Kingdom of Shadows and Secrets

Chapter Three: The Queens Court

Ava rode into the city of Shadowsfall, her heart pounding with excitement and fear. She had finally reached the heart of the Shadow Realm, and the magical artifact she sought was within her grasp.

But as she approached the palace gates, Ava couldn't help but feel a sense of unease. The palace was a sprawling black stone complex with towers looming over the city like sentinels. Guards patrolled the walls, armed with spears and crossbows, and Ava could feel the aura of magic permeating the air.

She dismounted from her horse and made her way to the entrance, resting her hand on the hilt of her sword. The guards eyed her suspiciously, but didn't stop her - perhaps they assumed she was just another visitor to the queen's court.

Ava entered the palace and found herself in a large room with marble columns and tapestries depicting scenes from the kingdom's history. At the far end of the room was a throne carved from obsidian and decorated with rubies and emeralds. And on the throne sat the queen herself - a regal figure with long black hair and piercing blue eyes.

Ava walked up to the queen with a racing heart and bowed deeply. "Your Majesty," she said, "I request an audience with you."

The queen regarded Ava with a cool gaze. "Tell me your request," she said.

"I've come to claim the magical artifact that is supposedly in your possession," Ava said. "I'm willing to do anything to get it."

The queen smiled, but it was a cold, calculating smile. "The artifact is indeed in my possession," she said. "But it's not something that can be claimed so easily. It requires a sacrifice."

Ava's heart sank. She had suspected as much - the stories she had heard about the artifact had always been accompanied by blood and death.

"What sacrifice?" she asked, steeling herself.

The queen leaned forward, her eyes shining. "A life for a life," she said. "The artifact requires a blood sacrifice - the blood of a living being."

Ava hesitated. She had come too far to turn back now, but the thought of taking a life - even for a noble cause - made her stomach turn.

But as she pondered her options, she heard a voice in her head - the same voice that had spoken to her through the wolf. "Don't be afraid," she said, "I can help you."

Ava looked around the room, trying to find the source of the voice, but there was no one there. She took a deep breath and looked back at the queen.

"I accept your terms," she said, "but I'll choose the victim myself."

The queen nodded, a glint of satisfaction in her eyes. "Very well," she said, "You may choose any creature in the kingdom, but you must know that the sacrifice must be made within the palace walls."

Ava nodded, feeling a sense of dread spread through her. She didn't know which creature she'd choose, but she knew she had to act quickly before the dark forces that sought the artifact could make their move.

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I think it's a mistake to publish it....is it?