Chapter : The shadows Returns

Chapter 23: The Shadow Returns

It started as a feeling. Anita had just finished her last class of the day and was heading toward her locker when she felt a prickling sensation at the back of her neck. She glanced over her shoulder, but the bustling hallway looked as normal as ever.

She shook her head. Just nerves. Get a grip, Anita.

But as she stepped out into the cool afternoon air, the feeling intensified. Her eyes darted across the school grounds, scanning the crowd of students dispersing toward the parking lot or sports field. That’s when she saw it—at the edge of the woods, barely visible. A shadowy figure stood perfectly still, its form dark and hazy, like smoke refusing to dissipate.

Anita froze, her heart racing. “Jace...” she whispered under her breath.

“Behind you,” came his calm but urgent voice. She hadn’t even noticed him approach.

Jace’s gaze locked onto the figure, his amber eyes narrowing. “Stay here,” he ordered, stepping forward.

“Wait!” Anita grabbed his arm. “What is it?”

Jace didn’t look away from the shadow. “A spirit scout. Low-level, but dangerous enough. It’s been sent to find the fox bead.”

The shadow seemed to shift as if realizing it had been spotted. Without warning, it darted toward them, moving unnaturally fast.

Jace pushed Anita behind him, his hand glowing faintly with energy. “Don’t move.”

The shadow stopped a few feet away, swirling and coalescing into a vaguely humanoid shape. Its voice was a low hiss, barely audible over the wind. “The bead... Give it to ussss...”

“Not happening,” Jace replied coldly, his energy flaring brighter.

The shadow hesitated, as though assessing the situation, before lunging forward. Jace reacted instantly, his glowing hand slashing through the air and sending a wave of golden light toward the spirit. The light struck true, and the shadow let out an unearthly screech before dissipating into the wind.

Anita’s breath came in short gasps as she stared at the empty space where the shadow had been. “What was that thing?”

“A warning,” Jace said, his tone grim. He turned to face her, his expression uncharacteristically serious. “And a promise that more are coming.”

Anita felt a chill run down her spine. This wasn’t just about her anymore. The fox bead was drawing danger closer with each passing day.

“Do they know I have it?” she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

“Not yet,” Jace said, his gaze scanning the forest. “But it’s only a matter of time.”

Anita clenched her fists, a mix of fear and determination surging through her. She didn’t know how she was going to handle this, but one thing was certain—running wasn’t an option.