"There are usually three components to an anchor," Darian explained. "The stone is one. But there are two others—linked artifacts or spells that stabilize the portal. If we destroy the Shadowstone without dealing with the other two, the portal will collapse in on itself, but not in the way you're hoping. It'll rip open a permanent breach instead."
Jack's stomach twisted. "So we can't destroy it?"
"Not yet," Darian said. "We need to find the other anchors first and neutralize them. Only then can the Shadowstone be safely destroyed."
Jack let out a frustrated groan. "Great. And where exactly are these other anchors?"
"That's the hard part," Darian admitted. "They could be anywhere. But I've been tracking unusual magical activity in this region, and I have a strong suspicion that one of them is nearby—probably in Black Hollow."
Jack rubbed his temples. "Let me guess. It's not going to be as simple as knocking on someone's door and asking politely, is it?"
Darian gave a dry chuckle. "Not likely. If it's in Black Hollow, someone's either hiding it or doesn't realize they have it. Either way, we'll need to investigate."
Jack stood, brushing off his coat. "Alright, fine. We'll figure it out. But you're coming with me, mage. I'm not dealing with any more shadow monsters on my own."
Darian grinned. "Wouldn't dream of leaving you to handle it solo."
By the time they reached Black Hollow, the sun was dipping low on the horizon, casting long shadows over the narrow cobblestone streets. The town was larger than Jack remembered, bustling with activity despite the late hour. Merchants shouted their wares, and the smell of roasted meat and spices filled the air.
Darian glanced around, his eyes scanning the crowd. "If there's an anchor here, it'll be giving off subtle magical signatures—ripples in the aether. I'll start by sweeping the area."
Jack raised an eyebrow. "Sweeping the area? What does that even mean?"
Darian pulled a small crystal orb from his satchel. It glowed faintly in his hand as he murmured a few words under his breath. "It means I'll find it faster than you would," he said with a smirk.
Jack rolled his eyes. "Fine. While you're doing that, I'll check in with the traders. The Alchemist needs supplies, and if there's any news about strange happenings, someone's bound to know."
"Good plan," Darian said. "Meet back here in an hour."
Jack nodded and headed into the marketplace. The traders were a lively bunch, their stalls overflowing with exotic goods. Jack quickly located the one he'd been told about—a wiry man with a shock of white hair who went by the name of Elias.
"Starfire essence?" Elias said, scratching his chin. "You're lucky. Got a small vial left, but it'll cost you."
Jack winced. "How much?"
Elias named a price that made Jack's stomach churn, but he didn't have time to haggle. He handed over the coins and pocketed the vial.
"Anything else?" Elias asked.
Jack hesitated. "You heard of anything strange happening around here? Shadows acting weird, people disappearing?"
Elias leaned in, his expression serious. "Now that you mention it, yeah. There's been talk of a cursed relic in the old church near the edge of town. Folks say anyone who goes near it starts having nightmares—or worse."
Jack's pulse quickened. "Where is it?"
Elias pointed toward a dark, crumbling steeple barely visible above the rooftops.
Jack thanked him and hurried back to meet Darian. The mage was waiting near the center of town, his crystal glowing faintly.
"Find anything?" Jack asked.
Darian nodded. "The anchor's definitely here, and it's tied to that church on the outskirts. You?"
"Same," Jack said. "Guess we know where we're going."
Darian's expression darkened. "Let's hope we're ready for what's inside."
Together, they set off toward the old church, the streets growing quieter with each step. As they approached the towering, decaying structure, a chill settled over the air.
The door creaked open as Jack pushed it, revealing a dimly lit interior filled with broken pews and faded murals. At the far end of the room, on a pedestal bathed in faint, flickering light, was an object that seemed to hum with power—a dark amulet etched with glowing runes.
"That," Darian said grimly, "is one of the anchors."
Jack took a step forward but froze as the shadows in the corners of the church began to shift and swirl, coalescing into forms with glowing eyes.
"Looks like we've got company," he muttered, drawing his lantern.
Darian raised his staff, its golden light flaring to life. "Stay close. This is going to get ugly."
The shadowy figures crept closer, their glowing eyes fixed on Jack and Darian. Their shapes were barely humanoid—more like living wisps of darkness with elongated limbs and jagged, shifting edges.
Darian stepped in front of Jack, his staff glowing brighter. "Don't let them touch you. Shadows like these aren't just illusions—they'll drain your life force if they get too close."
"Great," Jack muttered, raising his lantern. "Anything else I should know?"
"Yeah," Darian said. "They don't go down easy. Be ready to run if things go south."
Before Jack could respond, the shadows lunged.
Darian swung his staff, releasing a blast of golden light. It struck the nearest shadow, causing it to recoil with a screech, but it didn't dissipate. Instead, it split into two smaller figures, each just as menacing.
Jack swore under his breath. "They multiply?!"
"Only if you don't hit them hard enough!" Darian shouted.
Jack swung the lantern wildly at an approaching shadow. The light seemed to keep it at bay, but it didn't retreat. He felt his pulse quicken as the cold tendrils of darkness reached for him.
Darian muttered a spell, and a circle of light erupted around them, forcing the shadows back. "We can't keep this up forever," he said. "We need to get to that amulet and neutralize it. The shadows are tied to it—they'll keep coming as long as it's here."
Jack nodded, gripping his lantern tighter. "Then let's go!"
They moved together, fighting their way toward the pedestal. Darian's spells lit up the room in bursts of radiant energy, while Jack swung his lantern like a weapon, keeping the shadows from closing in.
As they reached the pedestal, the amulet seemed to pulse, sending waves of darkness rippling through the room. The shadows grew more aggressive, their movements faster and more erratic.
Darian reached for the amulet, but the moment his hand touched it, he cried out in pain and pulled back. His palm was singed, as though he'd touched molten metal.
"It's warded!" he hissed, clutching his hand. "Of course, it couldn't be easy."
Jack looked at the amulet, then at Darian. "Can you break the ward?"
"Not quickly," Darian said, gritting his teeth. "It's a complex spell. It'll take time to unravel it—and we don't have time."