Ashes of the Forbidden Kingdom.

Shadows of the Past

POV: Elysia

The next morning dawned cold and clear, with rays of sunlight cutting through the mist and melting the last remnants of frost on the ground. Elysia stood at the edge of their camp, watching the forest come alive with the sounds of morning birds and rustling leaves. She felt Kieran's presence behind her before she saw him, his warmth a stark contrast to the chill she cloaked herself in.

"We need to keep moving," he said, his voice steady but carrying a softness that surprised her.

Elysia turned to face him, her expression guarded. "I agree, but we should take a different path today. The creatures we encountered yesterday were sent by someone-or something-that's watching us."

Kieran's brow furrowed, his dark eyes flashing with concern. "You think they'll come after us again?"

"Without a doubt," she replied. "I've heard of these shadow beasts before. They're bound to a master. Someone powerful."

Kieran considered her words, his jaw tight. "Then we'll be ready for them."

Elysia gave him a curt nod, though uncertainty gnawed at her. She had spent years perfecting her defenses, sealing herself away from vulnerability. But traveling with Kieran, a man who shared her burdens, who met her with an unexpected honesty... it was starting to chip away at the walls she'd built.

As they resumed their journey, the silence between them was more comfortable than it had been before. The tension had shifted, the hostility softened, replaced by an unspoken understanding. But it was a fragile thing, and Elysia didn't dare acknowledge it.

The path led them deeper into the forest, where the light barely penetrated the dense canopy overhead. Elysia's senses were on high alert, and she could feel Kieran's tension mirroring her own.

After several hours, they came upon an ancient stone ruin, half-buried beneath tangled roots and vines. It was a place of power; Elysia could feel it thrumming beneath her skin, an energy both dark and familiar.

"Look," Kieran said, his voice low.

In the shadows of the ruin stood a cloaked figure, watching them with eyes that glowed faintly in the dim light. The figure stepped forward, revealing a face both young and ancient, with piercing eyes that seemed to see straight into their souls.

"Welcome, travelers," the figure said, voice echoing strangely. "You have come far to seek what lies beyond the veil of your kingdoms."

Elysia's instincts screamed at her to draw her magic, to ready herself for a fight. But the figure's gaze held her, and she felt rooted to the spot, as if some unseen force bound her.

"Who are you?" she demanded, her voice sharp.

The figure tilted their head, a faint smile playing on their lips. "I am a Guardian of the Old Ways, keeper of the paths between worlds. And I know why you are here, Elysia, queen of frost, and Kieran, king of flame."

Kieran's jaw tightened. "If you know us, then you must know why we're here."

The Guardian nodded, their eyes gleaming with something almost mischievous. "I know of the prophecy that binds you together-a prophecy that warns of unity between fire and ice, a union that will either save or destroy your lands."

Elysia felt a chill run through her, colder than any frost she could summon. "Then tell us," she said, her voice steady, "how do we stop the destruction?"

The Guardian's gaze turned piercing, almost sad. "To unite fire and ice, you must first confront the shadows within yourselves. Only then will the true path reveal itself."