As the group moved to another fragment, Rowan fell unusually quiet. The fragment resembled a dense forest, its trees warped and glowing faintly. The air was heavy with tension.
"This place is… weird," Rowan muttered, gripping her spear.
Sylva floated beside her. "This fragment is tied to your memories, Rowan. The Core knows how to test you."
Rowan scoffed. "I don't have time for tests."
But as they ventured deeper, the forest shifted. The trees became taller, their branches weaving into a canopy that blocked out the light. A clearing opened before them, and in the center stood a small house, its windows dark.
Rowan froze, her grip on her spear tightening. "No. Not here."
"What is it?" Aiden asked.
"It's nothing," Rowan snapped. "Let's move."
The whispers returned, louder this time. Figures emerged from the house—shadows shaped like people, their forms flickering. Rowan took a step back, her usual confidence gone.
"They're not real," Kieran said. "Focus."
Rowan gritted her teeth, raising her spear. "I know."
The shadows advanced, their movements slow and deliberate. Rowan lunged, her spear glowing brightly as she struck. The shadows dissolved, but more took their place, each one stepping out of the house.
"I can do this," Rowan muttered, her attacks growing more frantic. "I can handle this."
"Rowan!" Aiden shouted. "You're pushing too hard!"
The shadows surrounded her, and Rowan fell to her knees, her weapon flickering. Aiden ran to her side, raising the quill-sword. He imagined a barrier, and glowing walls formed around them, holding the shadows at bay.
"It's okay," Aiden said, his voice steady. "We've got you."
Rowan looked up, her eyes filled with frustration. "I don't need your help."
"You do," Kieran said, stepping forward. His shield glowed as he struck down the shadows. "And that's okay."
With their combined efforts, the shadows were defeated, and the fragment began to stabilize. Rowan stood, her spear glowing faintly.
"Thanks," she muttered, her voice soft.