Crown of Shadows

Chapter 2- Nicholas

As we sat around the breakfast table, the morning sunlight filtering through the windows,

Lou decided to go take a walk. With a nod of acknowledgment, she left the room.

Shortly after, Evelyn entered the room, her presence bringing a sense of calm. She greeted us warmly, her glasses perched on her nose and her hair tied back in a ponytail.

"Good morning," she said, her voice soft yet reassuring.

"Morning," we chorused in response.

Returning the greeting, I shared with Evelyn our decision to find Aelin and restore our home. Evelyn listened attentively, her expression thoughtful.

"It's a brave decision," she remarked. "But be cautious. The Moon Kingdom is a dangerous place now."

Damion voiced his frustration, questioning why the Order couldn't intervene to address the chaos.

"Unfortunately, there are limitations for them." Evelyn said. "Now that the rulers of Elentia are dead, they can't follow any orders from anyone."

With a resigned sigh, I acknowledged the need to postpone any action involving the Order. Instead, we would focus on locating Aelin.

London expressed her belief that Aelin might be in the kingdom, prompting a shrug from me as I rose from the table.

"Guess we'll find out," I said, my tone tinged with uncertainty.

We all hugged Evelyn, expressing our gratitude for her support, before preparing to depart.

After we embraced her, She looked like she remembered something and left to a room. She came back with a tall staff. At the edge of it there was nothing on it but the staff was dark wood and she handed it to London.

"Take this." Evelyn said. "This staff was made by wood from the Dragon Realm and it will protect you. There may not be any magic or artifact on it but maybe you'll gain magic from it someday."

London took it from her hands. "Thank you." She said with gratitude.

Before we could leave, Lou returned, eager to know what was happening. Damion gently explained our plans, assuring her that she would be safe and that we wouldn't venture too close to the dangers of the Moon Kingdom.

"Will we be back here?" Lou asked.

"We'll come back to visit. But now it's time to go." I said with a little sadness in my tone.

We then set out, Lou's enthusiasm lifting our spirits as we began to depart.

As we ventured into the territory of the Moon Kingdom, the devastation took hold: Ruined towns stretched out before us, their once-thriving streets now empty and desolate. Among the crumbling structures, the imposing silhouette of the castle loomed in the distance, a stark reminder of the kingdom's former glory.

"Holy shit.." London remarked, her voice tinged with sadness as she surveyed the scene.

Damion nodded solemnly, his gaze fixed on the crumbled buildings. "It's worse than I imagined," he murmured.

I clenched my fists, "We'll find Aelin and do what we can to restore this place," I said, my tone resolute.

Lou offered a small smile. "We can do it together," she said, her voice filled with unwavering confidence.

As we neared the castle, the atmosphere grew increasingly eerie. The once-grand structure now stood as a haunting reminder of the kingdom's fall from grace. We cautiously made our way through the shattered gates, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the crumbling walls.