Chapter 20: Whispers of the Shadows

The unbound trudged through the twisted remnants of Marrowdeep Forest, their prize safely in Leo's possession. Despite the victory, the oppressive atmosphere refused to ease. Every step felt like a gamble, the forest whispering in tones meant to unnerve and mislead.

"Keep moving," Kaelara said firmly, her eyes scanning the trees. "This place isn't done with us yet."

Marcus walked beside Leo, his massive axe slung over his shoulder. "You alright, kid? You look like you've seen a ghost."

Leo shook his head, gripping the fragment tightly. "It's not just the forest. When I touched this thing... I saw things—visions, but they didn't make sense. A sun, an ocean, a mountain. I don't know what they mean."

Eris, who was scouting ahead, paused and turned. "The fragments aren't just pieces of light. They're pieces of the world itself—powerful and ancient. What you saw might be memories locked inside it."

Kaelara nodded. "She's right. These fragments were part of something greater, something that kept the shadows at bay for centuries. Whatever you experienced is tied to that legacy."

Leo looked down at the glowing crystal in his hand. It felt warm, almost alive, as if it was watching him in return. "So what now?"

"We get out of this cursed forest," Marcus grunted. "Then we figure out where to go next."

The forest resisted their every move, the path twisting and shifting as though it had a will of its own. The whispers grew louder, morphing into voices that seemed to know each of them intimately.

"Kaelara," one voice hissed, soft but venomous. "Do you still think you can protect them? How many have already fallen under your watch?"

She gritted her teeth, refusing to respond, but Leo could see her knuckles whiten around her sword.

"Marcus," another voice called, mocking. "The strongman who couldn't protect his family. Do you still think brute strength will save anyone?"

Marcus let out a low growl but didn't stop moving.

The voices continued, targeting Eris next. "You, the shadow's former servant. Do they know your secrets? Do you think they'd trust you if they knew what you've done?"

Eris stopped dead in her tracks, her body rigid. For a moment, Leo thought she might draw her daggers and lash out at the unseen tormentors. Instead, she straightened and kept walking, her expression icy.

Finally, the whispers turned to Leo.

"You're a joke," they sneered. "A man cursed by fate, doomed to ruin everything he touches. Why bother? You'll only fail again."

Leo's chest tightened, the words striking a nerve. But before he could respond, Kaelara's voice cut through the air.

"Shut up!" she shouted, her sword glowing faintly as she raised it. "We won't listen to your lies!"

The forest shuddered, as though offended by her defiance. The whispers faded into the distance, but the oppressive air remained.

"Thanks," Leo muttered, trying to shake off the lingering doubt.

Kaelara didn't look at him. "Don't let them get to you. That's how they win."

Hours passed before they finally broke through the edge of the forest. The unbound stumbled into the open, gasping as they felt the sunlight on their faces again.

"We made it," Marcus said, his voice tinged with relief.

Eris glanced over her shoulder at the dark, gnarled trees. "Barely."

Leo looked down at the fragment in his hand, its glow muted but steady. "Is it always going to be like this? Every time we go after one of these things?"

Kaelara sighed. "Probably. The shadows aren't going to make this easy."

Eris took out the map orb and activated it. The next location appeared—a distant mountain range shrouded in mist.

"Mount Greyveil," she said. "That's where the next fragment is."

Marcus groaned. "Great. Another cursed place."

Kaelara gave him a tired smile. "You didn't expect this to be easy, did you?"

"I was hoping for at least one safe trip," Marcus replied.

Leo looked at the map, his stomach sinking. "How far is it?"

Eris pointed to a spot on the map. "It's several days' journey. We'll need to restock supplies and prepare for worse. Greyveil is infamous for its... 'inhospitable' environment."

Kaelara nodded. "There's a town not far from here. We'll head there first, regroup, and figure out our next move."

The town of Evershade was small but bustling, its streets lined with merchants and travelers. The unbound drew a few curious glances as they entered, their battle-worn appearances standing out among the crowd.

"We split up," Kaelara instructed. "Get supplies, food, and information about Greyveil. Meet back here in an hour."

Leo wandered the market, his eyes scanning the various stalls. He stopped at a blacksmith's forge, admiring the weapons and armor on display.

"You looking to buy?" the blacksmith asked, a burly man with arms like tree trunks.

"Just browsing," Leo replied. "Do you have anything good against shadows?"

The blacksmith's expression darkened. "Ain't much good against shadows except light. But if you've got the coin, I've got a few enchanted blades. Expensive, though."

Leo sighed, knowing he couldn't afford anything like that. "Thanks anyway."

As he turned to leave, a figure stepped out of the shadows nearby. A woman with pale skin and sharp features, her eyes gleaming with an unnatural light.

"You're hunting the fragments, aren't you?" she said, her voice low and smooth.

Leo froze. "Who's asking?"

The woman smirked. "Someone who knows what you're up against. If you want to survive Greyveil, you'll need more than weapons and supplies."

"What do you mean?"

She leaned closer, her voice barely above a whisper. "Greyveil is cursed, just like Marrowdeep. But the curse there is older, stronger. It feeds on fear and doubt, twisting the mind until you can't tell what's real. If you're not careful, you'll lose yourself before you even reach the fragment."

Leo's mouth went dry. "And you're telling me this... why?"

The woman's smirk widened. "Because I can help you. For a price."

Leo narrowed his eyes. "What kind of price?"

"That depends," she said, her tone playful but menacing. "How badly do you want to win?"

When Leo regrouped with the others, his mind was racing. The woman's words lingered, her offer tempting but dangerous.

Kaelara noticed his unease. "What's wrong?"

He hesitated before answering. "Nothing. Just... getting ready for Greyveil."

Kaelara didn't press, but her sharp gaze told him she wasn't convinced.

As the group prepared to leave Evershade, Leo couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows weren't their only enemies. And as they set off toward Greyveil, the weight of the fragment in his bag felt heavier than ever.