Chapter 8 - The Shadow Unleashed
The subterranean cavern turned into a maelstrom of dark energy. The obsidian shards rained down, slicing through stone and flesh alike. Torren raised his shield, deflecting the lethal storm to protect Adrian, while Julian used his own body to shield their fallen mother.
The Shadow Sovereign expanded, its shadowy form swelling until it touched the ceiling of the cavern. "GIVE ME THE LIGHT OF VEYNE!" it roared, its voice shaking the palace above.
From the edge of the room, Victoria laughed hysterically. She offered her own hands up to the shadow. "Take them, Lord of Ashes! Take them all and crown me queen of the dark!"
The Sovereign's gaze shifted to Victoria. Without a moment's hesitation, the monster extended a dark tendril, wrapping it tightly around Victoria's waist.
Her laughter turned into a blood-curdling scream as the entity began draining her life force instead, realizing she was an easy sacrifice. Within seconds, her velvet gown collapsed into a heap of dust upon the floor.
Adrian watched in horror, clutching his head. "It can't be destroyed... we don't have the light anymore... Mother gave it all to save us..."
Eleanor, resting against Julian's shoulder, weakly reached out and touched Adrian's trembling hand.
"The light was never inside my staff, Adrian," she whispered softly, a gentle smile gracing her lips. "It was never in the crown, nor in the throne."
May you like
Adrian looked into his mother's eyes, tears streaming down his face. "Where is it, Mother?"
"It is in the bond I gave to the three of you," she said, her voice filled with unconditional warmth. "When you stand together... the light of Veyne can never be extinguished."
