8 Descent Through Heaven

Razor returned to the outpost, fatigue etched across his features, only to find Max seething with anger, perched on a rickety chair. "You can't simply sit idle and wait—" Max's scolding words were abruptly cut short as he detected a looming presence behind Razor. His reflexes honed by years of hunting kicked in, and he lunged to attack. In a swift turn of events, Razor seized him from behind, his grip firm. "Calm down, Max. It's under my control," Razor asserted as the shadow beast materialized from the darkness, its enigmatic form taking shape.

Max's panic didn't subside immediately, and he cried out, "What do you mean, 'yours'? These beasts belong to no one. Have you forgotten your oath as a shadow hunter, Razor? We're supposed to kill these abominations." Razor tightened his hold on Max, attempting to quell the mounting hysteria. "I haven't forgotten my oath, Max. How could I? Do you not know what I've lost to these creatures? But hear me out. We kill it, and then what? There's nothing to gain."

Max was forced to consider Razor's words. He understood that a mere death would yield nothing of value. When a shadow beast perished, it left no trace, vanishing like a fleeting gust of wind. Despite their numerous kills, the hunters had gleaned little information about these elusive creatures. "So, how do you control it, the beast?" Max inquired.

Razor paused, uncertainty in his eyes. "I don't know yet. But I've tried giving it commands, and it obeys without hesitation. I can sense its presence in my mind. I can't explain why or how this power manifested, but it's there," he explained.

Max contemplated their situation and remarked, "We must inform Rize about your newfound ability." Razor shook his head, his expression weary. "Rize should be the last to know. She despises the shadow beasts more than any of us. Explaining this to her will be an ordeal, and she might destroy it before we even get the chance to clarify."

As the discussion concluded, the resonating peal of bells erupted throughout the outpost. Without hesitation, Razor and Max ascended to the tower's uppermost floor. Razor shouted to Jace, who was stationed there, "Jace, where is it?"

Jace's eyes darted toward Razor and Max, an unmistakable awe in his gaze. "It's not a beast! Look to the sky," he directed, and they followed his gaze. An astonishing sight greeted them—a brilliant, radiant beam of blue light descending from the heavens. "I've never seen such a vivid blue in my life," Jace marveled.

"Neither have we," Razor and Max concurred. As they marveled at the celestial phenomenon, Razor's shadow beast stirred, sensing the extraordinary occurrence. Jace's panic surged, but Razor and Max swiftly restrained him. "Is this how it's going to be—my life an endless series of explanations until everyone knows about my powers?" Razor sighed, his frustration evident. Max offered a wry grin. "Well, perhaps you can figure out a way to keep it concealed, like in a metal ball or something."

Razor rolled his eyes at Max's humor, acknowledging the absurdity of the situation. Together, they pinned down the bewildered Jace and began the task of elucidating their baffling circumstances.