The young woman stepped fully into the room, her boots clicking softly against the stone floor. She wore a simple leather outfit, built for travel, with a dark green cloak draped over her shoulders. Her hair was tied back into a messy braid, and her sharp eyes quickly scanned the chamber before settling on Lira and Kaden.
"My name is Ardyn," she introduced herself quickly. "And you are not safe here."
The scholar frowned but said nothing, allowing Ardyn to continue.
"There are hunters," Ardyn explained, her voice low and urgent. "Not just mercenaries or thieves—these are trackers bound by dark contracts. They can smell the shard's energy from miles away, and they've already crossed into this district."
Kaden's hand instinctively rested on the hilt of his sword. "How long do we have?"
"Minutes, maybe less," Ardyn answered grimly. "You have to leave now."
The scholar moved swiftly to the altar and retrieved a wrapped bundle from behind it. He handed it to Lira. "This will help shield the shard's energy temporarily," he said. "It's an ancient cloth, woven with protective runes. Use it wisely."
Lira took the bundle, her hands trembling slightly as she quickly wrapped the shard. As she did, she felt the immediate difference—the sharp thrum of the shard's power dulled, hidden beneath layers of enchantment.
Ardyn motioned toward a narrow hallway at the back of the room. "There's a hidden exit. It leads into the old aqueduct tunnels. I'll guide you."
The group moved quickly, their footsteps soft but urgent. The corridors twisted and turned, the walls covered in moss and ancient writings. Every shadow felt heavier, as if the darkness itself was pressing closer.
As they moved deeper into the tunnels, Kaden kept glancing back, his senses on high alert. Lira, meanwhile, clutched the shard against her chest, feeling the heavy burden of what she now carried.
Suddenly, a low growl echoed through the tunnel ahead.
They all froze.
From the shadows emerged two figures—tall, cloaked in dark armor, their faces hidden by grotesque masks. In their hands, wickedly curved weapons glinted under the dim torchlight.
"The hunters," Ardyn whispered, her face pale.
Without hesitation, Kaden drew his sword, stepping protectively in front of Lira. Ardyn pulled a pair of daggers from her belt, ready for a fight.
"You must run," Kaden said firmly to Lira. "We'll hold them off!"
"I'm not leaving you!" Lira protested, but Kaden gave her a look filled with urgency and something else—trust.
Ardyn grabbed Lira's arm. "There's no time to argue. Follow me, now!"
Reluctantly, Lira obeyed, glancing back one last time as Kaden and Ardyn rushed forward to meet the hunters.
The sounds of battle rang through the tunnels, clashing steel and cries of effort filling the air as Lira ran deeper into the darkness, her heart pounding in fear and guilt.
She didn't know where the path would lead, only that she had to survive.
She had to protect the shard.
No matter what.