Nightfall Mysteries

Final

Lucian stood in doubt, grappling with his loyalty to Richee and the growing darkness surrounding the shadows.

"Lucian, can't you see? Richee is trying to destroy this town-and he's using you to do it."

"No, I'm not doing anything wrong."

"Then why did you bring Ben back and bind the shadow to him? You did it because Richee told you to. He knew the ritual was forbidden, yet he still used you. And now, he's planning the same thing again-using Ben to destroy the city and escape while leaving you to take the blame."

Lucian hesitated. "What... what did he tell you?"

"That doesn't matter right now. He saved me, rescued my family and friends, and gave us freedom to live outside of Silverbrook."

"No, Lucian, he won't let you be free..."

Lucian's confusion deepened as Richee approached him alone.

"Lucian," Richee said quietly, "can you separate the shadow from Ben with your power? Then we can escape with your family. Nina is ready-you can place lora shadow in her."

"Where is Ben?" Lucian asked warily. "He's out of control... he tried to capture us."

"Why do you care, Lucian? I'm helping you. Why support me?"

"I just want to be a healer," Richee answered evasively.

"Are you using me?"

"Of course not! Who said that?"

"Then why do you seem so afraid?"

"I'm not afraid!"

But Lucian could see the fear in Richee's eyes.

"Tell me the truth, Richee."

Before Richee could answer, Adam stepped out from the shadows. "I know your game, Richee. After Ben and Lucian destroy the town, you plan to start over with all the shadow powers. I can feel the dark energy radiating from you."

Richee glared. "Who told you that? Miles? Was it Velori?"

Suddenly, Richee pulled something from his pocket and hurled it toward Lucian and Adam, weakening them. Ben appeared, but the effect didn't seem to harm him.

Seeing Lucian after so long, Ben paused, clearly conflicted. Richee attempted to flee, but Nathan intercepted him. Lucian, struggling to regain strength, called out, "Stop him! Tie him up!"

As Ben prepared to confront Richee, Velori arrived, holding symbols and chanting an incantation to weaken him.

"Richee, you did well capturing them," Velori said.

"No," Richee growled. "I don't want them captured-I want them gone, for good."

"What are you talking about?"

"I thought I'd release them once I got control of the shadows, but now I know they're a threat. We need to end them."

"Why would you do that?"

"Because I want control! I won't let anyone else take the legacy while I stand aside."

Lucian and Adam struggled to fight off the effects of the attack as Richee hurled a knife, hitting Adam in the shoulder. Another blade pierced Lucian's chest. Ben, seeing Lucian injured, roared in fury and charged Richee, engaging him in a fierce battle.

Richee, desperate, knocked Velori aside and grabbed the ritual book, beginning the process to separate the shadows. Lucian and Adam's shadows started to leave their bodies, but Ben remained unaffected.

As the shadows left Lucian and Adam, they collapsed, unconscious. Ben, however, fully merged with Nathan, stood up stronger than before. Nathan, with a grim expression, approached Richee, his face transformed-part of it appearing decayed as if aged in different timelines.

Nathan raised his hand, and the ground trembled, shadows rising up from the earth. He walked toward Richee with unstoppable power. Richee, terrified, continued chanting, trying to regain control.

Nathan placed his hand on the ground, calling the shadows to fill the space. He looked at Richee, who stood paralyzed with fear. Nathan's presence now resembled a figure torn between life and decay, his face a haunting image of time's passage.

Richee, desperate, could only watch as Nathan chanted something dark and ancient. As Nathan finished, the ground opened up,all the shadows and Lucian, Ben, Miles, and Lora all disappeared into the depths, the portal closing behind them. Ben also jumped in.

After sometime

When Adam and Carlo woke in Nathan House, they had no memory of what had happened while they were under the shadow's influence. But Nathan remembered everything.

After this, Silverbrook remained peaceful, with no more signs of mystery or darkness. Nina and Nathan grew closer, while Adam and Carlo returned home, carrying memories they wished they could forget.

The end

Thank you, everyone, for reading this story all the way to the end. Your support means a lot! 🙏🏼