Prince's shadow

With the first rays of sunlight piercing through the dense canopy surrounding the Shadow Castle, the day began with an air of unease. The blood oath ceremony that had bound Kaelen and Eliara was more than a political arrangement; it was a chain that neither could ignore.

Eliara was walking around the Royal Park, which seemed to have been found in a completely separate world. Although the castle of shadows tended to be dark in its design, this garden was vibrant, filled with rare roses and plants illuminated by artificial sunlight transmitted by a powerful talisman.

She was walking slowly, groping the leaves of the plants with her fingertips. Suddenly, I stopped at a rare blue rose, which shone like to carry the sparkle of the stars.

"Don't touch it."

Eliara turned quickly to find Kaylen standing behind her, his voice low but carrying a firm warning.

"And why not? It looks beautiful."

"That rose is not like any other. Her poison is not seen, but it can destroy everything it touches."

Eliara smiled lightly and said, "Like your family?"

Kaelin showed no clear reaction, but he did step closer and said, "Maybe. But the rose lives in the garden, while my family controls it."Then he went and left her.

In the training yard, Kaelen swung his sword relentlessly, striking the practice dummy with precision and force. Riva watched from a distance, her sharp eyes noting every movement.

"You're becoming more tense by the day, Kaelen. Is the princess wearing you down?"

Kaelen didn't answer. His strikes grew harder, as though each one could dispel the storm brewing inside him.

Later that night, as the castle fell into silence, Eliara moved through its dimly lit corridors, her steps cautious. Wrapped in a black cloak, she clutched an old map she had found tucked away in the palace library.

The map pointed to a secret passage beneath the castle, though its details were cryptic, written in an ancient, almost indecipherable script. Her journey led her to an old stone door, its surface etched with runes. When she found it locked, she whispered a spell—a fragment of magic passed down in her kingdom.

The door groaned softly before swinging open, revealing a staircase descending into the depths below. The air inside was cold and damp, and she could feel an unseen presence watching her from the shadows.

As Eliara ventured deeper, the faint sound of footsteps echoed behind her. She turned sharply, her hand gripping a small dagger, only to find Kaelen standing there, leaning casually against the wall.

"You're terrible at sneaking around, Princess of the Sun."

"And you're far too good at stalking others."

Kaelen took a step closer, his expression unreadable. "What are you doing here?"

"This castle is full of secrets," she replied, her tone sharp. "Being your guest doesn't mean I'll turn a blind eye to them."

"Some secrets aren't yours to uncover," he warned. "And they won't help you."

Before either could say more, the ground beneath them trembled. A soft blue light emanated from the walls, illuminating inscriptions that began to glow with an ethereal radiance.

In the heart of the chamber, they found themselves standing before a massive, intricate circle etched into the floor. Symbols and masks lined its edges, their purpose unknown.

Suddenly, a deep, resounding voice filled the air, its tone both commanding and foreboding:

"The blood of Sun and Shadow has united, and the bindings of this world begin to fray. Beware, for betrayal will unravel the pact."

A shiver ran down Eliara's spine as Kaelen stood frozen, his mind racing to decipher the cryptic warning.

"What is this place?" Eliara whispered, her voice trembling.

"I don't know," Kaelen admitted, his grip tightening on his sword. "But we're not alone here."

Before they could act, figures emerged from the shadows—phantoms of darkness with glowing eyes. They moved swiftly, their forms barely distinguishable from the surrounding gloom.

"See what your little adventure has brought us?" Kaelen snapped, though his blade was already raised in defense.

"There's no time for blame!" Eliara shot back, casting a protective spell that formed a shimmering barrier around them.

The fight began in earnest. The phantoms were relentless, their attacks precise and overwhelming. Kaelen's skill with the sword held them at bay, while Eliara focused on maintaining the protective spell and hurling bursts of magic when she could.

As the last of the phantoms fell, a larger shadow materialized in the center of the chamber. It took the shape of a man clad in dark, spiked armor, his burning green eyes radiating malice.

"Who dares to disturb this place?" the figure asked, its voice like a storm rolling through the chamber.

Kaelen stepped forward, sword raised but cautious. "Who are you?"

The figure's lips curled into a sinister smile. "I am the last guardian. And now, your blood will be the key to breaking the bindings."