Page 62 of Favored By the Stars

"Then we have to go," I said firmly, lifting my chin and letting determination fill my veins once more.

Thorn released his breath like he had been holding it all along while Wyn stepped closer to join our united front. Together we faced the flickering mirror and all that it represented: not just darkness but also the light we still had left to fight with.

ChapterTwenty-Three

Senara

I steadied my breath, the weight of determination settling on my shoulders like armor. "We have to go," I repeated, my voice firmer this time. I could feel the energy of the Crescent Diadem pulsing against my skin, a reminder of my purpose counteracting whatever corrupted gunk that sword had tried to leave on my soul.

Another deep breath helped push back the lingering shadows of doubt that had crept into my mind. The vision of my corrupted self still flickered in my thoughts like a candle that wasn't quite out yet, but now I would make it serve as a catalyst rather than a chain.

"Let's move," I urged, stepping away from the mirror and its haunting reflections.

Or at least I tried to.

When I wasn't able to move away, we all shared a worried glance.

Van shrugged. "Bring it with you, I guess. It might help guide you through whatever is going on with the Veilshard Pendant."

"What if it gets broken while we're traveling? It's not like we take the easy road, especially these days."

Volker snorted. "I doubt a magical artifact like that would break so easily."

"No need to be so smug about it. We don't know these things," Wyn bit back.

With a sigh, I ignore the two of them and turned back to my prize, picking up the mirror and tucking it under my arm. Its lightness surprised me, considering how awkwardly sized it was to carry.

It was a moment before I felt confident enough to take a step forward and test out whether or not I could move with the mirror now in my possession. There was no small amount of relief that rushed through me when I discovered I could, and the relief I felt was reflected in the face of my companions.

I clutched the Starforged Mirror under my arm, its surface shimmering with echoes of distant worlds, as we set off once more. My heart raced as we hurried back through tunnels and grabbed our things at camp before bidding Niri a quick goodbye and preparing to depart the ancient city of Lumerin.

As we moved, the shadows stretching ominously around us. "Stay close," Thorn whispered, his gaze scanning our surroundings. I nodded, aware that danger lurked just beyond our vision. Every rustle of leaves and shift in the air set my instincts on high alert.

We retraced our steps through the ruins of Lumerin, the ancient stones whispering secrets of long forgotten magic and lost souls as though trying to convince us to stay. I couldn't deny the temptation was strong, but the idea of abandoning fae, elves, and humans alike to the wrath of the Void Dragon Empress wasn't something I could live with on my conscience.

The atmosphere crackled with tension as we navigated deeper into the woods that surrounded the once splendorous city. Each shadow felt alive, shifting with malevolence. I kept glancing over my shoulder, half expecting the guardian to reemerge from its smoky demise or for darker figures to rise from the depths.

We stepped into something akin to a vast amphitheater. Only in the center, instead of their being a clearing or stage there was a giant column, every inch of which was filled with murals depicting battles against dark forces, some ancient and others eerily familiar. The vibrant colors contrasted starkly against the pale white stone of the column and the shadows creeping around us.

"There," Van pointed toward an archway at the far end. "That leads to what remains of the path that will take us out of Lumerin and the Twilight Gardens in the direction we need to go."

Just then, shadows flickered around us again, swirling ominously, as if sensing our resolve and challenging us. A guttural growl echoed all around us, a sound primal and chilling that sent shivers down my spine.

"If we get out of the Twilight Gardens, whatever is chasing us won't be able to follow, right?" Thorn demanded, his gaze jumping between Van and Volker in equal measures.

"Probably not if it's magical in nature," Volker replied calmly while he scoured our surroundings for the source of the sound.

"Run," Thorn growled. "And whatever you do, don't stop until you're clear of the Gardens, no matter what. Do you understand?"

I bristled at his order. "I will not leave you behind. Do you understand?"

Now wasn't the time for us to argue, and we both knew it. Without another word, we just took off. A squeak had me looking over my shoulder to see Volker suddenly carrying Wyn.

I sprinted alongside Thorn, my heart pounding in rhythm with my feet hitting the ground. The shadows danced around us, taunting me as they shifted and flickered. I felt a surge of magic from the Starforged Mirror pressed against my side, urging me onward, but uncertainty gnawed at me.

"Senara!" Thorn's voice broke through the cacophony of fear swirling in my mind. "Keep your focus!"

I glanced back just in time to see Volker vaulting over a fallen log with Wyn clutched securely in his arms. Her wide eyes darted around, scanning for threats while fear laced her features. I pushed myself harder, each step a defiance against the dark whispers that taunted me.

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