This was Umbra, a creature of pure darkness, born from nightmares and fed on fear. Its form shifted, as if it were both solid and shadow, slipping through the cracks of reality itself.
"Run," Lira, the dragon goddess, commanded urgently. Her voice echoed in his mind like thunder. But Umbra's gaze held him frozen, a dark power pulling him in deeper. Kaelen's legs felt like lead, his heart pounding as if it were about to burst. He tried to move, to look away, but the shadowy grip of Umbra rooted him to the spot.
"Kaelen," Lira's voice came again, desperate, filled with urgency. "You must resist it!"
But it was too late. Umbra was already in his mind, its dark whispers creeping into his thoughts, filling him with doubt and fear. Memories flashed before him—moments he wished to forget, insecurities he buried deep. Each one resurfaced, twisting and morphing, tainted by Umbra's touch.
