The air was heavy as Tia stood at the edge of the Whispering Ravine, its endless depths echoing with haunting murmurs. She clutched the Riftwood Watch tightly, her knuckles pale, her breath uneven. The path ahead seemed more daunting than any beast she had faced. This time, it wasn't just Riftbeasts or hunters that threatened her—it was her own crumbling resolve.
Kian watched her from a few steps away, his arms crossed, his jaw tight. "You've been distant ever since the Gatekeeper's warning," he said finally, breaking the silence.
Tia didn't meet his gaze. "It's not the warning, Kian. It's... me. This watch, this journey—it's tearing me apart."
"You think it's only you who's struggling?" Kian's voice rose, the calm exterior cracking to reveal a storm beneath. "I've put my life on the line for you, Tia! For this mission! Do you think I don't feel the weight of it every day?"
His words hit her like a blow, and she whirled around. "You think I asked for this? That I want to carry this burden while everyone I care about suffers because of me?"
Her voice broke, and tears streamed down her face. Kian reached out instinctively, but she stepped back, shaking her head. "I've lost so much already. My family, my home, and now... I'm losing myself."
Kian's hand fell, his expression softening. "You're not alone in this, Tia. But you have to let someone in. Let me in."
Before she could respond, a low growl echoed from the shadows. Both of them tensed, their hands instinctively reaching for their weapons. Out of the darkness stepped a woman, her presence commanding and her silver eyes piercing.
"I see you've found your stride, little Riftbearer," the woman said, her voice smooth but sharp as a blade. She carried an air of power that sent a chill down Tia's spine.
"Who are you?" Kian demanded, stepping protectively in front of Tia.
The woman smirked, her gaze locking onto Tia. "I am Lira, Warden of the Shadow Council. And I'm here to reclaim what you've stolen."
Tia's heart raced. "I didn't steal anything!"
"Didn't you?" Lira's eyes narrowed. "That watch doesn't belong to you. It belongs to the Rift—and to us."
Kian drew his blade, the steel gleaming in the faint moonlight. "If you think we're handing it over, you're mistaken."
Lira raised a hand, and the shadows around her seemed to come alive, writhing and twisting into monstrous forms. "Oh, I wasn't asking."
The ground trembled as the shadow creatures lunged forward. Tia and Kian fought with every ounce of strength they had, but the beasts were relentless, their movements almost unnatural.
In the chaos, Lira closed the distance to Tia, her hand reaching for the watch. Desperation surged through Tia as she clutched it tighter, feeling its warmth pulsing against her skin. "You won't take it!"
The watch reacted to her cry, releasing a blinding burst of light that sent Lira and the shadow creatures sprawling. When the light faded, the beasts were gone, and Lira knelt on the ground, glaring at Tia with a mix of anger and awe.
"You don't even know what you're holding," Lira hissed. "That power... it will destroy you."
Tia's voice was steady, though her hands trembled. "Then let it. If it means protecting the ones I love, I'll pay the price."
Lira rose slowly, her gaze calculating. "You're braver than I thought. But bravery won't save you when the Rift demands its due." With that, she vanished into the shadows, leaving Tia and Kian alone once more.
As the adrenaline faded, Tia collapsed to her knees, her breath coming in gasps. Kian knelt beside her, his hand resting gently on her shoulder. "You did it, Tia. You drove her off."
Tears welled in her eyes again, but this time, they weren't just from fear. "I'm so tired, Kian. I don't know how much more I can take."
Kian's grip on her shoulder tightened, his voice firm yet gentle. "You're stronger than you realize. And no matter what happens, I'll be here. We'll face it together."
For the first time in days, Tia allowed herself to lean on him, to let the walls she had built crumble, if only for a moment. But deep down, she knew this was only the beginning. The Rift wasn't done with her yet, and neither was Lira.