Chapter 30
The crimson light of the Blood Moon grew more intense as Elana and Lucian entered the deepest section of the west wing. The air was thick with a tangible tension, and every shadow seemed to flicker with life, twisting toward them as if trying to block their path.
Lucian's silver eyes scanned the corridor ahead. "The Heart of Shadows lies just beyond this arch," he said quietly. "This is where Kade channels the hall's power. The closer we get, the stronger his influence becomes."
Elana shivered but squared her shoulders. "Then we face it. Together."
"Together," Lucian echoed, his hand brushing hers for reassurance.
The archway loomed before them, carved from black stone with intricate runes that pulsed faintly crimson. The shadows here moved like liquid, curling and stretching, whispering words in a language Elana could barely comprehend.
Stepping through, they entered a vast chamber. The walls seemed to breathe, the floor pulsed beneath their feet, and at the center, a dark crystal hovered just above the ground. It radiated a powerful, oppressive energy that made Elana's chest tighten. This was the Heart of Shadows, the source of Kade's newfound power.
Kade appeared at the edge of the chamber, his grin wide and cruel. "Welcome," he said smoothly. "I've been expecting you. You've survived the hall's tricks… so far. But can you survive its heart?"
Elana felt a shiver of fear, but she forced herself to focus on the warmth of her mark, on the bond she shared with Lucian. The crystal pulsed in response to Kade's presence, and shadows danced eagerly around it.
"The hall obeys intent, Elana," Lucian whispered. "If we can project our bond strongly enough, we can weaken the Heart's hold and face Kade on equal footing."
Elana nodded, stepping closer to Lucian. She placed her hand over her mark, feeling its warmth spread through her, and extended her other hand outward, focusing on the Heart of Shadows. Slowly, the oppressive energy seemed to recoil, the pulsing dimming slightly.
Kade's eyes narrowed. "Interesting. You've learned to influence it. But the hall responds not just to strength—it responds to fear."
He moved toward them, shadows writhing at his command, trying to reach into their minds. Elana felt the whispers scrape at her confidence, clawing at her insecurities, but she held Lucian's hand tighter and let the mark's warmth anchor her.
Together, they projected their bond outward, a radiant glow that pushed against the shadows. The crystal trembled, the runes on the walls flickering violently. Kade hissed in frustration, the shadows around him twisting and recoiling.
Elana's heart raced. "We can do this," she whispered, more to herself than anyone else.
Lucian nodded, silver eyes blazing. "Yes. Together, nothing can break us."
The Heart of Shadows pulsed violently one last time before dimming, acknowledging their combined strength. For now, Kade's control was weakened.
But Elana knew the trial wasn't over. Kade's shadow still lingered, and the hall's whispers promised more challenges ahead.
She met Lucian's gaze and smiled faintly. "Then we keep going."
"Together," he repeated, as the Blood Moon bathed them in protective crimson light.
The Heart of Shadows had been tested—and they had survived.
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