Chapter 18: The Shadow Within
Eren's steps echoed faintly in the empty corridor as he returned to his room. The events of the vault still played vividly in his mind—the ancient tomes, the monstrous guardian, and Liora's wide-eyed expression as she saw him wield the Grimoire's power.
He had barely escaped the vault with his life, and though the Nexus had assured him of their support, doubts gnawed at him. The Grimoire was growing stronger, its whispers more persistent. Every time he used its power, he felt himself slipping further into its grasp.
"Eren," the Grimoire's voice coiled in his mind, smooth and alluring. "You've tasted what true strength feels like. Why resist? Embrace me, and the world will bow before you."
Eren shook his head, gripping the edge of his desk. "I don't want the world to bow," he muttered under his breath.
"But you want to protect it, don't you? Power is the only way."
He slammed the book shut, silencing its voice.
A knock at the door startled him.
"Eren?" Liora's voice came from the other side.
He hesitated before opening it. She stood there, arms crossed, her expression a mixture of concern and suspicion.
"Can I come in?" she asked.
He nodded, stepping aside to let her enter.
As soon as the door closed, she turned to him. "You need to tell me what's going on, Eren. That... thing you did in the vault? That wasn't normal."
Eren avoided her gaze. "It's complicated."
"Then uncomplicate it," she snapped. "I helped you because I trust you, but if you're keeping secrets—"
"I didn't ask for this!" he interrupted, his voice rising. "The power, the Grimoire, the Nexus—it's all been forced on me. I'm just trying to survive."
Liora's eyes narrowed. "The Grimoire? Is that what you're carrying around? Eren, do you have any idea what you're dealing with?"
He slumped into a chair, running a hand through his hair. "I didn't choose this, Liora. The Grimoire... it found me. And now it won't let go."
She was silent for a moment, then sat across from him. "If what you're saying is true, then you're in more danger than I thought. That kind of power—it doesn't come without a price."
"I know," he said quietly.
"Then why use it?"
"Because I don't have a choice," he admitted. "Without it, I wouldn't have survived the trials, the vault, any of it. The Nexus wouldn't even look at me if I didn't have this."
Liora studied him, her expression softening. "You're playing with fire, Eren. But... if anyone can handle it, it's you."
Her words brought a flicker of hope to his chest, but the weight of the Grimoire's influence was still heavy.
---
The Nexus's Demand
The next day, Aven summoned Eren to a secluded meeting in the depths of the Nexus. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with tension.
"You succeeded in the vault," Aven began, their voice calm but firm. "The documents you retrieved will be invaluable in exposing the Academy's secrets. However, your actions haven't gone unnoticed."
Eren frowned. "What do you mean?"
"The council is aware of the breach," Aven said. "They've increased security and started investigating everyone at the Academy. Your involvement remains hidden—for now. But that could change."
Eren's chest tightened. "What do you want me to do?"
Aven stepped closer, their piercing gaze locking onto his. "The council is holding a meeting tomorrow night to discuss their next move. We need to know what they're planning. You'll attend—discreetly."
Eren's heart sank. Another mission, another risk. But he nodded, knowing he had little choice.
---
The Council's Secrets
The following night, Eren found himself perched on a ledge outside the council's chamber. The Grimoire pulsed at his side, its energy dull but steady.
He peered through the stained-glass window, watching as the council members gathered around a massive table. Their faces were obscured by masks, their voices low and serious.
"Reports indicate an organized group operating within the Academy," one of them said. "They've been gathering resources, recruiting students. We believe they're responsible for the vault breach."
"What do they want?" another asked.
"To undermine us," the first replied. "To expose secrets that are better left buried. We must act swiftly. If we allow this group to grow, they could threaten the Academy—and everything it stands for."
Eren's blood ran cold. They were closer to discovering the Nexus than he had realized.
"Eren," the Grimoire's voice whispered in his mind. "They fear you. Do you see it now? Your power threatens their fragile control."
"Not now," Eren muttered, shaking his head.
"What was that?" one of the council members said, their head snapping toward the window.
Eren froze.
"Someone's here," they said, rising from their seat.
Eren dropped from the ledge, landing silently in the shadows below. He pressed himself against the wall, his heart pounding as footsteps approached.
"Show yourself!"
Eren's mind raced. He couldn't fight them—not here. Drawing on the Grimoire's power, he cloaked himself in darkness, blending into the shadows. The council member passed by, their gaze scanning the area.
After a tense moment, they returned to the chamber, muttering under their breath.
Eren exhaled slowly, the Grimoire's power fading.
---
The Price of Power
Back in his room, Eren collapsed onto his bed, exhaustion washing over him. The Grimoire rested on the desk, its dark energy pulsing faintly.
"You did well," it whispered. "But you're holding back. You could have silenced them, ended the threat right then and there."
Eren glared at the book. "I'm not a killer."
"Not yet," it said, almost teasingly. "But you will be. The world doesn't reward mercy, Eren. Remember that."
He turned away, trying to ignore the voice. But deep down, he couldn't deny the truth in its words.
As he drifted off to sleep, visions filled his mind—of battles, betrayals, and a world consumed by chaos. And at the center of it all was him, standing alone, the Grimoire's power radiating from his hands.
The line between savior and destroyer was growing thinner, and Eren knew that every choice he made would push him closer to one side—or the other.