The City of Shadows was a place that existed in the oldest stories, mentioned as a forbidden land. They said that its alleys held secrets that not even time dared to reveal. Many who ventured there never returned. Those who succeeded were never the same. The shadows seemed alive, and the whispers in the wind told stories of despair and betrayal.
Akira and Zilá arrived at the entrance to the city, where the sky seemed to be sucked in by darkness. The ancient buildings, in ruins, contrasted with the mysterious atmosphere that surrounded the place. With each step, Akira felt the growing weight of tension between him and Zilá, while the enigmatic girl remained silent, with a distant look.
— The City of Shadows... we're really here. — Akira murmured, his eyes scanning the dark scenery.
Zilá remained serious, the mystery around her more intense than ever. She paused for a moment, taking in the dark horizon in front of her.
— This is the only place where we can activate the artifact without being interrupted, — she said calmly. — Shadows hide what light reveals... and sometimes light can destroy what should be protected.
Akira couldn't help the shiver that ran up his spine every time Zilá spoke in riddles. Something about her seemed deeply hidden, as if she was always one step ahead, knowing more than she was willing to share.
— And how are we going to use it? What do you know about the artifact that you're not telling me? — Akira asked, trying to break the silence. He knew she was hiding something, and he could no longer pretend he didn't notice.
Zilá looked at Akira, with an enigmatic look, and smiled in an almost disturbing way.
— You will find out the truth soon. Don't worry, everything is fine.
Zilá's smile disappeared as she approached the city center. In the middle of the main square, an ancient stone structure, broken by time, formed a circle, the exact place where, according to Zilá, the artifact could be activated.
— This is where it all begins and ends. — she said.
The object glowed faintly in response to its proximity to the circle. The glow emitted by the runes engraved on the artifact seemed to dance in the gloomy air, as if the city recognized its power.
Akira watched, anxiously, as Zilá approached the center of the stone circle. The air around him became heavy, almost suffocating. He knew the moment of truth had come, but something inside him screamed to stop.
— There's something wrong with this here — Akira said, his voice full of suspicion. — What will happen after we activate the artifact.
— The true power of the artifact is too complex for you to understand, — she said, her eyes fixed on the artifact. — But if you really want to know... with it, I can access all the worlds. Imagine... being able to traverse and control dimensions at will. I can rewrite reality, Akira.
Akira took a step back, his heart racing. Zilá looked at him with a sinister smile.
— That's why I needed you, Akira, — she said, her voice taking on a sweet and manipulative tone. — Only someone with your power could activate the artifact without being consumed by it. You were the perfect pawn... until now.