City of Shadows -Book 1-

Chapter 14

The ancient tomes of Arboris Haven cast long shadows in the flickering candlelight as Ariya watched Zara and Finn move about the sanctuary. Their movements were fluid and practiced, but there was something in their eyes—a sharpness, a wariness—that set Ariya on edge.

"I don't like this," Nikolai grumbled, his voice low enough that only Ariya and Liam could hear. "Trusting strangers with our defenses? It's asking for trouble."

Liam nodded, his violet eyes never leaving the newcomers. "I agree, but we don't have much choice. If the Covenant is on our trail, we need all the help we can get."

Ariya felt the weight of the Luminarium Codex in her hands, its shifting symbols a constant reminder of the power—and danger—that surrounded them. "What if they're leading the Covenant right to us?" she whispered, voicing the fear that had been gnawing at the group since Zara and Finn's arrival.

"That's why we're not all staying put," Liam replied, his hand finding hers and giving it a reassuring squeeze. "You and I need to warn the authorities in New York about your vision. Nikolai will stay here and keep an eye on our... guests."

As if summoned by their whispers, Zara approached, her melodic voice carrying across the room. "The outer wards are set. They should give us fair warning if anyone approaches."

Ariya forced a smile, hoping it didn't look as strained as it felt. "Thank you, Zara. That's... reassuring."

Finn joined them, wiping his hands on his trousers.

"Aye, and I've reinforced the inner sanctum. Any unwelcome visitors will have a nasty surprise waiting for them."

Liam nodded, his expression carefully neutral. "Good work. Ariya and I need to head out soon. Nikolai will coordinate things here in our absence."

As Zara and Finn moved away to continue their work, Nikolai pulled Ariya and Liam into a secluded corner of the archive. From within his coat, he produced three small, intricately carved stones.

"Take these," he said, pressing one into each of their hands and keeping the third for himself. "They're communication stones. If anything happens here I'll be able to reach you."

Ariya turned the stone over in her palm, feeling the thrum of magic beneath its cool surface. "How do they work?"

"Focus your thoughts on the stone and the person you want to reach," Nikolai explained. "But use them sparingly. Each use weakens the connection."

Liam pocketed his stone, his expression grim. "Let's hope we won't need them. Nikolai, if you so much as suspect Zara and Finn of duplicity—"

"I'll handle it," Nikolai cut him off, his eyes hard. "You two focus on warning the city. And for the love of all that's holy, be careful out there."

With final nods of understanding, Ariya and Liam made their way to the sanctuary's exit. As they stepped out into the cool night air, Ariya cast one last glance back at Arboris Haven. The weight of their mission, and the uncertainty they were leaving behind, settled heavily on her shoulders.

Ariya's heart pounded in her chest as she sprinted through the winding streets of New York, her breath coming in ragged gasps. The vision of the city in flames still burned in her mind, spurring her forward despite the exhaustion threatening to overwhelm her. Liam ran beside her, his presence a comforting anchor in the chaos of her thoughts.

The city around them pulsed with life, oblivious to the danger looming on the horizon. Neon signs flickered in shop windows, casting an eerie glow on the faces of passersby. The cacophony of car horns and chatter seemed almost mocking in its normalcy.