Chapter Sixteen: Echoes of the Past

The forest gradually gave way to rolling hills, where the light of day lingered longer, casting golden hues across the landscape. Though the oppressive chill of the Shadowlord's influence had lessened, the weight of their journey still bore heavily on the trio.

Elara walked in silence, her staff doubling as a walking stick as she leaned into its support. The events in the forest had drained her, both physically and emotionally, but the clarity she felt afterward was undeniable. She had discovered something profound about her light—something that went beyond combat.

"Where are we heading now?" Seris asked, breaking the quiet as she adjusted her sword at her side.

Kael pointed toward the horizon, where jagged peaks loomed in the distance. "To the Altherian Peaks. The Moonborn left sanctuaries there—hidden places where their power could be channeled safely. If we can reach one, it might give Elara the edge she needs to stand against the Shadowlord."

Seris raised an eyebrow. "Sanctuaries, huh? Sounds cozy. Any chance they come with hot meals and soft beds?"

Kael smirked faintly. "If you call ancient stone altars cozy, then sure."

"Figures," Seris muttered, though her teasing tone didn't mask her unease. "And what about the Shadowlord? What's stopping him from intercepting us there?"

"Nothing," Kael admitted. "But the sanctuaries are protected by old wards. He'll have a harder time reaching us once we're inside."

"Comforting," Seris said dryly.

Elara glanced between them, her mind racing with questions. "What happens when we get there? Do I have to fight? Or… channel the light again?"

Kael's expression grew thoughtful. "The sanctuaries aren't about fighting. They're places of reflection and connection. The Moonborn used them to deepen their bond with the light and understand its true purpose."

Seris snorted. "Reflection and connection? Sounds like a fancy way of saying we're going to meditate."

Kael shot her a look. "Don't underestimate it. The sanctuaries are where the Moonborn unlocked their full potential. If Elara's going to defeat the Shadowlord, she'll need to do the same."

Elara swallowed hard, the weight of his words sinking in. "No pressure, then."

Kael placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder. "You've come this far, Elara. Trust yourself—and the light. It hasn't failed you yet."

As they continued toward the peaks, the landscape around them began to shift. The golden hills gave way to rocky terrain, and the air grew colder with each step. Clouds gathered overhead, casting long shadows that seemed to stretch unnaturally far.

Elara felt the pendant on her chest grow warmer, its light flickering as if responding to the change in their surroundings.

"We're not alone," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kael and Seris both stopped, their hands instinctively going to their weapons.

"Where?" Seris asked, her eyes scanning the rocky terrain.

Elara closed her eyes, focusing on the sensations coursing through her. The light within her pulsed in time with the pendant, guiding her senses toward the source of the disturbance.

"There," she said, pointing to a cluster of boulders ahead.

Kael stepped forward cautiously, his sword drawn. As he approached, a low, raspy voice echoed from the shadows.

"Well, well. The lightbearer and her protectors. I've been expecting you."

A figure emerged from behind the rocks, cloaked in darkness. Unlike the formless Shadows they'd faced before, this figure had a distinct, humanoid shape. Its eyes glowed a deep crimson, and its movements were unnervingly fluid.

"Who are you?" Kael demanded, his blade glinting in the dim light.

The figure chuckled, the sound grating and hollow. "I am Varin, a servant of the Shadowlord. He has sent me to deliver a message—and a warning."

Seris tightened her grip on her sword. "Let me guess. The message is 'Surrender or die,' right?"

Varin's grin was unsettling. "Not quite. The Shadowlord knows your light is growing, Elara. He also knows it will destroy you if you're not careful."

Elara narrowed her eyes, her fear replaced by anger. "You're lying. The light is my strength, not my weakness."

"Is it?" Varin hissed, stepping closer. "The Moonborn were powerful, yes, but they paid a heavy price for their light. The stronger it grows, the more it consumes. You've felt it, haven't you? The strain? The exhaustion?"

Elara's heart skipped a beat. She had felt it—the toll the light took on her body and mind. But she refused to let Varin's words shake her.

"You don't know anything about me," she said, her voice steady.

Varin's grin widened. "Perhaps not. But the Shadowlord does. And he will exploit every weakness, every doubt, until there's nothing left of you."

Kael stepped in front of Elara, his golden eyes blazing. "Enough. If you think you can scare us into giving up, you've failed."

Varin laughed, the sound echoing through the rocks. "This is no idle threat, lightbearer. The Shadowlord grows stronger with every step you take. The longer you resist, the more suffering you will bring—to yourself and to those you care about."

Without warning, Varin dissolved into the shadows, his laughter lingering in the air like a taunt.

Seris cursed under her breath, her sword still drawn. "I don't like this. He let us go too easily."

Kael sheathed his blade, his jaw clenched. "It's a mind game. He's trying to make us second-guess ourselves."

Elara remained silent, her mind replaying Varin's words. Could there be truth in them? Was the light truly dangerous to her?

Kael turned to her, his expression softening. "Don't let him get to you, Elara. The light isn't your enemy. It's your greatest strength."

Seris nodded, her tone surprisingly gentle. "He's just another pawn in the Shadowlord's game. And we're not about to lose to a bunch of overgrown nightmares."

Elara took a deep breath, nodding. "You're right. I can't let him shake me. We have to keep moving."

Kael placed a hand on her shoulder, his gaze steady. "We'll face whatever comes next together. The Shadowlord's reach may be long, but it's not unbreakable."

As they continued toward the peaks, Elara felt the light within her grow steadier, like a flame burning brighter against the encroaching darkness. Whatever lay ahead, she knew she couldn't afford to falter.

Her journey was far from over, and the Shadowlord was waiting. But she also knew one thing for certain—she wouldn't face him alone.