Shadows Of Betrayal

Chapter Fourteen.

The week that followed were nothing but a blur of constant training and tension. Each morning, I faced the rising sun with a mix of determination and dread. Kael, Narya, and I formed a small training group, but the air was thick with unspoken words, the weight of my past actions pressing down on me.

Each swing of my weapon served as a reminder of my turbulent emotions, especially the heartbreak from catching Kael with Talia. Their laughter echoed in my mind, a haunting reminder of the bond I had thought was unique to Kael and me. Now, as I practiced, I felt not just the shadows stirring within me but the shadows of doubt lurking in my heart.

One afternoon, Kael suggested we work on meditation techniques to help me gain control over my powers. His tone was clipped, struggling to mask his frustration. "You need to find your center, Penelope. Focus on your breath and let the shadows flow around you, not through you," he instructed, his voice devoid of warmth.

We found a quiet spot in the woods, far from the prying eyes of the camp. The gentle rustle of leaves provided a serene backdrop as I sat cross-legged on the ground, closing my eyes.

"Breathe in," Kael guided, though his voice felt distant, weighed down by unspoken disappointment. "And out. Imagine the shadows as a river flowing around you, not a storm raging within."

I focused on my breathing, trying to quiet the chaos in my mind. But with each inhale, I felt the shadows stir restlessly beneath the surface, eager for release. "I can't do this," I whispered, frustration creeping in.

"You can," Narya encouraged, sitting beside me. "You're stronger than you think. Just visualize the shadows as a part of you, but not your whole self."

Stronger than I think my ass. I give her a pointed look before trying to focus again.

With a deep breath, I envisioned the shadows swirling around me, their dark tendrils wrapping gently like a protective cloak. For a moment, I felt a flicker of control, a sensation of harmony rather than chaos. But then the memory of Talia's laughter mingled with the vision of Kael—his warmth, his smiles—turning cold. The shadows responded, threatening to engulf me again.

"Penelope!" Kael's voice broke through my turmoil, sharp and demanding. "Focus!"

I opened my eyes, heart racing. "I can't keep them in check. They want to take over!"

"Then let them," he said, irritation evident in his tone. "But control where they go. You can't fight against them. You need to guide them, not lose yourself in your emotions."

His words struck deep, cutting through my defenses. I felt exposed, like he could see the chaos in my heart—the visions that whispered Kael is not be the ally I thought he was, that  he was hiding something sinister beneath his charming facade. "Guide them where? What if they hurt someone?"

"Only if you let them," he retorted, frustration spilling over. "You're the one who needs to take responsibility. You've already proven you can't handle your powers when you lose control."

Okay jerk, just call me ugly while you're at it if it's piss on Penelope day.

Shrugging back my anger and giving a hesitant nod, I took another deep breath. This time, I focused not on the fear of losing control, but on the potential of harnessing the shadows. I let the darkness swirl around me, feeling its weight, its power. It was exhilarating, and terrifying.

Slowly, I extended my hand, allowing the shadows to form a small tendril that danced at my fingertips. Kael and Narya watched, their expressions a mix of anticipation and concern. "That's it, Penelope," Narya encouraged, but I felt the heaviness in Kael's gaze.

Just as I felt a surge of confidence, a crackling energy burst forth from the shadows, spiraling out of control. It snaked around trees and sent leaves flying, momentarily blinding me with a flash of darkness.

"Penelope, stop!" Kael shouted, and this time his voice was laced with anger.

In that chaotic moment, I fought against the power that surged through me, desperate to regain control. "No! Come back!" I cried, reaching out for the shadows as they spiraled away.

With every ounce of will, I pulled back, and slowly, the shadows receded, coiling around my fingertips like a tamed serpent. I gasped for breath, the exhilaration fading as I processed what had just happened.

"Did you see that?" I exclaimed, my voice a mix of disbelief and awe. "I did it! I actually controlled them!"

Kael stepped closer, but his expression was stern, his eyes narrowed. "You call that control? You nearly created a disaster, Penelope. Do you even realize what could have happened?"

I felt my heart sink. "I was trying! I thought—"

"You thought?" he interrupted, frustration evident in every word. "You need to stop acting on impulse. If you can't manage your emotions, you're going to hurt someone again."

"Are you really going to blame me for trying?" I shot back, hurt mixing with anger. "I'm doing my best!"

"Your best isn't good enough if it puts everyone at risk!" he snapped, the intensity of his gaze making me flinch. "You have to take this seriously."

As the weight of his words settled over me, doubt crept in. My thoughts spiraled back to the visions that had haunted me—the fleeting glimpses of Kael standing among shadows, a sinister smile on his face, the feeling that he was hiding something, maybe even that he was the one I should be afraid of. "What if I lose control again? What if I hurt someone else?"

"Then we'll work through it together," Narya said softly, trying to diffuse the tension. "We'll practice until you're ready. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, just remember to breathe."

I nodded, but a flicker of anxiety remained. "I need to do better. I can't be the wild card. I can't be a danger to you or anyone else."

"Stop worrying about what others think," Kael said, his tone softer but still edged with disappointment. "Focus on your journey. You're not defined by your mistakes. But you need to learn from them." The only mistake I made was not killing them all and running to find those they say are evil.

As we resumed our training, I felt a heavy cloud of uncertainty settle around me. I wanted to believe Kael was right, but the haunting visions of him clung to me. The path ahead was fraught with challenges, and I couldn't shake the feeling that I was running out of time. I had to let them believe I was still on their side.

Later that evening, as we returned to camp, the atmosphere was electric with excitement. Word had spread about the upcoming competition, a test of skill and strength among the fighters. I felt a mix of anticipation and dread. Would I be able to participate? Could I trust myself not to lose control?

Kael caught my eye as we approached the gathering crowd. His expression was serious, almost cold. "Whatever happens, remember what we practiced. You're going to need to stay focused."

The distance between us felt insurmountable, a chasm carved by my heartache and suspicion. "I will," I promised, though uncertainty gnawed at me.

As the evening unfolded with laughter and cheers, I could almost hear the shadows whispering—a reminder of my past, yes, but also a warning that the real battle was just beginning. I couldn't shake the feeling that I was losing not only my grip on my powers but also my grasp on the truth. In a world where shadows hid secrets, I had to pretend to trust Kael, even as my heart screamed for caution. I need to find Corbie.