Kyara's POVThe world beyond the window exploded in chaos, but all I could hear was the rapid rhythm of my heartbeat and an ominous voice whispering in my head: It's time to choose.The massive figure moved with unnatural ease; its flaming eyes centered on me as if I were the only thing in existence. Its body shimmered like smoke and fire, continuously changing but impossibly solid. The very air surrounding it crackled with fire and darkness as if the entire earth had bowed under its force."Kyara," Eric stated abruptly, breaking through my frozen thoughts. His grasp on my hand became tighter, anchoring me. "Whatever that thing is, it's after you."I averted my gaze from the view and focused on him. His face was serene yet determined, like a rock in the raging storm outside."What do we do?" I muttered, my voice quivering.Eric's jaw tensed as he looked at the door. "We fight." We safeguard what belongs to us. But you have to be safe—""No," I said, startling myself with the intensity
Kyara's POVThe dark was alive. It pressed against me, its tendrils cold and suffocating, whispering in a language I didn't understand but somehow knew. Victor's taunting voice echoed somewhere in the abyss, becoming fainter as if mocking my desperate attempt to hold on to what was real.And then I heard him."Kyara!"Eric's voice cut through the darkness like a lifeline, pulling me back from the abyss. My heart clenched in response to the sound, grounding me. I turned to face it, but I saw a faint shimmer of light in the distance, barely visible against the oppressive black.I ran.The shadows clawed at me, drawing me back with each step. My legs felt heavy, and the air was thick like syrup, but I refused to stop. Eric required me to don't stop. Continue moving.I stumbled and fell to my knees, the shadows wrapping around me tighter. The pendant on my chest flared briefly, sending a wave of warmth through me. Although it wasn't enough to make the darkness go away, however, it did con
Kyara's POVI woke up gasping for oxygen, my chest heaving as if I'd drowned. But the blackness surrounding me remained intact: thick, throbbing, and alive. It seemed colder this time as if an ice grasp was pushing its way into my flesh.But suddenly I wasn't alone."Stop fighting me," the other version of myself growled. Her dark eyes glinted, and her smile was too keen and predatory. "You're only making this harder on yourself.""What do you want from me?" I snapped and stepped back impulsively. Despite the infinite nothingness surrounding us, my feet landed on something solid.Her chuckle was low and deadly. "Want? I do not want anything, Kyara. I'm here because of your needs.""I don't need you." My voice shook despite my efforts to appear powerful.She cocked her head, her dark hair falling like ink. Oh, but you do. You've felt it, right? "The power within you begs to be released."I clenched my fist. "That power is not yours. It's mine, and I'll run it my way."Her smile expande
Kyara's POVThe beast dived forward, its gigantic form ripping through the trees as if they were paper. Its eyes, fires of greed and malice, appeared to penetrate directly into my soul. My body froze, the evil within me twisting and demanding to be released, but Eric's fingers tightened around mine, bringing me out of my stupor."Move, Kyara!" he ordered, his voice cutting through the tumult.We rushed, the woodland fading around us. The beast's howls resounded behind us, shaking the earth with each pounding stride. My chest burned with each desperate breath, and my legs begged for help, but Eric never let go of my hand, keeping me anchored in the tempest of horror."What is that thing?" I gasped, unable to keep up with his rapid speed."It's a manifestation of the prophecy," he said grimly. "Your darkness made flesh."The words struck me like a punch, almost stopping me in my tracks. My darkness? Was this me?A roar ripped through the air, closer than before. Eric growled beneath his
Kyara's POVThe earth moaned beneath us, the rift growing larger as the old shadow clawed its way into the world. Its shape was amorphous and ever-changing—a towering creature of darkness and fire that oozed hatred. My pendant shook furiously against my breast, the light within it flickering as if striving to hold its own.Eric tightened his grasp on my hand, his injured face set with resolve. "Stay behind me," he hissed, his voice strong regardless of his frail state."No," I said firmly, standing up alongside him. "We fight this together."He gave a surprised look, but he didn't protest. His hand stayed linked with mine, a wordless symbol of our union. My heart raced as I gazed at the beast, my instincts screaming for me to go. But when the pendant warmed up, I felt a peculiar peace come over me, as if it was whispering something to me—guiding me.Victor stood on the brink of the rift, his golden eyes gleaming with victory. "Magnificent, isn't it?" he asked, his voice filled with ad
Kyara's POVThe world was silent, save for a slight crackling of electricity in the air. The Ancient One's golden eyes stared into me, scary and seductive. The huge creature towered above us, its clawed palm resting on the rift's edge as if it had unlimited time."Hello, Kyara."The voice sounded unsettlingly familiar, like a recollection retrieved from the depths of my mind. My knees felt weak, but Eric's touch on my back kept me steady. I turned to face him, his expression tinged with mistrust and a protective rage that I was learning to identify as distinctly his."Stay calm," he said, his voice a low rumbling in my ear. "We don't know what it wants yet."But I knew.Deep within me, I could feel the pendant pulsating, its cadence matching the steady thrum of my heart. It did not feel like an adversary, nor did it feel like an ally. It was something else completely.The Ancient One moved, its gigantic form bending with unexpected elegance as it drew closer to us. Despite its huge st
Kyara's POVThe moon was low in the sky, sending silvery light over the Crescent Moon pack's woodland as I proceeded along the meandering route. The weight of the pendant crushed on my chest, its warmth throbbing in sync with my heart. It felt heavier tonight as if it contained more than just physical weight—secrets, power, and something old that I was only beginning to comprehend.I halted under a huge oak tree, the pleasant air stirring the leaves above. Eric had been summoned away to deal with the border threat, so I was alone with only my thoughts for company. The lack of his constant presence seemed like an ache, but I couldn't explain why. We had shared so much over the last several days, but it still seemed like there was a wall between us—one made of secrets and half-truths.A slight rustling interrupted my thoughts. I whirled around, gripping the pendant reflexively."Relax, Kyara," a familiar voice whispered softly and soothingly.Eric appeared from the shadows, his gaze eni
Kyara's POVThe darkness was oppressive, dense with smoke, and cold as death. Rena's words rang in my thoughts, each syllable a dagger that dug deeper. Destroy them. She was never my leader or defender; she had always been the puppet master.I grabbed for Eric reflexively and found his hand in the pitch-black emptiness. His hold was firm, keeping me grounded against the growing flood of panic. "Kyara," he whispered, his voice quiet but firm. "We have to relocate. "This place is not safe.""No," I said, my voice shaking but firm. "Not until I get answers."The blackness changed and swirled like living shadows. And suddenly, as if in response to my defiance, the pendant flashed with bright, ferocious light. The shadows receded, exposing Rena standing before us, her eyes burning with a weird, black fire. She appeared less human now, her golden radiance tinged with something demonic, her smile sharp enough to cut."You're stronger than I expected," she replied, her voice full of sarcasm.
Kyara's POVThe figure before us was unlike anything I’d ever encountered. Its very presence bent the world around it, a force so overwhelming that the air became a searing weight against my skin. Heat rolled off it in waves, distorting the ground, and warping reality itself. My breath caught in my throat as its eyes—molten, swirling embers—locked onto mine."You survived the shadow," it said, its voice a low, vibrating growl that seemed to resonate within my chest. "But the shadow was merely the first test. I am the fire that will burn away your weakness. Let us see if you can endure."Victor quickly stood in front of me again, blade at the ready, his shoulders set as if he could shelter me from this beast. “Kyara, we don’t have to fight this alone. Let me —"“No,” I answered firmly, shutting him off. My voice astonished even me, clear and firm despite the pandemonium surrounding us. I stepped beside him, not behind. “This fight is mine. I need to confront it.”Victor’s hand brushed
Kyara's POVThe creature loomed before us, an amalgamation of darkness and flame, its shape altering like smoke caught in a whirlwind, while the murmurs it emitted crept into my ears, winding around my thoughts like poisoned vines. It wasn't simply speaking; it was searching for flaws and fissures in my resolve.Victor stepped in front of me instinctively, his blade drawn and his stance rigid. “Stay behind me,” he said, his voice low and steady.“No,” I replied, brushing past him, my gaze locked on the creature. “This is my fight.”The monster cocked its head in a strange expression of interest. "How brave you are," it snarled, its voice like a thousand shards of glass grinding together. "But bravery does not save those who are already broken."The words sent shivers down my spine, but I didn't show my terror. "I've faced worse than you," I said, my voice firm despite the ache in my chest.The thing chuckled, a hollow, echoing sound that seemed to originate from somewhere and nowhere.
Kyara's POVThe void extended indefinitely, absorbing all sounds but the faint echo of my breath. It was a stillness that did not provide me serenity but rather pushed the boundaries of my sanity. My other self—this twisted reflection of myself—stood still, her eyes molten gold, her presence a torrent of strength and terror."You're trembling," she murmured, cutting through the silence like a razor. "Are you afraid, Kyara?""No," I lied, my hands trembling at my sides."Liar." Her smirk broadened, but there was no enjoyment in it. "You should be." This location... This is not for the faint of heart. "It does not reward hesitation."I straightened my shoulders, disregarding the pain in my chest and the weight of her stare. "I've fought my way through worse."Her laughter was low and unpleasant. "No, you have not. Not yet. "But you will."The nothingness rippled, a wave extending outward as if her words possessed a force I could not perceive. It was then that I discovered the truth abou
Kyara's POVThe air felt thick, pushing on my skin like a warning that even victory may taste like ash. Eric’s last word—remember—hung in the quiet, a whisper that refused to vanish. I knelt where he had disappeared, my hands hovering over the faint mark of his presence. The warmth of his dying light remained, but the questions it left behind were colder than any gloom I’d experienced.Victor crouched beside me, his touch hesitant but grounding as his fingers brushed my shoulder. “Kyara, we need to move. The ground here—”“It’s unstable,” I finished, my voice raw. I wasn’t sure if he meant the physical ground or the fragile balance of my emotions. Either way, he was right. The fractures beneath us were spreading, each crack glowing faintly with residual energy from the battle. Yet, I couldn’t bring myself to stand.Victor’s hand found mine, his grip firm but careful, like he was anchoring me to the present. “We’ll figure out what he meant, but not here. Please."I turned to see the to
Kyara's POVI, not Eric, moved into the light. A darker, shattered version of myself. Her eyes, or rather my eyes, shone with an uncanny, molten gold as if carved from fire and shadow. Every motion she took was purposeful and measured as if the universe bowed to her command.The air altered, thick with something ancient and unpleasant. She came to a halt only a few steps away from me, her head cocked and a ghostly smile on her lips."You look surprised," she continued, her voice a chilling reflection of mine. "But you shouldn't be."My breath caught, and the words seemed stuck in my throat. Victor and Darius were both motionless, their gazes shifting between me and... me."What...what are you?" I finally whispered.She gave a venomous chuckle. "Kyara, I am you. You refuse to accept yourself. The you who desires power, control, and escape from the chains you've enslaved yourself with. And, unlike you, I'm not afraid to take what I want.""That's not true," I said, my voice wavering des
Kyara’s POVThe atmosphere was thick with disbelief. My body was rooted to the ground, muscles stiff with a tension I couldn't shake as I stared at him—Eric, or whatever remained of him. His figure was a twisted reflection of the boy I once knew, his edges blurred by a dark aura that cracked like broken glass. And those fiery, hollow eyes were not like the ones that used to meet mine with tenderness.Victor's hand grasped mine instinctively. His warmth was the only thing keeping me from getting swept away in the storm of confusion and sorrow. Darius stepped in front of us, his body taut and ready, his wolf instincts tingling with unease."Eric?" I whispered, even though the name felt foreign now, like a relic of someone who had passed away.The figure cocked his head, a sinister smile curling his lips. "Eric," he repeated, his voice distorted and tinged with something ancient and venomous. "I remember that name. A fragile boy with delicate dreams. "So easy to shatter.""No," I respond
Kyara's POVThe moment went on indefinitely, an impossible decision perched on the edge of a knife. I could feel the fire and shadow battle within me, scorching my veins and demanding release. Eric's imploring look pierced me from one side, while Victor and Darius remained firm on the other. Both sides wanted to save me, but I couldn't shake the feeling that neither of them realized how much this choice would cost.Every step I took seemed weighted as if the cosmos was holding its breath. The golden-cloaked apparition approached, hand outstretched, promising salvation—or damnation. Eric was still kneeling, his voice raspy. "Trust me, Kyara. "This is the only way."Victor grabbed my wrist and spun me to face him. His emerald eyes blazed with desperation. "You don't need to do this. Whatever this ability is, we'll discover it together. Do not listen to him. "Do not listen to them."Darius, now in human shape, took a step closer, his face etched with dread, which I had rarely seen from h
Kyara's POVThe person in gold and black stood like a monolith against the horizon, their cloaked face unreadable, but the power emanating from them was unmistakable. It wasn't the crushing malice of the shadow guy or the strange attraction of the golden-eyed woman; it was something else. It wasn't just power; it was authority, the type you didn't have to say to feel."You've won the battle," they said, their voice smooth but menacing. "But the war is far from over."I moved forward, automatically covering Victor and Darius behind me. My body continued to vibrate with the merger of light and darkness, a fresh vitality that simultaneously pleased and scared me. However, in the presence of this entity, I felt tiny."Who are you?" I inquired, my voice firm despite the raging fury in my chest.They cocked their heads slightly, the curtain moving but showing nothing underneath. "Who I am doesn't matter. "What I represent does."Victor went to stand by me, his sword shaking in his grip but
Kyara's POVWhen the light faded, I was falling rather than standing. There's no ground to grab me, no horizon to guide me. Just limitless emptiness, as if the cosmos had split apart and cast me adrift in its hollow heart.The air was heavy with the aroma of ash and something metallic, sharp, like the aftermath of a tremendous storm. My body felt weightless, but not in a comfortable way. It was the weightlessness of surrender, the loss of all control. But the fire inside me raged on, and I couldn't stop my heartbeat."Is this it?" I muttered to no one, my voice scarcely heard over the rumbling abyss.The voice sliced through the darkness, smooth and mocking. "Oh, it's far from over."I twisted, or rather the space around me did, and there he was: the shadow man. His red eyes shone like dying stars, and his presence felt like a cold sword across my spine. He was not alone. The golden-eyed lady emerged from the cloud, her sneer sharper than before."You thought you could end this with a