Kyara's POVThe world was too silent. Not the soothing silence that eased you to sleep, but the type that shouted in its emptiness, swallowing sound and choking thoughts. My eyes opened, and I found myself resting on something firm and hard. My hands involuntarily clenched around the dagger's hilt, the warmth it emanated reminding me that I was still alive—if that even counts as living.The blade's brilliance had dimmed as if it was storing strength for what was ahead. Around me, the earth seemed to move in patterns that rippled like water yet felt like stone. The air was electrified, crackling softly, a reminder that this area was anything from ordinary.I stood up shakily, my legs wobbling like a newborn fawn's. My voice rasped as I talked, primarily to myself. "Where am I now?"A low chuckle greeted me, a sound both familiar and unsettling. I whirled abruptly, my dagger lifted, and my heart pounded against my ribs."It seems fate isn't finished toying with you yet."Eric.Or at lea
Kyara's POVThe light from the gateway flickered like the final dying embers of a flame. I couldn't look at Victor fully. His words resonated in my memory, but they were empty, a faraway sound conflicting with my heart's deafening beat. Could I trust him now, in this land where even the shadows wore masks?"You're running out of time." His voice broke as he approached, the weak light casting a halo around his body. "If you don't act, Kyara, this opportunity will be lost forever. "We will lose you."We will lose you. The words remained in my chest like a splinter. "You already did, Victor," I said quietly, clutching the dagger firmly. The weight of it felt heavier as if it shared my distress.His jaw clenched, and he raised his hands, palms facing me as if I were a wild animal he was attempting to tame. "I know I failed you, Kyara. I understand I do not deserve forgiveness. But this is not about me anymore. It's about you and what's at risk.I angled my head to keep the blade between u
Kyara's POVThe blackness was not just surrounding me; it was within me, permeating every breath, thought, and muscle that refused to move. I opened my eyes (or thought I did), but the nothingness persisted. My heartbeat boomed across the void like a battle drum, loud and persistent.Then came the voices.Soft at first, like murmurs on the surface of my thoughts. But they became louder, overlapping, and entwined into a chorus that made my skin crawl. They were pieces of sound, not cohesive sentences; my name was pronounced like a curse, a plea, or a promise.Then it came to a standstill.The stillness seemed more unnerving than the sound. My breath caught as the dagger in my grasp felt like a fire, sending burning heat into my arm. I gasped, nearly dropping it, but then I felt it: power. Pulsing. Alive."Do you feel it now?"The voice was not mine, yet it sounded familiar. Low, steady, and flavored with something old. I spun swiftly, and the darkness changed, revealing a person.Eric—
Kyara's POVThis time, the blackness was stifling, as if something solid was clawing at my skin and dragging me down. My fists clenched around the dagger, which was the only thing stopping me from feeling entirely lost. Its warmth pulsed continuously as if to tell me that I wasn't alone—at least not completely."Eric?" My voice faltered, absorbed by the abyss. "Eric, where are you?"No answer. The quiet slammed on my ears, harsh and oppressive. As a sliver of uncertainty entered my mind, I grasped the blade even tighter, focused on its hum. Had I cut the link just to lose him permanently?Then came the sound. Soft at first—a whisper of movement, similar to footsteps. My gaze swung toward the direction of the commotion, and my heart sprang into my throat as a small light flickered in the distance.I hesitated, caught between prudence and desperation. But then I heard it: a soft, familiar voice calling my name."Kyara..."It was Victor.I rushed toward the light, my steps swift and sure
Kyara's POVThe pandemonium consumed me entirely. The Veil trembled like a live creature battling for survival, and the air was dense with power, burning my lungs. The blade buzzed in my fingers, its heat growing to excruciating levels, yet I refused to release it. My pulse pounded as the darkness loomed before me, stifling and old.Rena stood on the other side of the divide, her face caught between triumph and horror. The earth underneath her shattered even more, separating us with a gap that appeared to extend eternally into darkness."You can't keep it forever, Kyara," Rena said over the noise of the Veil. "The dagger is not what you believe it is. It is alive, and if you do not act quickly, it will destroy you.Her words raked at me, but the shadow's gaze kept me hostage. Its deep, threatening voice echoed in my head. "Don't be fooled by her falsehoods. The dagger selected you for a purpose. Kyara, you are the key to equilibrium. "Without you, the Veil will collapse."Balance. Cho
Kyara's POVThe deep, guttural growl sent shivers down my spine, rattling the silent air. I slowly stood, clutching the dagger to my chest. The bright eyes approached, blazing like molten gold. The predator seemed to be taking his time with each stride."Who's there?" I demanded, but my voice lacked the customary power. My throat felt dry, and my breath was shallow.A form emerged from the darkness—a monster unlike any I'd seen before. Its body was massive, shrouded in shadow that moved like fog. Muscles moved beneath its black fur, and its extended claws glistened in the dim darkness.Then it spoke."You should know me, Kyara." The voice was velvet-laced with steel, deep and captivating. "After all, I am the thing you've feared your entire life."I tensed as my mind raced. "I have never frightened you. I'm not even sure who—what—you are.The creature's chuckle was both terrifying and surprisingly human. It encircled me, its gaze never leaving mine."You fear what I represent," it mut
Kyara's POVThe sensation of falling enveloped me, with air rushing past and the world swirling in chaos. My cry was absorbed by the emptiness before I collided with the solid ground with a violent thud. My head throbbed as I opened my eyes to an unfamiliar scene: a magnificent, cavernous room carved from obsidian stone. Torches lined the walls, with their flames shining an odd blue. Shadows flickered madly, and a soft hum of power echoed beneath my boots.Victor's voice echoed before I recognized him. "Are you comfortable, Kyara? I hope you enjoyed my hospitality."I jumped to my feet, clutching the blade, but its usual reassuring warmth had vanished as if suppressed by the terrible energy of this place. Victor stood at the far end of the hall, reclining comfortably on a jagged black granite throne. His arrogance was obvious, and his smile cut like a razor."You're making this harder than it needs to be," he said, straightening as he approached. His presence exuded menace, and every
Kyara's POVThe air was electric, filled with blackness so heavy it weighed against my chest, making it impossible to breathe. I lurched back, my hold on the dagger tight as the shadowy beast loomed from the abyss beneath us. Its blazing eyes glared into mine, and in their depths, I saw something worse than rage—recognition."Kyara," it roared, the sound of my name reverberating like thunder in a storm. "You’ve unleashed more than you know."The earth beneath my feet rocked, fissures spreading like spiderwebs over the obsidian floor. I glanced at Victor, who was no longer the arrogant puppet master. His confidence had drained away, leaving behind a man teetering on the verge of terror.For once, he did not have a smart remark.But it was Darius who captured my attention. His emerald eyes caught me from across the commotion, flashing with intensity. His blade dripped with inky blackness as he dodged another tendril of darkness. "Kyara!" he yelled, his voice slashing through the roar of
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