The next morning, Claire dragged herself out of bed, exhausted. The events of the previous night replayed in her mind like a film. Lucas's revelations had completely shattered her worldview while awakening a deeper curiosity within her.
"Shadow beings… supernatural creatures like that actually exist in this world," she muttered to herself, feeling an inexplicable sense of excitement despite the fear.
As night fell, Claire arrived at the café for her usual shift. To her surprise, Lucas had arrived early. He sat in his usual corner, the same impenetrable calm etched on his face.
Hesitating for a moment, Claire brought a cup of coffee to his table. She asked tentatively, "No work tonight?"
Lucas looked up, a faint smile flickering in his eyes. "Even I need to relax sometimes."
Claire sat down and placed the coffee on the table. Gathering her courage, she asked, "What you said yesterday… about shadow beings… is it true?"
Lucas gazed at her for a moment without answering, then countered, "What do you think?"
Biting her lip, Claire said firmly, "I believe you. You saved me, and what I saw… no ordinary person could do that."
Lucas smiled faintly, his eyes showing a hint of approval. "You're one of the rare humans capable of accepting the truth. But knowing these things isn't necessarily good—it might draw you into danger."
"Danger?" Claire frowned. "Is it because of those enemies chasing you?"
Lucas's expression darkened as he replied in a low voice, "Not just enemies. Shadow beings like me don't belong to this world. Our existence poses a threat to some humans and makes us a target for their greed."
Claire nodded, her thoughts flashing back to the image of the robber collapsing the night before. "Your abilities… they're tied to shadows, aren't they?"
Lucas's lips curled into a faint smile. "You could say that. Shadows are the essence of our existence. In darkness, we have advantages far beyond what humans could imagine. Light is our nemesis, but darkness is our sanctuary."
Claire listened intently, her questions gradually being answered. Yet, new ones arose within her.
A Few Nights Later
Walking home alone after her shift, Claire found the streets eerily quiet. Suddenly, she sensed an unusual presence behind her. Turning around, she saw a blurry figure not far away. It resembled a human but cast no shadow under the streetlights.
"What is that thing?"
Her heart pounded as she quickened her pace, but the shadow-like creature also accelerated, closing the distance.
At that moment, a familiar, deep voice cut through the stillness: "Don't turn around. Keep walking."
Claire's eyes brightened—it was Lucas's voice. His figure materialized from the shadows along the street, forming a protective barrier between her and the creature.
"What is that thing?" Claire asked, trembling.
Lucas fixed his cold gaze on the shadowless creature and said quietly, "It's a 'Shadow Wraith,' a fallen shadow being. They've abandoned their sanity and exist solely to hunt the creatures of the light world."
The Shadow Wraith snarled and charged at Lucas, but just as it got close, Lucas's form vanished into the surrounding darkness. The Wraith froze, looking around wildly but unable to locate him.
Suddenly, Lucas reappeared behind the Wraith, a dark, swirling energy forming in his hand. With a swift motion, he unleashed it. The energy, like a black hole, engulfed the Wraith entirely.
The creature let out a bone-chilling scream before vanishing into thin air.
Claire stood in stunned silence, watching the scene unfold. Only when Lucas turned and gently patted her shoulder did she snap out of it.
"Go home," he said. "Tonight has been dangerous enough."
"Wait!" Claire grabbed his arm and asked urgently, "What was that thing? And how many more like it are out there?"
Lucas hesitated for a moment, then sighed. "Shadow Wraiths are mutated beings created by the Light Alliance. They tried to harness the power of the shadow realm but lost control. Creatures like this can be found lurking in the dark corners of cities everywhere."
Claire felt a chill run down her spine. "What's the Light Alliance?"
Lucas's gaze grew deeper. "They're a powerful, secret organization that studies the supernatural and seeks to control beings like me. Their goal is clear: to dominate this world, no matter the cost."
Back at Home
Claire sat by her apartment window, staring at the city lights glittering in the dark, unable to calm herself. Every word Lucas had said felt like a key, unlocking a door to a world she had never imagined.
"The shadow realm, Shadow Wraiths, the Light Alliance… I've been dragged into a massive vortex."
She took a deep breath, her thoughts turning to Lucas's solitary yet resolute figure. Despite having the ability to leave, he had chosen to stay by her side, protecting her from danger.
"Maybe… there's something I can do for him too."