Shadow Bound Fate

Walking Shadows

***Lira's POV***

"Whoa, Caius, don't you think we need an actual plan before we charge in?" I asked, stepping forward.

He shook his head, frustration tightening his jaw. "The only thing that matters is keeping you safe. This was a mistake," he muttered, running a hand through his hair.

I glanced at Thalia, who was helping Kieran to his feet, her expression twisted in confusion. "We can't go to Virebrook now," Caius continued, already turning away. "Morven knows we're coming."

He expected us to follow.

But none of us moved.

I folded my arms across my chest, tilting my head as I gave him a pointed look.

Beside me, Thalia smirked. "Looks like he lost this one."

"Agreed," I said without hesitation.

Caius exhaled sharply, rubbing his temple as if physically pained. "Please, don't do this. You don't understand—"

"No, you don't understand," I interrupted, my voice firm. "I have family in Virebrook, Caius. Yes, my father tried to keep me from my power, but I'm not going to let him die because of it. And I sure as hell won't leave Ayla to fend for herself."

Thalia stepped up beside me, arms crossed, mirroring my stance.

Caius looked between us, his frustration warring with something else—something deeper. Finally, he let out a slow breath, defeat settling in his posture.

"Fine," he muttered. "Then let's come up with a plan."

***

By morning, the four of us stood concealed within the swirling shadows Caius cast along the tree line of Virebrook. Kieran had been dazed for most of the night, still recovering from the enchantment, but by the time we reached the village, he seemed back to his usual self—at least on the surface.

Dark tendrils coiled around my boots, one slithering up to graze my hip like a familiar touch. I glanced down at it briefly before turning my focus to the village ahead.

It was eerily quiet. A few villagers moved about, but nothing like the bustling town I remembered from my childhood.

Had Virebrook really changed this much? Or had I?

A sharp chirp from my left yanked me from my thoughts.

That wasn't just any bird.

I whistled in return, and moments later, Ayla stepped out from behind a tree.

Relief flooded me, and before I could stop myself, I rushed toward her, pulling her into a fierce embrace. "I've missed you," I murmured, holding on tightly as she wrapped her arms around me in return.

She let out a soft chuckle. "Looks like Caius and his crew have been treating you well," she teased.

Behind me, Thalia let out a snort. "Very well," she said with a smirk.

I shot her a glare before turning my attention back to Ayla. "How is everything? How is everyone?" I asked, my voice laced with urgency. I needed to know what had happened in my absence.

Ayla's expression sobered as she shrugged. "Morven hasn't arrived yet. Your father panicked for about a week, but once he realized you weren't coming back..." she hesitated, her voice trailing off.

Something heavy settled in my chest, pressing against my ribs.

I took a small step back, the weight of her words sinking in.