Over the next few days, Zara worked closely with the Nightbound, learning everything there was to learn about the activities of the Eclipsed Order. Helena proved a valuable ally, her network of contacts providing Zara with essential information about the movements of the Order. Still, as they prepared for the inevitable fight, Zara couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out.
The Shard's power continued to grow within her, making her abilities stronger but increasingly more difficult to control. She dreamed in the evenings of the ancient temples she had seen in her visions—sites where the Aether's power had been worshipped, and later feared. The lines between herself and the Shard were blurring, and she dreaded what would happen if she lost herself.
Helena had noticed the contrast in Zara and decided to speak with her one evening, following an intense training session.
"You're holding back," Helena said, crossing her arms. "I can tell from your fighting. You're scared of your own strength."
Zara wiped at her forehead, her muscle aching from training. "You don't understand. The Shard. it's like it's alive. It's forcing me to do more power than I can handle."
Helena's eyes relaxed a bit. "I've seen what happens to people who try to control something they don't understand. But you're different, Kane. You're not trying to control it—you're trying to battle it."
Zara shook her head. "I don't know how to make it stop."
Helena reached out and set a hand upon Zara's shoulder. "Then stop fighting it. Adapt to working in harmony with it. If now the Shard forms part of your being, then you must make peace with this. Otherwise, it will consume you."
Zara looked into Helena's eyes, and she saw the honesty behind what she said. She had been resisting the power of the Shard because she was frightened, but maybe Helena was right. She could never expect to beat the Order if she kept her cards to herself.
"I'll try," Zara grumbled. "But I need some time."
Helena nodded. "Time is something we don't have, but we'll manage. The Order is mobilizing. They're up to something big, and if we don't move quickly, they'll capture Silver City for themselves."
Zara furrowed her brow, determination steeling her will. "Then we'll stop them."
---
Thank you for your feedback.