The Labyrinth of New Morian

Chapter 3: The Labyrinth of New Morian

Elias's breath came in ragged gasps as he sprinted through the winding alleys of New Morian. The city seemed alive, pulsing with an energy that was both alien and oppressive. The narrow streets were crowded with strange figures—some human, others… less so. Creatures that resembled men, yet their movements were too fluid, too unnatural, their eyes glowing with an eerie light.

He didn't care. He couldn't.

The golden-eyed creature's words echoed in his mind: "There is no escape from the path of the Talisman."

Talisman. That word burned into his thoughts like a brand. He had no idea what it meant, but he felt it—this was the key. This was why he had woken up in this body, in this strange city.

As he rounded a corner, his foot caught on a loose cobblestone, and he stumbled, his palms scraping against the rough ground. He pushed himself up, cursing under his breath. The pain in his leg was sharper now, but he couldn't afford to stop.

He glanced around, trying to get his bearings. The towering structures of the city loomed overhead, casting long shadows across the street, making it feel like the sun had never fully risen. The air smelled of oil and ozone, tinged with a metallic scent that made his stomach turn.

The city felt… wrong.

Elias's mind raced, trying to piece together what had happened. He had no memories of how he got here, no knowledge of his past—just these strange flashes, like glimpses of someone else's life. The name Elias Corvin meant nothing to him, but the whispers—those cursed whispers—had been with him since the moment he awoke.

He needed answers. And the only place he knew to find them was at the Black Vault.

The Black Vault. It was a rumor, a place hidden in the depths of New Morian, where those desperate for forbidden knowledge went to bargain with powers beyond comprehension. The rumors spoke of a dark tome hidden there—a book that held answers, power, and damnation.

But Elias wasn't the only one hunting it.

The streets grew darker as he pushed forward, his steps quickening. The more he moved, the more he realized he was being followed. It wasn't obvious—no heavy footsteps behind him or shadowy figures in his periphery. It was the feeling that something was watching him, waiting for him to slip up.

He paused at an intersection, glancing over his shoulder. Nothing. But the feeling didn't leave.

Then, he heard it.

A low growl, barely audible, coming from the shadows.

Elias's instincts kicked in. Without thinking, he darted into an alley to his left, his pulse pounding in his ears. He had to move faster.

But it was too late.

A figure dropped from the rooftop above, landing gracefully in front of him.

It was a woman—or at least, something that resembled one. Her eyes glowed with a sickly, unnatural green, her skin pale and smooth, and her movements were fluid, almost inhuman. She wore a long, tattered cloak, and in her hand, she held a razor-sharp blade, its edge glinting in the dim light.

"You are running from something far greater than yourself, Elias Corvin," she purred, her voice a blend of honey and venom.

Elias took a step back, his hand tightening around the fireplace poker. The woman's eyes narrowed.

"You don't know who you're dealing with," she continued, almost pityingly. "But you will soon enough."

She lunged at him with surprising speed, her blade flashing in the air. Elias barely had time to react, raising the poker just in time to deflect the strike. The force of the blow sent him staggering back, pain shooting up his arm.

She's strong.

Elias's heart raced as he quickly regained his footing. He couldn't afford to waste time fighting. He needed information, not a fight. But this woman wasn't just some random assailant. She was hunting him.

With a surge of adrenaline, Elias pushed forward, using the poker as both a weapon and a shield. He swung it with all his might, knocking the woman's blade aside. He took the opportunity to step in close, using the momentum to land a sharp blow to her side.

She staggered, but only for a moment. Then, to his surprise, she laughed—a cold, hollow sound that sent chills through his bones.

"You'll have to do better than that, Shadowlord."

At the mention of his name, Elias froze. His blood ran cold.

"I know who you are, Elias Corvin," she continued, her smile widening. "And I know what you're looking for."

Elias's mind reeled. This wasn't just a random attacker. This was someone connected to the forces at play in New Morian. And somehow, they knew about him, about the Talisman—about everything.

He couldn't afford to make another mistake.

With a sharp twist of his wrist, he drove the poker forward, aiming straight for her throat. The woman's expression faltered for the briefest moment, but she was fast. Too fast.

She sidestepped, grabbing his arm and twisting it, forcing him to the ground. The blade flashed in the air above him, but before she could strike, there was a loud crash.

A figure—a man, tall and cloaked in shadow—tore through the alleyway like a living storm.

"Enough."

The woman snarled, stepping back.

"You're lucky he's under my protection, Elias Corvin," she spat, before disappearing into the shadows.

Elias lay there, his heart pounding, eyes wide in disbelief.

"Protection?"

The figure—his rescuer—stepped closer. The shadows around him seemed to cling to his form, as if they were part of him. He lowered his hood, revealing a face Elias had never seen before—sharp features, dark hair, and cold, calculating eyes that gleamed with a hidden knowledge.

"We don't have much time," the man said, his voice low and steady. "You're in danger, Elias. And I'm here to help you… but only if you're ready to face the truth."

Elias's mind raced. There was no turning back now. Whatever this man wanted, whatever was happening, he needed answers.

"Who are you?" Elias asked, struggling to his feet.

The man's lips curled into a faint smile.

"Call me Nyx," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "And you, Elias Corvin, are about to learn just how deep the shadows run."

To be continued…