Shadows' Secrets
The clearing was silent, save for the faint rustle of leaves in the wind. Daegan, bloodied but unbroken, sat against a tree. His crimson eyes gleamed with defiance as Ryu stood over him, claws still faintly glowing from the earlier clash.
"You should kill me," Daegan muttered, a smirk curling his lips. "It would be the smart thing to do."
Ryu's gaze was unwavering. "You're not getting off that easy. I need answers. What's your connection to the shadows? Why attack the clan?"
Daegan chuckled, shaking his head. "You think this is about your little clan? The shadows don't care about your rules or your elders. They're preparing for something much bigger."
Kierra stepped forward, her daggers glinting in the faint light. "Then start talking. What's 'bigger' supposed to mean?"
Daegan leaned back, his smirk widening. "Oh, you'll see soon enough. This fight you're so proud of? It's just the opening act. The real players haven't even taken the stage yet."
Ardent, standing a few paces away, gripped the hilt of his glowing sword tightly. "Enough riddles. Tell us what you know, or I'll make sure you never speak again."
"Try it, 'hero,'" Daegan spat, his tone dripping with venom. "You don't scare me. None of you do.
The Elder's Decision
As dawn broke over the forest, the group returned to the clan's camp, dragging Daegan along in chains. The other Beastmen stared in hushed curiosity, their whispers filling the air like a rising tide.
The elder waited in the center of the clearing, his expression grim. "You've done well to capture him alive," he said, his gaze settling on Ryu. "But this is far from over."
"Far from over is an understatement," Ryu said, his voice firm. "He's been using the shadows for something bigger. We need to know what."
Daegan laughed, the sound sharp and mocking. "Even if I told you, it wouldn't matter. You're all outmatched. The shadows aren't mine to command—they're answering a higher call."
The elder's eyes narrowed. "A higher call?"
"You wouldn't believe me even if I told you," Daegan said, leaning against his restraints. "But when the true master of the shadows comes, you'll wish you had."
The elder turned to Ardent. "Do you know what he's talking about?"
Ardent hesitated before nodding. "There have been… rumors. Of a being that wields the shadows as an extension of their will. If Daegan's telling the truth, we're dealing with something far more dangerous than we imagined."
The Shadow of Betrayal
That night, Ryu couldn't sleep. The fire crackled softly in the center of the camp, but the warmth it offered was cold comfort. Daegan's words echoed in his mind: The real players haven't even taken the stage yet.
"You're awake."
Ryu turned to see Kierra approaching, her expression unreadable. She sat beside him, her gaze fixed on the fire.
"I don't trust Ardent," she said bluntly.
Ryu frowned. "He helped us back there."
"Yeah, and I can't shake the feeling he's hiding something," Kierra replied. "He showed up at the perfect moment, knew exactly how to counter the shadows, and now he's trying to take charge. It doesn't add up."
Before Ryu could respond, a low rumble shook the ground. The two of them shot to their feet, scanning the camp.
The shadows around the perimeter of the clearing began to ripple and move, coalescing into a massive, hulking figure. Its eyes burned like embers as it stepped into the light, towering over the camp.
"It's here," Ryu muttered, his claws extending.
The creature's voice was deep and resonant, each word vibrating in their chests. "You've meddled in affairs far beyond your comprehension. Prepare to face the wrath of the true master of the shadows."
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