Love Between Two World

CHAPTER 2 : SHADOW OF THE PAST

### Chapter 2: Shadows of the Past

Elara stood at the threshold of the hidden door, heart racing as she glanced back at the magical realm that had captivated her. Kael’s presence beside her felt like a protective shield against the unknown dangers that lurked beyond. She took a deep breath, steeling herself for whatever lay ahead.

Once through the door, Elara found herself back in the familiar forest, the scent of pine and earth grounding her. Yet, everything felt different now. The stories she had read, the dreams she had harbored, suddenly seemed tangible. With Kael by her side, she felt empowered, as though she could face anything.

Kael glanced at her, his expression serious. “We need to move quickly. The shadow beast won’t stop hunting you until it’s found what it wants.”

“What does it want?” Elara asked, urgency in her voice.

“Power. It feeds on energy—both magical and human. Your presence here has made you a target,” he explained, his brow furrowing. “We need to find a way to protect you.”

They hurried deeper into the woods, the sound of twigs snapping beneath their feet echoing in the stillness. Elara’s mind raced with questions. “How did you know I was in danger?”

Kael’s gaze was distant, his voice low. “I’ve dealt with the shadows for years. They’ve been growing bolder, and we’ve lost too many to their hunger. I can’t let that happen to you.”

His concern warmed her heart, and for a moment, Elara felt a flicker of hope amidst the fear. “What can we do?” she pressed.

“There’s an ancient artifact hidden within the forest. It’s said to contain the essence of protection. If we can find it, it might shield you from the beast,” Kael replied.

“Where do we start?” Elara felt a surge of determination. She wasn’t just going to be a damsel in distress; she was ready to fight alongside him.

Kael looked at her, a mix of admiration and disbelief in his eyes. “We follow the river upstream. The artifact is rumored to be guarded by the River Guardian. If we can convince it to help us, we might stand a chance.”

They moved swiftly, navigating through the dense foliage. The forest, once intimidating, now felt alive with possibility. Elara marveled at the vibrant colors and the sounds of creatures she had never seen before. Every so often, Kael would glance at her, as if gauging her readiness for what lay ahead.

As they reached the riverbank, the water sparkled like liquid diamonds in the sunlight. Elara felt a sense of peace wash over her. She knelt to splash her face, feeling the coolness invigorate her. “This place is beautiful,” she said, looking up at Kael.

He smiled briefly, his eyes softening. “It is. But beauty can be deceiving. The Guardian is powerful and may not take kindly to intruders.”

“Then we need to approach carefully,” Elara replied, her resolve strengthening.

They followed the river upstream, the sound of rushing water guiding them. The forest thickened around them, the trees towering like ancient sentinels. The atmosphere shifted, a palpable tension hanging in the air. Elara could feel it—a sense that they were being watched.

Suddenly, the river widened, revealing a stunning waterfall cascading into a serene pool below. The sunlight refracted through the mist, creating a rainbow that arched gracefully over the water. It was mesmerizing, but Kael’s expression grew serious as they approached the edge.

“This is it,” he said, his voice low. “The Guardian dwells beneath the waterfall. We need to be respectful.”

Elara nodded, her heart pounding. They stepped closer, and the roar of the water enveloped them. Kael raised his voice above the noise. “Oh, Guardian of the River, we seek your wisdom and aid!”