Darkness in the Shadows

CHAPTER 39

When she awoke, the room was bathed in the soft glow of the suns streaming in through the window. She stretched, feeling surprisingly refreshed. The events of the days seemed to fade slightly. She looked down at herself and frowned. "Should have showered first," Alana mumbled, standing from the bed.

Aland dug through her bag and pulled out a change of clothes. She left the room and walked to the wash room. It was another simple room. Toilet, shower, and sink all sat against one wall. Towel lined on a railing opposite. The room was the same light pink of the bedroom.

She washed in the familiar green liquid and was refreshed instantly. Alana smiled at the sensation. She washed and dried before dressing in a shirt and pants. She placed her things back in her bag before leaving the room again.

She decided to explore a bit before finding Larous. As she walked down the hallway, she noticed the intricate carvings on the walls, depicting scenes of battle and scenes of peace. It was clear that this place valued peace and balance over destruction.

She found a small kitchen, where Lares was already seated, eating some fruit. He looked up and smiled. "Sleep well?"

Alana nodded. "Better than I expected. This place has a calming effect."

"Larous is a good man," Lares replied. "This whole building is designed to create a soothing presence," he said, looking around. Alana noticed the same pink walls surrounding the kitchen, and she smiled, appreciating the calm atmosphere. She picked up some fruit and joined Lares in some light conversation while they waited for Larous.

A few moments later, Larous entered the room, his presence commanding attention. "So, to what do I owe this pleasure?" he asked. Lares stood and embraced him warmly before answering.

"You need to know something about the rebels and the high powers," Lares said.

Larous raised his hand to stop Lares from continuing. "I'm not joining their dispute. I'm not returning, and I don't care to hear your pleas," he said, clearly tired of being approached with such matters.

"I have always respected you, Larous, you know this. I wouldn't be here if it weren't information you'd find crucial," Lares insisted. Larous scrutinized him, weighing his words, before his gaze shifted to Alana.

"And what side are you pleading for?" he asked her.

Alana sighed. "The truth?" she asked. Larous nodded, maintaining his stern demeanour.

"After I killed the high powers and left Whitefall defenceless, I released the Zeraph crystal into the world, which the rebels then stole from me. So now, I am helping Marka keep them from taking over the land because they think if they have Marka, they can take over the high powers, which I have already done. But I'm not telling them that," Alana took a breath before continuing,

"So I'm trying to find Unbul and Aramin who apparently have the Zeraph crystal, which led us to Huest house, through the tunnels which have markings from my world in them, then to a small house just outside your land, which is why we ended up here" Alana said. Larous was visibly stunned, struggling to process her words.

Lares didn't hide the smile on his face as he continued to eat. Larous remained silent, his eyes fixed on Alana. After a moment, he exhaled deeply. "The elders will care for Whitefall—"

"They are also dead," Alana interjected softly, as though that was the part of her story she left out. Larous's eyes widened in surprise.

"They tried to kill me," Alana added, defending herself with a shrug

Larous rubbed his temples, clearly overwhelmed by the information. "You've certainly stirred things up," he said finally, his tone a mix of admiration and concern.