Cursed By Fate

clash in the shadow

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Chapter [X+2]: Clash in the Shadows

Aria's sword clashed with the shadow's dark, swirling form, sparks flying as steel met the unknown. The figure before her moved with unnatural speed, its strikes coming like a storm, but Aria held her ground, her training with the sword making her movements precise and calculated.

"You won't take anything from me!" Aria shouted, parrying another blow, her eyes narrowing as she searched for a weakness in her opponent.

The shadow's voice hissed like wind through dead trees. "You're strong, but not strong enough to defy what's already set in motion. Surrender now, and you may live to see another day."

"I'd rather die fighting," Aria shot back, her grip tightening on the hilt of her sword. She could feel the adrenaline rushing through her veins, but something in the shadow's attacks was off. Its strikes were deliberate but not lethal-as if it wasn't trying to kill her, but to test her.

The shadow pressed forward, swinging a blade made of pure darkness. Aria dodged, the weapon grazing her arm, leaving a burning sensation in its wake. She winced but didn't let the pain slow her down. With a swift motion, she spun on her heel, delivering a blow aimed at the figure's side.

But her sword passed through the shadow's body like air.

"You can't defeat what you don't understand," the shadow taunted, its voice growing more menacing.

Aria gritted her teeth. This was no ordinary opponent. It wasn't just a battle of strength-it was a game of manipulation. The shadow wasn't here to kill her, not yet. It wanted something, and that made it more dangerous than she had anticipated.

"What do you really want?" Aria demanded, keeping her sword raised as she circled the shadow. "Who sent you?"

The figure paused for a moment, as if considering whether to reveal its intentions. Then, in a low voice, it answered, "The queen has made her request... but I have my own plans. Your power will soon be mine, and with it, I will have the strength to reshape the kingdom."

Aria's eyes widened. The queen had sent this creature after her? But there was more-this shadow had its own agenda. A betrayal hidden within the queen's scheme.

"And Ryker?" Aria asked, her voice steady despite the revelation. "What do you plan to do with him?"

The shadow chuckled darkly. "The queen believes I serve her, but her son... he's a far greater prize. With your power, I can claim the throne myself."

Aria's heart pounded in her chest. This wasn't just about removing her from Ryker's life. The shadow wanted to overthrow Ryker, and the queen had unknowingly unleashed a force that could destroy everything she held dear.

"I won't let you use me," Aria snarled, her resolve hardening.

"You have no choice," the shadow replied, lunging at her once more, its form shifting and expanding as it attempted to envelop her in darkness.

Aria's sword clashed again with the shadow's dark, swirling form, but this time, it wasn't just steel against darkness-power surged through her. Sparks of electricity flickered around the blade as she summoned her abilities, channeling them into every strike.

"You won't take anything from me!" Aria shouted, as lightning crackled around her, illuminating the shadow's twisted figure. Her eyes glowed with a fierce determination, and the air around her hummed with energy.

The shadow flinched slightly, though its eerie voice remained calm, hissing like wind through dead trees. "You're stronger than I thought... but still far from ready to face what's coming. Surrender now, and you may yet survive."