Chapter 34: A Hidden Threat

That night, Aelric couldn't sleep. The thought of the darkness creeping into Elanor kept him awake. He walked through the quiet halls of the castle, his footsteps echoing softly. The moonlight streaming through the windows cast eerie shadows, making everything feel more sinister.

He found Lyra in the library, her face illuminated by the soft glow of a magical orb as she flipped through ancient texts.

"Couldn't sleep either?" he asked, sitting across from her.

She glanced up, her tired eyes meeting his. "I've been researching all night. There are legends about magic like this darkness that spreads, feeding on emotions. It's not just remnants of the Shadow King's power. It's something older."

Aelric frowned. "Older? Like before the Shadow King?"

Lyra nodded. "It's called The Eternal Shadow. A force that existed long before our time. It's said to attach itself to moments of great despair, growing stronger with every tragedy."

Aelric ran a hand through his hair. "So even if we stop these cloaked figures, the magic might keep coming back?"

"Unless we destroy the core," Lyra said. "The Eternal Shadow has a physical form. If we can find it, we might be able to end this for good."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of footsteps in the hall. Seraphina appeared in the doorway, her expression grim.

"You two need to come with me," she said, her voice low. "Something's happened."

She led them to the eastern gate, where a crowd had gathered. Soldiers were holding back frightened villagers who pointed at the walls. Aelric pushed through, his heart sinking when he saw it.

Dark symbols, glowing faintly with purple energy, had been carved into the stone. They pulsed like they were alive.

Lyra touched the markings, pulling her hand back quickly. "It's dark magic."

Aelric's jaw tightened. "Someone brought it here. To Elanor."

Seraphina scanned the crowd. "We have a traitor."