The village square was filled with tension.
Amara stood in front of Captain Roderic and his soldiers, unsure of what to do. The villagers watched silently from a distance.
Some whispered nervously while others simply stared.
Her father stepped forward.
"You're not taking my daughter anywhere," he said firmly.
Captain Roderic's expression remained calm, but his voice carried authority.
"With respect, sir, this is not a request. It is a royal command."
Amara felt her stomach tighten.
"A royal command?" she repeated.
Roderic nodded.
"The king has been searching for the Lightbound for many years. When word reached the capital that someone used that power here, we were sent immediately."
Amara glanced at the Shadow Prince standing beside her.
His eyes narrowed slightly.
"This is moving too quickly," he whispered to her.
"What should I do?" Amara whispered back.
Before he could answer, Captain Roderic spoke again.
"You must come to the capital," he said.
"The king needs to see you."
The villagers began murmuring again.
The capital.
Amara had only heard stories about it. A massive city filled with castles, knights, and powerful magic.
It felt like a different world from Hollowmere.
"I… I've never left this village," Amara admitted.
Roderic's voice softened slightly.
"Then your journey begins today."
Amara looked at her father. His face showed both fear and pride.
"You saved this village," he said quietly.
"Maybe the world needs you too."
Amara took a deep breath.
If what the Shadow Prince said was true… if the Eternal Shadow was really returning… then hiding in Hollowmere would not stop it.
Finally, she nodded.
"I'll go."
The soldiers began preparing the horses.
But just as Amara stepped toward them, the Shadow Prince grabbed her wrist gently.
"Wait," he said quietly.
Amara looked at him.
"You're coming too, right?" she asked.
The Prince hesitated.
"I cannot enter the capital openly," he said.
"Many there would recognize me… and not kindly."
Amara frowned.
"What do you mean?"
He didn't answer directly.
Instead he said quietly,
"I will follow you in the shadows."
Before she could ask another question, he stepped back and his form slowly faded into darkness.
The soldiers did not even notice.
Moments later, Amara climbed onto one of the horses.
Captain Roderic raised his hand.
"Move out!"
The group began riding away from Hollowmere.
Amara turned back one last time to look at her village.
She didn't know when she would return.
The road ahead led deep into the kingdom…
And toward secrets she had never imagined.
High above the kingdom, inside a dark castle tower, a mysterious figure watched the sky through a black mirror.
"The Lightbound has begun moving," the figure whispered.
A cold smile appeared.
"Perfect."