Chapter 42: The Return of Shadows

They saw someone familiar." Dorian met Lucian's gaze. "Someone we thought Marcus was dead."

The name struck Lucian like a blow. Marcus, his old friend and trusted comrade, had vanished years ago during the war with Malgrith. They had fought side by side, brothers in arms, until Marcus had disappeared without a trace. Lucian had assumed the worst—that Marcus had fallen in battle. But now, the mention of his name brought back a flood of memories, both bitter and sweet.

"Are you sure?" Lucian asked, his voice cold and steady.

Dorian nodded. "The scouts didn't get close, but they were certain. He's alive, Lucian. And if he's leading those factions, it means trouble."

By morning, the fortress was abuzz with preparation. Word of Marcus's return spread quickly, filling the air with tension. Lucian called a meeting with the leaders of the clans, determined to confront this new threat head-on.

As they gathered in the grand hall, Lyra stood by Lucian's side, her presence a steadying force. Varyn took his place opposite them, his expression grim but resolute. Dorian lounged in his usual fashion, though his eyes betrayed a sharp focus.

"We've confirmed Marcus is alive," Lucian began without preamble. "He's leading the factions that refuse to accept peace. If we don't act quickly, they'll plunge us back into war."

Varyn frowned. "But Marcus was one of us. Why would he turn against everything we fought for?"

"I don't know," Lucian admitted. "But we can't afford to dwell on the why. Our priority is stopping him before he gains more power."

"We should try to negotiate," Lyra suggested. "If Marcus was once an ally, maybe we can reason with him."

Dorian snorted. "Reason with someone who's been hiding in the shadows, rallying enemies against us? I doubt he wants a friendly chat."

"I agree with Lyra," Varyn said. "If there's a chance to avoid more bloodshed, we should take it. But we can't go in unprepared. If negotiations fail, we need a plan to defend ourselves."

Lucian listened to their arguments in silence, weighing each word carefully. Finally, he spoke. "We'll try diplomacy, but we won't go in blind. Dorian, take a team and scout the enemy's position. I want to know everything—numbers, fortifications, any weaknesses we can exploit."

Dorian gave a mock salute. "Finally, something fun."

"Varyn, prepare the clans for possible battle. Make sure our defenses are strong."

Varyn nodded. "Consider it done."

"Lyra, you'll come with me to meet Marcus. If there's any chance of getting through to him, we'll take it."

Lyra placed a hand on his arm. "Are you sure you're ready for this? He was your friend once."

Lucian's expression hardened. "That was a long time ago. If he's turned against us, I won't hesitate to do what needs to be done."

As dusk fell, Lucian and Lyra set out with a small escort, heading toward the border where Marcus's forces had been sighted. The ride was silent, each of them lost in their thoughts. The weight of what lay ahead pressed heavily on Lucian's mind.

When they reached the edge of the woods, they dismounted and continued on foot. The air was thick with tension, the shadows of the trees seeming to close in around them.

"Stay alert," Lucian warned the others. "We don't know what we're walking into."

They moved cautiously, the only sounds being the rustle of leaves and the soft crunch of their boots on the forest floor. Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows, clad in dark armor.

"Lucian," the figure said, his voice familiar yet changed. "It's been a long time."

Lucian stepped forward, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword. "Marcus."

Marcus removed his helmet, revealing a face that was both familiar and foreign. His eyes held a cold, calculating gleam, a far cry from the warmth Lucian remembered.

"You shouldn't have come," Marcus said, his tone devoid of emotion. "You've built your peace, but it's a peace built on lies."

Lucian's eyes narrowed. "What are you talking about?"

"You'll see soon enough," Marcus replied. "But for now, leave. This is your only warning."

"I didn't come here to fight," Lucian said evenly. "We can end this without bloodshed."

Marcus smiled coldly. "There's no going back, old friend. You chose your path, and I chose mine."

Before Lucian could respond, Marcus vanished into the shadows, leaving only his parting words lingering in the air.