Morning brought no relief. Durnfall's streets were scattered with remnants of the previous night's chaos. Liora could feel the shadows stirring in her wake, reacting to every tense heartbeat."You need to control it," Kael said firmly, watching her every motion. "The shadows are your power… but they're also a weapon. And weapons can betray their master."Before Liora could respond, a scream ripped through the alley behind them. A dark creature, formed entirely of shadows, lunged from the shadows themselves, its eyes glowing a deep crimson. Liora barely sidestepped, dagger flashing as she cut through the black tendril.But the attack was only a distraction. Kael shouted, "Look out!" as a second creature emerged from above, landing silently behind her. Liora felt a sharp pain in her shoulder — her first wound. Blood mingled with sweat as she spun, finally slashing the creature's core with her violet-tinged energy. It dissipated into smoke, leaving a whisper of menace behind."First blood," she muttered, staggering. "And… I don't think it's the last."Kael extended a hand to help her up. "If we survive tonight, we need to reach the fortress. Whatever's inside… it knows you exist."A chill ran down her spine. The shadows were no longer just following—they were testing her. And Liora realized that the choice she made tonight might shape not only her fate but the fate of all Durnfall.The alley fell silent. Then a whisper curled in her ear, chilling and deliberate:"One step closer… and you belong to us."
