Chapter 11 — City of Shadow
Kael slowly pushed himself up from the cold stone ground.
The air felt different here.
Colder.
Heavier.
Above him stretched a sky of endless twilight.
There was no sun.
No moon.
Only a dark horizon glowing faintly with silver light.
Kael turned slowly, taking in the strange landscape.
Massive floating mountains drifted silently through the sky.
Tall black towers stood in the distance like spears piercing the darkness.
Strange glowing trees lined the path ahead of them.
"This place…" Kael whispered.
Nyra walked ahead calmly.
"Welcome to the Shadow Realm."
Kael followed her carefully.
Everything felt alive.
Even the shadows seemed to move slightly as they walked.
"Is this where you live?" Kael asked.
Nyra nodded.
"The Shadow Realm is one of the Seven Realms."
As they reached the top of a hill, Kael finally saw the city.
It was enormous.
A massive kingdom built from dark stone and glowing crystals.
Thousands of lights flickered through the city like stars in the night.
But something felt wrong.
Guards were rushing through the streets.
Alarm bells echoed through the towers.
Nyra stopped walking.
Her expression became serious.
"The Shadow Council knows you're here."
Kael looked confused.
"The council?"
Nyra turned toward him.
"The rulers of this realm."
She looked toward the massive gates of the city.
"And they don't like unexpected visitors."
Before Kael could reply, a loud horn echoed across the valley.
The gates of the city began to open.
Dozens of armored shadow warriors stepped out.
Their glowing eyes locked onto Kael.
One of them raised his spear.
"Realmwalker," the warrior announced.
"You will come with us."