**Chapter 20: The Shadow's Return**
Meanwhile, in the real world, dark forces sensed Lina's vulnerability. Malakar, the fallen guardian, had survived his defeat, driven by a thirst for revenge. Drawn to the echoes of the realm, he began gathering shadowy followers—creatures born of chaos and despair.
One evening, a sinister figure appeared at the edge of the realm's borders—an amalgamation of shadows and remnants of Malakar's magic. It was a harbinger of chaos, sent to destabilize the fragile peace.
Lina's friends sensed the disturbance. Solara's flames flickered anxiously, Pip's shadows stretched and twisted, and Thalos prepared for battle. They knew that this new threat was more insidious than before—an attempt to plunge the realm into eternal darkness.