Selena stepped out of the sacred chamber, her breath steady, her steps lighter than they had been in days. The weight of the shadows no longer clawed at her—she had tamed them, bent them to her will. But she knew this was only the beginning.
She didn't hesitate. Her feet carried her through the winding halls of the Shadow Keep until she reached a familiar door. Without knocking, she pushed it open.
Sophia stood by the window, bathed in the pale glow of the realm's eternal dusk. At the sound of the door creaking open, she turned. The moment her sharp eyes landed on Selena, a knowing smile crossed her lips.
"You did it," Sophia said simply, as if she had never doubted the outcome.
Selena exhaled, rolling her shoulders as if shaking off invisible chains. "Yeah," she replied, her voice steadier than she expected.
Sophia took a step closer, studying her. "You're different."
Selena smirked. "Feels different."
Sophia chuckled but didn't drop her gaze. "Then tell me, Selena—will you accept the position of Realm Sage?"
The question hung in the air, heavy and inescapable. For a long moment, silence filled the room, stretching between them like a shadow of its own.
Selena closed her eyes, inhaling deeply. The weight of expectation, of duty, settled in her chest—but this time, it didn't feel suffocating.
"I still think I don't deserve to become the Sage," she admitted, her voice quieter now. "Or if I will ever be as legendary as Henri was if I accept this but..."
She opened her eyes, staring at her palms, her fingers curling slightly as if feeling the power she had just mastered. A small smile tugged at her lips.
"I will try my best to live up to the title."
Sophia's smile widened, approval shining in her gaze. "Then that's all that matters."
Selena exhaled, letting the weight of her decision settle in her chest. There was no turning back now.
Sophia nodded approvingly, then turned toward the door. "Come," she said, her tone carrying an air of finality. "It's time for you to declare your intentions before the King."
Selena hesitated for only a second before following. They moved through the halls of the Shadow Keep in silence, the only sound being the soft echo of their footsteps against the stone floors. The air in the keep felt different to Selena now—thicker, heavier with unseen energy. But it no longer unsettled her.
They reached the grand doors leading to the throne room. Two Tenebri guards stood at attention, their expressions unreadable beneath their hoods. At Sophia's nod, they stepped aside and pushed the heavy doors open, revealing the dimly lit chamber beyond.
The King of the Shadow Realm sat upon his throne, his form shrouded in shifting darkness, his piercing eyes cutting through the gloom. The room itself seemed alive with shadows, responding to his presence, coiling and unfurling like living creatures.
Selena squared her shoulders, stepping forward while Sophia remained by her side. The weight of the moment pressed down on her, but she refused to falter.
The King's gaze settled on her, unreadable yet expectant. "You stand before me with purpose, Selena Remmick," his voice echoed, deep and unwavering. "Speak."
Selena met his gaze, steady and unwavering. "I have mastered my new shadow," she declared, her voice carrying through the chamber. "And with that, I have made my choice."
The silence stretched. Even the shadows seemed to hold their breath.
"I will take up the mantle of Realm Sage."
The King studied Selena for a long moment, the weight of his gaze pressing down on her like an unseen force. Then, his voice rumbled through the chamber, deep and commanding.
"To take the title of Realm Sage is no small feat, Selena Remmick," he said. "It is not a title given, but one earned. And to earn it, you must face the one who came before you."
Selena's breath hitched. The meaning behind his words settled in her bones like ice.
"You mean…" she began, but the King gave a slow nod.
"Henri."
The shadows in the room seemed to flicker, as if whispering among themselves.
"If you are to take his place, then you must prove yourself worthy of it. The past does not simply step aside for the future—it challenges it. You will be tested by the previous Sage, and if necessary… you may have to fight him."
Selena clenched her fists. She had expected trials, but to face Henri himself?
The old man who had trained her father. The perverted fool who always laughed, who had guided so many.
Could she truly stand against him?
Doubt tried to creep in, but she crushed it beneath her resolve. She had come this far. There was no turning back now.
"I understand," she said, her voice steady. "Whatever it takes—I will face it."
The King nodded, his expression unreadable. "Then prepare yourself, Selena. Your trial begins soon."
As Selena and Sophia stepped out of the King's palace, the cold night air wrapped around them. The torches lining the grand stone pathway flickered, casting long shadows across the courtyard.
Sophia walked beside her in silence for a while before finally speaking. "You understand what this means, don't you?" Her voice was softer than usual, but there was a weight to it.
Selena exhaled, her breath visible in the crisp air. "I do."
"Henri won't hold back." Sophia's gaze was steady, unreadable. "He may have been a fool most of the time, but when it comes to the Shadow Realm, he takes things seriously. He'll test everything—your will, your strength, your control. If you hesitate, even for a second, he'll make you regret it."
Selena let out a dry chuckle. "That sounds exactly like him."
Sophia didn't smile. "Are you ready for that?"
Selena stopped walking, her eyes drifting up to the endless black sky above them. "Honestly? I don't know." She turned to Sophia, her expression firm. "But I'm going to face him anyway."
For the first time that night, Sophia smiled, small but approving. "Good." She started walking again. "Then let's get you ready."
Selena stopped walking and exhaled slowly. Before she faced Henri's trial, there was something she needed to do.
"I need to make a stop at my mom's school first," she said, her voice steady. "I have to fill her in on everything."
Sophia raised an eyebrow, crossing her arms. "Oh? That's all?" A knowing smirk played on her lips. "Or is this just an excuse to see your boyfriend?"
Selena said nothing. She only smiled, turning away as she lifted her hand.
For a moment, there was hesitation. It had been so long since she had lost her power—since she had felt the raw energy of the shadows respond to her will. Would they answer her now?
She took a breath and focused. The darkness around her stirred, stretching and curling like ink in water. It resisted at first, as if testing her resolve, but she didn't falter. She reached deeper, not commanding, but claiming. The air crackled as the shadows bent to her call, swirling into a spiraling mass before her.
The portal roared to life, a low, reverberating hum filling the space around them. It was different from before—no longer an extension of the shadows she once wielded, but something new. Stronger. Hers.
Selena felt it beneath her fingertips, a strange sensation—a mixture of warmth and weight, like gripping something both solid and fluid at the same time. A smile tugged at her lips.
She turned back to Sophia, who was still watching her with that same smirk.
"You're not denying it," Sophia mused.
Selena chuckled but didn't reply. Instead, she stepped through the portal, the hum growing into a deep, resonant thrum as the shadows swallowed her whole.
The air around me shifted. A subtle disturbance, like a ripple in still water.
I sat slouched in my seat, arms crossed, only half-listening as Ken laid out his strategy for the final round of the tournament. Nicole, as usual, was engaged, nodding along, actually interested in what he had to say. Me? I was only here because I had been forced to sit through it.
Ken did most of the talking—calm, measured, planning every little detail. Positioning, counters, possible weaknesses in our opponents. It was all very practical, all very thought out. I barely paid attention, my mind drifting elsewhere.
Then, something changed.
A sharp pull in the air, like pressure shifting before a storm.
Ken's voice trailed off. His fingers twitched toward his holster, instincts kicking in fast. My boredom vanished in an instant. I straightened, crimson eyes narrowing as the space in front of us darkened, warping like reality itself was bending out of shape.
A portal.
Nicole barely had time to react before Ken and I were already moving—muscles tensed, hands ready to strike. The flickering shadows swirled, the hum growing louder, vibrating through my bones. And then
Selena stepped through.
Selena stepped through the portal, only to be met with pure hostility.
Ken and I hadn't lowered our guard. My hands were still poised to strike, and Ken's fingers hovered near his holster. The tension in the air was thick—dangerous—until Nicole shot forward.
"Selena!"
She wrapped her in a tight hug, her excitement breaking through the moment like sunlight through storm clouds. I didn't move. Neither did Ken.
Why didn't I sense it was her?
The realization hit me. She had changed. The shadows clinging to her felt different—refined, controlled. She had succeeded.
My crimson eyes scanned her, taking in the shift in her presence. Stronger than before. More assured. But I said nothing.
Ken, on the other hand, hesitated. He took a slow step toward her, the relief on his face evident, though his usual confidence faltered. His hand twitched at his side like he wanted to reach out but didn't know how.
Selena took the initiative.
She closed the distance between them and hugged him tight. Ken stiffened for a second before his shoulders relaxed, his arms wrapping around her in return. His usual cool demeanor cracked, just for a moment.
She was back. And she was stronger than ever.
I scoffed, crossing my arms as I leaned back against the table.
"Touching," I muttered.
Ken shot me a glare over Selena's shoulder, but he didn't let go. Selena only smiled, completely ignoring my jab.
Nicole pulled back from the hug and pouted. "You could've at least warned us before opening a portal right in front of us. Ken and Liam nearly tried to kill you."
Selena chuckled. "That would've ruined the surprise."
Ken finally pulled away, rubbing the back of his neck as he glanced at her. "You look different," he said, his voice softer than usual.
She tilted her head. "Good different or bad different?"
He smirked. "Good. Definitely good."
I rolled my eyes. "Great. Now that the reunion's over, what do you want?"
Selena turned to me, her smile unfaltering. "I needed to see my mom, but since I knew you all were here, I figured I'd stop by first."
I studied her, noting the subtle shift in her stance—the way her shadow coiled around her, tamed yet powerful. It was clear she had come into her own.
"Right," I said flatly. "And that's the only reason?"
Selena arched a brow. "Why? Miss me?"
I scoffed again, looking away. "Not even remotely."
Nicole giggled, and Ken shook his head, amusement flickering in his eyes.
Selena placed a hand on her hip. "Well, I won't take up much of your time. Just needed to check in."
Ken frowned slightly. "You're not staying?"
"Not for long," she admitted. "I have a trial ahead of me."
That caught my attention. "A trial?"
She nodded. "To become the Realm's Sage."
For the first time since she arrived, silence settled between us. Nicole's eyes widened in shock, while Ken straightened.
Selena folded her arms, standing tall. "I've decided to become the Sage of the Realm."
I kept my expression unreadable, but Selena's sharp gaze caught the brief lapse in my composure. Damn it.
Ken blinked, his lips parting slightly. "You're serious?"
"As serious as I've ever been."
Nicole looked between us, her brows knitting together. "That's… huge. You're really going to do it?"
Selena nodded. "But it won't be easy. I have to undergo a trial, and from what I've been told, I might even have to fight the previous Sage."
That got my attention, but I said nothing. My mind turned over the implications, but I refused to let anything show.
Selena studied me, waiting. When I didn't respond, her expression softened ever so slightly.
I exhaled sharply, then without a word, turned and walked out.
Nicole sighed, watching me go before glancing at Ken and Selena. "I'll… give you two a moment. You probably have a lot to talk about."
She stepped away, leaving them alone.
Ken hesitated, rubbing the back of his neck before meeting Selena's gaze. "So… you're really doing this?"
Selena tilted her head, studying Ken's expression. "Yeah. I have to do this."
Ken nodded slowly, his usual composure slipping for just a moment. He looked like he had something to say but hesitated.
She caught it. "What is it?"
He let out a breath, crossing his arms. "You're not the only one who's changed. Liam helped me regain my power."
Selena's eyes widened slightly. "Liam?" She glanced toward where he had walked off, then back to Ken. "How?"
Ken exhaled, his gaze distant as if recalling something heavier than words could capture. "He put me in a coma."
Selena blinked. "He what?"
Ken gave a short chuckle, shaking his head. "Yeah. Left me on the edge of life and death, just to challenge himself. But somehow… in that state, I found clarity. My mind stripped everything away, every excuse, every hesitation. And when I woke up, I knew—I had my power back."
Selena stared at him, absorbing the weight of what he said. "And you're okay with that?"
Ken shrugged. "He did what he had to do. And, honestly? I don't blame him." His lips curled into a faint smirk. "If anything, I should thank him."
Selena sighed, rubbing her temples. "You guys are insane."
Ken laughed, the tension between them easing. "Maybe. But it worked."
She studied him for a moment before her expression softened. "I'm glad you're back."
Ken looked down at her, something unspoken passing between them. "Yeah. Me too."
Ken looked down at her, his smirk fading into something softer. "Guess that means we're both walking paths we never expected."
Selena nodded. "Yeah. But we're not walking them alone."
Ken studied Selena for a moment, his gaze unreadable. Then, in a quiet voice, he asked, "Did you know?"
She frowned. "Know what?"
"That I might be able to control Shadow," he said, his voice laced with something deeper—something raw. "When you transferred yours to me… did you already know?"
Selena hesitated, searching his face. She had expected this question, but now that it was here, the weight of it pressed against her chest.
"Yes," she finally admitted.
Ken's breath hitched slightly, his fingers curling at his sides. "Then you willingly put the Shadow Realm in danger? What if I had decided to destroy it?"
Selena didn't flinch. Instead, a small, knowing smile tugged at her lips. "You might be hotheaded, but you're not a bad person, Ken."
His throat bobbed as he swallowed, his expression unreadable. "You trust me this much?"
"Always," she said without hesitation.
Ken let out a shaky breath, running a hand through his hair as he looked away. "Damn it, Selena." His voice was rough, but there was no anger—only something raw, something he wasn't sure how to process.
Selena stepped closer, gently taking his hand in hers. "I knew you'd figure it out. I just… needed you to see it for yourself."
Ken stared at her, emotions clashing in his eyes—gratitude, disbelief, something else he wasn't ready to name. Then, his grip tightened around her hand, a silent promise.
"You're insane," he muttered, but there was no bite to his words.
Selena just smiled, her heart full. "Maybe. But I trust you, Ken. And I always will."
Ken exhaled slowly, his grip on Selena's hand tightening. His usual confidence wavered, his expression shifting between hesitation and something deeper—something vulnerable.
"I'm not sure I've said this to you," he murmured, voice quieter than usual. "And I'm definitely certain I haven't said it to anyone ever in my life."
He hesitated, his gaze searching hers, as if afraid of what he might find. His heart pounded against his ribs, the weight of his words pressing down on him. He had faced death more times than he could count, but this—this moment terrified him.
He exhaled sharply, steadying himself before finally saying it.
"I love you, Selena."
For a second, there was only silence. Then, Selena chuckled softly, a warm, knowing smile spreading across her lips.
"I know, silly."
Before he could react, she closed the distance between them, her lips capturing his in a slow, passionate kiss. The world around them melted away, leaving only the warmth of each other. When she finally pulled back, her forehead resting lightly against his, her voice was barely above a whisper.
"I love you too."
Ken let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, his fingers lingering on Selena's waist as if afraid she'd disappear. For a moment, they simply stood there, wrapped in the quiet comfort of each other's presence.
Then, Selena sighed, resting her forehead against his chest. "I wish I could stay like this a little longer," she murmured.
Ken smirked, his usual confidence creeping back. "No one's stopping you."
She chuckled but gently pulled away, her expression shifting into something more serious. "I need to see my mother."
Ken's smile faltered slightly, but he nodded. "Yeah. I figured. You have a lot to tell her."
Selena glanced at the portal still swirling behind her. "More than that. She deserves to hear it from me—everything. About the Shadow, about my decision to become Sage… she needs to know."
Ken studied her face, noticing the way her hands clenched slightly at her sides. There was something else there—an uncertainty she wasn't voicing.
"You want me to come with you?" he asked.
Selena hesitated, then shook her head with a small smile. "No. This is something I need to do alone."
Ken exhaled through his nose, reluctant but respecting her choice. "Alright," he said. "Just… don't take too long. I might start missing you."
Selena rolled her eyes but couldn't suppress the warmth in her chest. "I won't," she promised before turning toward the portal. With one last glance over her shoulder, she stepped through, vanishing into the swirling shadows.
Selena stepped into her mother's office, the familiar scent of parchment and ink filling her senses. The room was neat, as always—bookshelves lined with meticulously arranged tomes, a small stack of papers on the desk, and a warm glow from the enchanted lanterns casting soft shadows across the walls.
Helen sat behind her desk, but the moment her eyes landed on Selena, she was already on her feet. Without a word, she crossed the room and pulled her daughter into a firm embrace. Selena closed her eyes, leaning into the comfort of her mother's arms.
"You did it," Helen murmured, a quiet pride lacing her voice. "I can feel it… your aura—it's different. Stronger." She pulled back, placing her hands on Selena's shoulders, studying her with sharp, discerning eyes. "Congratulations, my dear."
Selena smiled, warmth blooming in her chest. "Thank you, Mom."
Helen's lips curled into a smirk as she crossed her arms. "Though, I see I wasn't your first stop."
Selena blinked, caught off guard. "What?"
Helen arched a brow. "Instead of coming to see your mother first, you had to go see your boyfriend, hmm?"
Heat immediately rushed to Selena's face. "I—It wasn't like that," she stammered, crossing her arms in defense. "I needed to tell Liam and the others, and Ken happened to be there."
Helen's smirk deepened. "Oh, I'm sure it was purely coincidence."
Selena groaned, running a hand through her hair. "You sound like Sophia."
Helen chuckled, shaking her head. "I'm your mother. I notice things." She gave her daughter a knowing look before softening. "But, truly… I'm happy for you, Selena. You've come a long way."
Selena's embarrassment faded slightly as she met her mother's eyes. "I still have a long way to go."
Helen nodded. "That you do. But for now, sit down and tell me everything."
Selena exhaled, relaxing for the first time in what felt like days, and took a seat. "Alright, Mom. Let's talk."
Selena sat across from her mother, the weight of everything she had to say pressing down on her. She took a deep breath before speaking.
"I've decided to become the Sage of the Realm," she said, watching Helen's reaction closely.
Her mother remained composed, but Selena caught the flicker of concern in her emerald eyes. Helen leaned back slightly, her fingers lacing together on the desk. "That's… a big responsibility."
Selena nodded. "I know. And I know it won't be easy. I'll have to undergo a trial—one that could mean facing the previous Sage himself."
Helen exhaled sharply. "So, you'll have to fight Henri?"
Selena hesitated before nodding. "Possibly. If that's what it takes."
Helen's expression darkened with worry, but she didn't try to talk her out of it. Instead, she let out a small sigh and gave her a reassuring smile. "You remind me of your father."
Selena blinked. "Dad?"
Helen nodded, her gaze distant as if she were looking into the past. "When he took his Guardian trial, he was so nervous. He tried to act cool about it, but I could see right through him. He paced all night, barely slept. I caught him staring at his scythe, muttering to himself about all the ways he could fail."
Selena chuckled softly, trying to picture Seth as anything but the unshakable man she had always known. "Dad? Nervous?"
Helen smirked. "Oh, he'd never admit it, but yes. He was terrified. But the moment he stepped into that arena, it was like something inside him clicked. He found his resolve, just like you will."
Selena smiled, warmth spreading through her chest. "Thanks, Mom."
Helen reached over, brushing a strand of hair from Selena's face. "You're stronger than you think, Selena. And you're not doing this to prove yourself to anyone. You're doing it because you believe in it."
They spent the next hour talking—about Seth, about old stories from the past, about little moments Helen had shared with her father that Selena had never heard before. Laughter filled the room, lightening the heavy atmosphere.
Before Selena knew it, time had slipped away from them. She glanced at the clock and sighed. "I should get going. I need to head back to the Realm."
Helen's expression softened, but there was a lingering sadness in her eyes. "Be careful, my love."
Selena stood, wrapping her arms around her mother one last time. "I will."
As she stepped back, Helen gave her a proud smile. "Go show them what a Remmick is made of."
Selena grinned before opening a portal, stepping forward without hesitation. It was time to face what lay ahead.
Selena's portal shimmered behind her, casting a soft, ethereal glow against the darkened landscape. The air was crisp, with a hint of damp earth and decaying leaves. I sat against a rock, arms folded, eyes closed, trying to shut out the world. The sound of gravel crunching beneath Selena's feet announced her approach. I sighed, not bothering to open my eyes. "What are you doing here?" I asked, my tone flat.
Selena's footsteps stopped beside me. "I only came to tell you I'm heading back," she said, her voice light, almost musical.
I cracked open one eye, squinting at her. "Honestly, you didn't have to."
Selena smiled, unfazed by my indifference. She bent over and sat beside me, her presence unwelcome yet oddly familiar. The scent of her perfume, a subtle blend of citrus and spices, wafted through the air, mingling with the earthy smell of the landscape.
"Thank you for what you did for Ken," she said, her voice genuine.
I raised an eyebrow, still not looking at her. "That loudmouth didn't have to tell you."
Selena chuckled, the sound low and throaty. "I see the two of you are getting along nicely."
I snorted, rolling my eyes. "Wouldn't you and your mum wish that."
Selena's smile never wavered. She sat quietly beside me, the silence between us stretching out like a living thing. For a moment, neither of us felt the need to fill it.
Then, I spoke, my voice a little softer. "Be careful, Selena. The Old Man is pretty damn strong."
I still didn't look at her, but I could sense her gaze on me. She smiled, standing up as shadows curled around her. "I know. Take care, Blondie."
Before I could respond, her body dissolved into the darkness, vanishing like she was never there. I let out a breath, shaking my head. "Damn woman never listens."
As I sat there, the darkness seemed to press in around me, the silence feeling heavier, more oppressive. I sighed, pushing to my feet. Time to get moving.
*********