. "No. I'm not suggesting we forget. I'm suggesting we move forward. We've all lost something in this war. But if we keep fighting, we'll only lose more. It's time to change course before there's nothing left to protect."

The council shifted uncomfortably, but none of them spoke. It was clear that they were struggling with the idea, but none were brave enough to voice outright rejection—not yet.

Sophia's smirk deepened as she watched the room's reaction. The tension was thick, the undercurrents of resistance swirling beneath every word. She was enjoying this spectacle, but she didn't expect it to go smoothly. For Selena to push for such a change? It was bold, perhaps even reckless. And as much as she wanted to see Selena succeed, a part of her couldn't deny the intrigue. What would Selena do next, now that the winds of dissent were rising against her?

Selena took a deep breath, pushing through the discomfort in the room. "This isn't about forgiveness," she said, her voice steady. "This is about survival. If we continue to isolate ourselves, we'll only be trapped in an endless cycle of hatred. We need to look beyond the borders we've built around ourselves. It's the only way to ensure that the Shadow Realm has a future."

The room grew even quieter, the tension hanging in the air like a storm waiting to break. Selena could feel the weight of the council's gaze upon her, but she stood firm, her resolve unshaken. She had said her piece, and now it was up to them.

It was clear that the path forward would not be easy, but it was one Selena was determined to walk. Even if it meant facing the storm alone.

The King's voice broke through the tense silence, his tone hoarse and raw, the weight of the centuries of conflict pressing down on his words. "You want us to open ourselves to new change," he began, his eyes narrowing, "after you crafted a new powerful shield for us? A shield that keeps us safe from anyone, including those we should still be watching with a wary eye?" His gaze bore into Selena's, his words dripping with skepticism.

Selena stood her ground, her posture as strong as the shield she had just finished crafting, her eyes never wavering from his. "Yes, King Khaos. I crafted the shield to protect us, to ensure that the past doesn't repeat itself. But we can't live our lives shackled by old grudges. It's not about dismantling our defenses, it's about broadening our perspectives. We can't let the feuds of the past dictate our future."

The King's laugh was bitter, cutting through the air like a jagged blade. "You think we can just forget the bloodshed, Selena? The losses we've endured—how many of our people have died at the hands of demons? How many of our families have been torn apart by the same monsters you're so eager to forgive?" His voice rose, his eyes flashing with the passion of one who had lived through decades of war. "You may have crafted your shield, but you can't protect us from the consequences of your naivety. You think peace can simply be wished into existence?"

Selena's expression softened, but there was no mistaking the fire in her eyes. "I'm not asking for blind forgiveness, Khaos. I'm asking for a chance—a chance to stop the cycle before we lose everything we've fought for. The demons... they're not all the same. Some of them, like us, are tired of fighting. They don't want more war. But if we continue to push them away, if we stay locked in our hatred, we're no better than the monsters we've been fighting for so long."

The King's hands clenched into fists, his frustration evident as he slammed one of them onto the armrest of his throne. "You are delusional if you think the demons will ever change, Selena. You don't understand what you're asking! These creatures have taken so much from us, and now you want us to extend an olive branch? You would have us drop our guard for the sake of some idealistic dream?"

Selena's eyes narrowed, the calmness in her voice betraying the intensity of her conviction. "It's not a dream, Khaos. It's a reality. We can build something better than the constant cycle of hatred and bloodshed. But we can't do it if we keep looking back, clinging to the past like a crutch. You've been living in fear of the demons for so long that it's clouding your judgment. You're not seeing the bigger picture."

The King rose from his throne, his tall figure looming over Selena as he paced in frustration. "I've seen the bigger picture, Selena. I've seen it for years. You've only just begun to understand what's at stake here. If we lower our guard, even for a moment, it will all be for nothing. The demons are a threat, and they always will be. That's not something we can just forget."

Selena's eyes flashed with a mix of anger and determination. "It's not about forgetting, Khaos. It's about moving forward. We can't live in fear forever. If we don't take the first step, we'll never know if peace is possible. We've been fighting for so long, but what if we're fighting for something that's already been lost? What if we've been fighting against the wrong enemies all along?"

The King stopped pacing, his breath coming in sharp, frustrated huffs. His eyes flicked to the council members, who remained silent, watching the exchange with a mix of disbelief and concern. "You speak of peace," he said, his voice heavy with a mix of doubt and exhaustion. "But what if it's a lie? What if it's just another trap? The demons have always known how to manipulate us. They've used our compassion, our hopes, against us. What if they're just waiting for the moment we let our guard down?"

Selena's voice softened, but the fire in it had not diminished. "We can't let fear govern us any longer. If we don't try, we'll never know. And if we keep holding onto our hatred, we'll never see the end of it. We'll never see the possibility of something better."

The King's jaw clenched, his eyes narrowing as he glared at Selena. "You think I don't want peace? You think I've led this realm for all these years because I enjoy the war? But you are wrong. You cannot change everything with a single decision. Peace doesn't come from wishful thinking. It takes sacrifice, bloodshed, and a willingness to make the hard choices—things you've yet to learn."

Selena didn't flinch. "And you think I'm blind to that? I'm not asking for easy answers, Khaos. I'm asking for a chance to do something different. A chance to break the cycle. And I'm willing to fight for it, even if it means standing alone."

The King's gaze was sharp, his voice low and full of weight. "Then stand alone, Selena. But don't expect us to follow you down a path that's led us to ruin time and time again."

Selena's eyes never wavered from his, her voice steady and unyielding. "I don't expect you to follow me. I'm asking you to see beyond your own fear. And when the day comes that we have no choice but to change or perish, don't say I didn't try."

The King's gaze remained fixed on Selena, unblinking, as though searching for something beyond her words. The silence stretched, thick and heavy, the only sound in the room the quiet shuffle of air around them. His eyes softened just slightly, and for a brief moment, it seemed as if he weren't looking at her at all, but through her—into the depths of the past, to a time long gone.

For five minutes, he just stared, his mind racing through memories, through years of battles, loss, and endless conflict. It was in that moment that a strange feeling washed over him, a fleeting thought of someone long since lost. The sharpness in his gaze dulled as he caught himself, shaking the weight of it off. For a split second, Selena's face seemed to blur into Henri's, his long-lost friend—one who had always spoken of peace, of change, of hope, even in the darkest times.

The King's breath hitched slightly. Henri had always been the one who tried to see the bigger picture, who dreamed of a world beyond war, beyond the bloodshed. And now, standing before him, was Selena, with the same fire, the same belief that change was possible.

But Henri was dead. And the Shadow Realm had been shaped by loss, not peace. The weight of it all pressed down on him, and he had to pull himself back from those memories.

With a heavy sigh, the King finally turned away from Selena, retreating back to the familiar comfort of his throne. The soft creak of his chair echoed in the quiet room as he slumped down, his hands clasped together. He rubbed his face briefly, exhausted by the weight of their exchange. His voice, when it finally broke the silence, was tired and measured.

"I will ponder on it, Selena," he said, the weariness in his tone impossible to miss. "And I'll speak with the council. Perhaps we will see things from a different angle in time. But for now… if there's nothing else you wish to say, you may leave."

His eyes flicked toward the door, signaling the end of their conversation. The finality of his words hung in the air, but there was something deeper there—a lingering sense of unresolved tension. The King wasn't ready to give up on his view of the world just yet, but in that moment, a small seed of doubt was planted. What if, just maybe, Selena was right?

Selena stood there for a moment, her body rigid, as if she might say something more, but the weight of the King's words—though carefully measured—was like a cold hand on her chest. She had come in with the hope of changing minds, of shifting the very foundation of the Shadow Realm, but now she felt as though she were standing in the middle of an immovable stone wall.

For a heartbeat, she considered pushing further, challenging him, but the fatigue in the King's voice made her pause. She could see the depth of the battle he was waging within himself. The years of conflict, of stubborn pride, all of it swirling inside him like a storm that was far too vast to be quelled by a single conversation.

With a sharp exhale, she nodded, taking one final look at the King. She could feel the eyes of the council members boring into her, their judgment thick in the air, but she paid them no mind. Their voices had already been silenced by the King's authority. There was nothing more to say here, at least for now.

"Very well," she said, her voice steady, though her words hung heavy with disappointment. "I will take my leave."

As she turned to walk toward the door, her movements slow, almost reluctant, Selena couldn't help but feel the sting of it all—the loneliness of her cause, the isolation of wanting something so desperately and not being able to make others see it. She had always known the road to change was never easy, but this? This felt like a weight she had to bear alone.

She stepped out of the council room, the door closing softly behind her, and the moment she was outside, the cold, unfamiliar air of the Shadow Realm hit her.

Maybe it's not the right time, she thought, her hands tightening into fists at her sides. But I'll keep pushing. I'll keep fighting.

Behind her, the door to the throne room remained shut.

Sophia stepped out of the shadows of the palace, her steps soft and deliberate as she approached Selena. The younger woman's posture was rigid, her movements slow, as though the weight of the failed attempt at convincing the King had already begun to settle on her shoulders. The air of the Shadow Realm, always thick with its heavy silence, seemed to reflect the heaviness that hung over Selena in this moment.

"Selena," Sophia called out, her voice carrying a warm familiarity, a softness that only someone who had seen the girl grow into the woman she was could offer.

Selena paused, her steps faltering as she turned to face the older woman. She hadn't expected anyone to come after her, especially not after the council meeting. But seeing Sophia now, a quiet understanding in her eyes, made the tension in Selena's chest ease ever so slightly.

Sophia's smile was full of genuine affection, the kind she'd always offered to Selena, even when the girl was just a child. It was as if she saw Selena not just as a Sage, but as something more—a daughter, in a way. Someone she cared deeply for.

"You were wonderful in there," Sophia said, her voice rich with warmth. "You've always had a way of speaking from your heart, and that counts for more than you think. I know it wasn't easy."

Selena wasn't used to hearing praise like this, especially not after what had just transpired in the throne room. She felt her throat tighten, and for a moment, she didn't know how to respond. But the sincerity in Sophia's words made the weight of her failure feel a little lighter.

"I wasn't able to change anything," Selena said quietly, her voice laced with frustration. "I couldn't convince him. The King's set in his ways."

Sophia stepped closer, her gaze softening. "That's true, but don't think for a second that you didn't make a difference. The King doesn't change overnight. But you've planted the seed, Selena. And that's the first step. Don't let the silence discourage you."

Selena looked down, her thoughts racing. The feeling of being unheard, of not being taken seriously—it lingered. But Sophia's presence was grounding, as it always had been.

"I just… I don't know if I can do this," Selena admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "I don't know how to make them understand. The King… he's so rooted in the past. He sees the world in black and white."

Sophia smiled gently, placing a hand on Selena's shoulder, as if grounding her with the touch. "The King has always been a man of the past. But that doesn't mean the future is beyond reach. You're not trying to change him, Selena. You're trying to change the world around you. And that's a battle worth fighting, even when it feels impossible."

Selena met her gaze, her chest tightening with both doubt and a flicker of hope. Sophia had always been the person who believed in her when no one else did. She had been a guiding light in Selena's life, through every trial and every hardship.

Sophia leaned in a little closer, her tone soft but firm. "Don't lose hope. There are many paths forward, and you've only just begun. Your heart is in the right place, and that matters more than you know. Keep pushing, keep speaking out, and one day, they'll see. You have me by your side, always."

The warmth in Sophia's words wrapped around Selena like a blanket. It was comforting in a way that only Sophia could provide. She had been like a mother to Selena, guiding her through the roughest moments, lifting her up when she fell, and always believing in her—more than Selena had ever believed in herself.

For the first time that evening, Selena felt a flicker of peace amidst the storm in her chest. It wasn't much, but it was enough.

"Thank you, Sophia," Selena said softly, her voice breaking through the quiet. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Sophia smiled again, that same warm smile that had been a constant throughout Selena's life. "You're stronger than you know. Never forget that."

As Selena started to turn to leave, Sophia stayed behind for a moment, watching her go. There was a sense of pride in her heart, as if she could see the woman Selena was becoming. A part of her still saw the little girl who had once clung to her for comfort, but now, she saw a young woman ready to challenge the world.

Selena had a long road ahead of her, but Sophia knew she wouldn't walk it alone.

She had her. And that was enough for now.

Selena paused as she was about to walk away, a thought suddenly crossing her mind. She turned back to Sophia, her expression a little more serious than before, though there was still a hint of warmth in her eyes.

"I think I'll go see Ken," Selena said softly, almost as if she were still deciding it aloud.

Sophia raised an eyebrow, a playful smile curling at the corners of her lips. "Oh? Missing your hitman boyfriend, are we?"

Selena let out a surprised laugh, her earlier frustration melting away for a moment. She rolled her eyes at Sophia, her usual sarcastic edge returning.

"Please," Selena said, shaking her head as she grinned. "He's no longer a hitman. He's... well, I don't even know what he is now. But I think it's time I check on him."

Sophia's teasing smile only grew. "Oh, he's not a hitman anymore, huh? Does that mean you're not getting free protection anymore? How disappointing."

Selena chuckled, the sound light and carefree. It was a rare moment of ease in what had been an emotionally exhausting day. "I guess I'll have to start paying for my own bodyguard services. At least he'll still be useful for something."

Sophia crossed her arms, leaning against the palace wall with a smirk. "I'm sure you'll figure it out. After all, you've always been good at getting things done, especially when it comes to Ken. And if you ever need advice on handling a former hitman, you know where to find me."

Selena laughed again, feeling a weight lift from her shoulders. "You're impossible, Sophia," she said with a fond smile. "But thanks. Seriously."

Sophia's face softened, and for a moment, the teasing was gone. She looked at Selena with such affection that it almost felt like she was seeing her daughter once more. "You've got a big heart, Selena. Don't ever forget that. Even on your hardest days. You deserve all the happiness that comes your way."

Selena's smile softened. She could feel the truth of Sophia's words in the pit of her stomach. And even though she'd been weighed down by the council meeting and the uncertainty of the future, hearing those words gave her the strength to keep moving forward.

"Thanks, Sophia," she said quietly, voice thick with emotion. "I won't forget."

Sophia gave her a knowing look. "Now, go find your hitman. He'll be glad to see you. And who knows, maybe he'll stop being so moody with you around."

Selena grinned, her eyes twinkling with mischief. "I'll be sure to remind him that he's still on the job. Even if he is a little... reformed."

As Selena walked away, the soft sound of her footsteps echoed through the palace hallways. There was still so much to do, so many challenges ahead, but for the first time in a while, Selena felt like she could face them. With Sophia's support, and with Ken's constant presence in her life, maybe—just maybe—she could change the world around her.

And if nothing else, she'd at least be able to say she had someone in her corner.

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