BLAZING SHADOW

Shadows of Fate

The morning sun began its ascent, casting a golden glow across the land as Elvira slowly stirred from her sleep. But instead of the usual sense of renewal, a wave of sickness washed over her, causing her body to writhe in pain. Beads of sweat formed on her brow as she clutched at her abdomen, a knot of unease tightening within her.

Her mind immediately wandered to the prophecy, to the dream that had haunted her the previous night. Was this a mere coincidence, or was it a sign that the prophecy was closer to fruition than she had anticipated? The weight of uncertainty pressed upon her, threatening to consume her thoughts.

With trembling hands, she reached for her parchment and quill, determined to record the visions that had plagued her mind. The tales of dark elven attacks on the peaceful light elven farmers near the border, the cries for help echoing in her ears. She knew she had to act, to protect those who could not defend themselves. But she also knew that she had to keep her own condition a secret, at least for now.

A resolve settled within her as she folded the parchment, sealing her fears and doubts within the confines of her mind. Today, she would seek guidance, answers, and reassurance from the sacred Temple of Eria. Perhaps within its hallowed walls, she would find solace and a glimmer of hope.

The journey to the temple was arduous, each step feeling heavier than the last. The vibrant colors of the world around her seemed muted, as if the weight of her own burden dulled their brilliance. The grand architecture of the Temple of Eria rose majestically before Elvira , its white marble pillars reaching toward the heavens. The air within the temple carried a sense of serenity, a sacred stillness that enveloped her as she entered. The soft glow of sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting a kaleidoscope of colors on the marble floors.

Elvira 's heart ached as she approached the statue of the revered prophetess, Eria, her patron deity. The statue stood tall, its features serene yet hauntingly lifelike. As Elvira knelt before it, a shiver ran down her spine, a premonition of what was to come.

"In these troubled times, I seek your guidance, Eria," Elvira whispered, her voice trembling with a mixture of fear and desperation. "Show me the path I must walk, for the sake of this kingdom and the child that may be at risk."

Silence greeted her plea, but the weight of the moment held her captive. Suddenly, a chilling breeze swept through the temple, extinguishing the candles that lined the altar. The air grew heavy with an eerie presence, and a sense of foreboding settled over Elvira like a suffocating fog.

As if in response to her unspoken fears, the statue of Eria seemed to shift, its marble features contorting into a twisted expression. A gasp escaped Elvira 's lips as she watched in horror. And then, in a sudden and inexplicable burst of movement, the statue shattered, fragments of marble cascading to the ground.

Fear gripped Elvira 's heart as she stumbled backward, her eyes darting around the now desecrated temple. Shadows danced along the walls, their sinister forms mocking her. She felt a presence closing in, the weight of an imminent threat bearing down on her.

A sound, almost like a whisper, echoed through the temple's emptiness. Elvira 's breath caught in her throat as a figure emerged from the darkness, clad in blackened armor, the emblem of a rose engraved on its chestplate. 

Elvira 's instincts kicked in, her body tensing as she prepared for the imminent danger. The assassin moved with deadly grace, closing the distance between them in an instant. Elvira 's mind raced, desperately searching for a way to defend herself.

But before she could react, a blur of movement intercepted the assassin, and a clash of steel echoed through the temple. Elion, the chief of the guards, had arrived just in time, his armor gleaming in the dim light. The two figures engaged in a fierce battle, their swords clashing with a resounding force.