The Veil Gate shimmered behind them as Kael and his companions stepped into a world unlike anything they had ever seen. The air crackled with energy, and the ground beneath their feet felt almost alive, pulsing faintly in rhythm with the artifact Kael held. Around them, towering trees with crystalline leaves stretched into a sky painted in swirling shades of purple and gold.
Finn let out a low whistle. "Okay, this is either really cool or really bad. Probably both."
Tessa scanned their surroundings, her crossbow at the ready. "I vote for really bad. This place feels... wrong."
Nyx crouched down, brushing her fingers over the glowing moss that blanketed the ground. "We're in the Shaded Expanse. A realm between realms. It's a crossroads—and a trap, if you're not careful."
Kael frowned, holding up the artifact as it pulsed faintly. "Why does it feel like the air is watching us?"
"That's because it is," Nyx muttered.
"Awesome," Finn said, spinning his sword. "Jeffrey's ready for whatever weird air monsters are lurking around here."
Tessa groaned. "Finn, if you don't stop calling your sword Jeffrey, I'm going to lose my mind."
"Jeffrey keeps me sane," Finn shot back with a smirk.
Kael couldn't help but laugh, but the tension in his chest didn't ease. The artifact's glow was growing dimmer, and he couldn't shake the feeling that something—or someone—was waiting for them.
A sudden rustling sound snapped them all to attention. Tessa raised her crossbow, Finn swung Jeffrey into position, and Kael clutched the artifact tighter.
From the shadows emerged a figure, limping heavily. It was a young man, no older than Kael, with messy black hair and a torn cloak. His face was pale, and his eyes darted around nervously.
"Help me," the stranger rasped, stumbling toward them.
Nyx stepped in front of the group, her dagger drawn. "Who are you?"
"My name—" The boy's voice broke as he collapsed to the ground.
Kael rushed to his side, ignoring Nyx's warning glance. The boy's hands were covered in soot, and his breathing was shallow. Kael shook him gently. "Hey, wake up. What happened?"
The boy's eyes fluttered open, and he gripped Kael's arm weakly. "The shadow... it's coming."
"What shadow?" Tessa asked, scanning the trees.
As if in answer, the forest around them darkened, and a deep, guttural growl echoed through the air. The boy's eyes widened in terror. "Run."
Finn groaned. "Oh, come on. We just got here!"
Before anyone could respond, a massive beast emerged from the trees. It was made of shadow, its form shifting and flickering like smoke. Its glowing red eyes locked onto the group, and it let out an ear-splitting roar.
Kael's heart pounded. "That's... new."
Nyx grabbed his arm and pulled him to his feet. "Run now, talk later!"
The group bolted, Finn yelling as he swung Jeffrey wildly to keep the creature at bay. "This is not how I wanted to go down!"
Tessa fired a bolt that barely scratched the beast, its shadowy form reforming instantly. "We can't outrun this thing forever!"
Kael's grip tightened on the artifact, its faint glow flickering. He had no idea what he was doing, but he raised it high, focusing on the pulse of energy within. "Come on, do something!"
The artifact flared to life, and a beam of golden light shot out, striking the beast and halting its advance. The creature howled in pain, retreating into the shadows.
Finn doubled over, panting. "I take back everything bad I said about your glowing rock, Kael. It's officially my favorite thing ever."
Nyx didn't look relieved. "It's not gone. Just waiting."
The boy groaned from the ground, drawing their attention. Kael knelt beside him. "Who are you, and what's going on?"
The boy's voice was barely a whisper. "I'm Soren. The Shadow King's forces... they've found a way into this realm. If you don't stop them, they'll consume everything."
Kael exchanged a worried glance with Nyx.
Finn groaned. "Great. More bad news. Can we get one break?"
Tessa rolled her eyes. "You got to name your sword. That's your break."
Kael couldn't help but smile despite the situation. But the weight of Soren's words settled heavily on him. The stakes were higher than he ever imagined.
The group stood in uneasy silence, the looming threat of the shadows hanging over them. Kael tightened his grip on the artifact, determination burning in his chest. If the Shadow King wanted this, they'd have to fight him every step of the way.
And Kael wasn't planning on losing.