Chapter 64

The Shadow King let out a deafening roar as Echo's word struck him with the force of a thousand suns. His dark form began to dissipate, banished by the power of the ancient word.

The friends watched in awe as the Shadow King's darkness receded, revealing a figure they had not expected. A figure who looked eerily familiar.

"Oakley?" Astrid whispered, her sword still trembling with the aftershocks of battle.

The figure turned to them, its eyes no longer burning with malevolent intent. Instead, they shone with a deep sadness.

"I am Oakley," it said, its voice barely above a whisper. "Or at least, I was. The Shadow King consumed me, body and soul. But Echo's word has freed me."

The friends exchanged stunned glances. They had never suspected that the Shadow King was once their friend and ally.

"What happened?" Raven asked, her voice soft with compassion.