Crown of Shadows

Chapter 21-Nicholas

Almost a year had passed since Ryder took us in. Life in the small town on the edge of the Star Realm had settled into a comfortable routine. We became attached to the land around us, though the absence of Aelin still cast a shadow over everything.

Ryder had been a guiding presence, but he had left us a note weeks ago saying we could live in his house whenever we wanted. His absence had become longer and more frequent, leaving us to fend for ourselves.

I spent countless hours in the local library, driven by a burning need to understand the ancient sword I had pulled from the pedestal. The sword had an undeniable connection to an old kingdom called Eldarin, but beyond that, it was shrouded in mystery.

Today, I returned to the library, hoping to uncover more clues. The librarian, a kind old woman, pointed me toward a section I hadn't explored yet. There, among dusty tomes and scrolls, I found a book titled, "The Lost Kingdoms Beyond Elentia."

I opened it eagerly, scanning its contents. Eldarin was mentioned several times, described as a place of great power and magic, far removed from Elentia. The book didn't give me a clear picture of what Eldarin was, but it hinted at its significance.

"The Sword of Eldarin," one passage read, "is said to be a beacon of hope, a relic of immense power, destined to be chosen by one who will restore balance and guide the people as their ruler."

My heart raced as I read those words. I was no closer to understanding Eldarin, but the importance of the sword was becoming clearer.

I closed the book and headed back to Ryder's house, my mind buzzing with questions. As I approached, I saw Damion practicing his swordsmanship in the yard, his movements fluid and precise. London was tending to her garden, her staff always within reach. Lou was nearby petting a small dragon, her laughter a rare but cherished sound.

Gathering everyone in the living room, I laid out the book on the table. "I found something interesting," I began, meeting each of their gazes. "It's about the sword I found and an ancient kingdom called Eldarin."

London leaned in, her eyes wide with curiosity. Damion stopped his practice, and Lou, sensing the seriousness, came closer.

"This book," I continued, "talks about Eldarin, a kingdom far from Elentia. It says the sword is a beacon of hope. That it choses the ruler for that kingdom to restore balance."

I paused, letting the weight of my words sink in. "I don't know what this kingdom is or why the sword is important, but I think it's connected to me."

Silence filled the room as they processed my words. London was the first to speak, her voice steady. "If the sword is important, then we need to understand it. We'll help you figure this out."

Damion nodded in agreement. "We've come this far together. We'll see it through to the end."

Lou looked up at me, her eyes filled with determination. "What do we need to do?"

I felt a swell of pride and gratitude for my siblings. "First, we need to continue our training and work on our magic. We have to be ready for whatever comes next."

They all agreed.

After we finished discussing our plans, I felt the need to clear my head. "I'm going to take a walk outside and get some cool air," I told them. They nodded, understanding my need for some solitude.

I stepped outside, the crisp evening air washing over me. The small town was quiet, the hustle and bustle of the day giving way to the tranquility of night. I wandered into a nearby field, seeking a moment of peace.

As I stood there, lost in thought, a sudden presence jolted me back to reality. A young woman appeared before me, seemingly out of nowhere. She had an air of calm confidence, and her gaze was fixed on me.

"Who are you?" I asked, my voice steady despite the surprise.

Her calm expression twisted into a wide grin, one that sent a chill down my spine. "You don't recognize your own aunt?" she said, her voice sounding familiar.

My heart skipped a beat. "Maeve," I muttered, the name leaving a bitter taste in my mouth. "What do you want?" I asked bitterly.

Maeve's grin widened, her eyes gleaming with a sinister light. "The girl you witnessed die was not what she seemed," she said, her tone cryptic.

Confusion and anger warred within me. "What are you talking about?"

Maeve waved a hand, and before me, a figure materialized. It was Ryoko, or at least, it looked like her. But something was wrong. She appeared limp, lifeless.

I stared in horror, my mind struggling to comprehend what I was seeing. "She's merely a puppet," Maeve said, her voice cold and devoid of emotion. "The sister you saw die was a fake. I was just having a little fun with you and enjoyed seeing you in despair."

The revelation hit me like a punch to the gut. "What do you mean?" I demanded, my voice rising. "Where is Ryoko?"

My mind reeling from her words. Ryoko was alive? The girl we mourned was a puppet?

Maeve's smile twisted into something even more sinister. With a flick of her wrist, the puppet vanished. She snapped her fingers, and a girl appeared in its place. She looked like an older version of the puppet but more...alive. She had darker hair that seemed dyed, instead of the blonde I remembered. She appeared scared and confused, her eyes wide as she took in her surroundings.

"Where am I?" she whispered frantically, her gaze darting around.

I stood there, stunned, my heart pounding in my chest. "Ryoko?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.

The girl turned slowly towards me, her eyes meeting mine. For a moment, she just stared, then recognition dawned in her eyes. "Nick?" she said, her voice trembling.

Without hesitation, she ran towards me, throwing herself into my arms. I held her tightly, a mix of relief and disbelief washing over me. For a moment, I forgot Maeve was even there.

Maeve's voice cut through the silence, cold and triumphant. "Enjoy this while you can. Soon, I will have each and every one of you. But first, I'm going to bring down each of these realms so everyone bows to me."

Her words sent a chill down my spine, but before I could respond, she cackled and disappeared, leaving us alone in the field.

I pulled back slightly, looking down at Ryoko. "Are you really here?" I asked, my voice trembling.

She nodded, tears in her eyes. "I don't know what's happening, but I'm here, Nick. I'm really here."

I held her close again, the weight of Maeve's threat heavy on my mind. But for now, all that mattered was that Ryoko was back. Ryoko was back, and she was here at last.