Chapter 21: The Shadows of Oblivion
January 18, 2026 at 10:12 AM
The whispering grew louder.
Flora summoned her flames, casting warm light across the plaza. The shadows recoiled — but didn’t disappear. They slithered along the walls, moving with unnatural speed.
Aestus drew a blade of water from thin air. “These aren’t normal shadows.”
“No,” Flora said. “They’re alive.”
A figure emerged from the darkness.
Tall. Hooded. Cloaked in swirling black mist.
Flora’s heart lurched.
“Tenebris?”
The figure tilted its head. “Not quite.”
It stepped forward, revealing a face made of shifting void — no features, only darkness.
“I am the Harbinger,” it said. “Guardian of the Gate to Oblivion.”
Aestus raised his blade. “We’re not here to fight.”
The Harbinger’s voice echoed like a thousand whispers. “All who seek the Sword of Vengeance must prove they are worthy.”
Flora clenched her fists. “We already passed a trial.”
“That was the trial of truth,” the Harbinger said. “This is the trial of purpose.”
The shadows around them rose, forming humanoid shapes — dozens of them, their bodies flickering like dying flames.
Aestus stepped closer to Flora. “Any idea what the trial of purpose is?”
Flora’s flames brightened. “We find out.”
The Harbinger raised a hand.
The shadows surged forward.
And the trial began.
