Chapter 36: The Veil of Secrets

The glow led Zeryn to a secluded grove. In its center stood a massive crystal, pulsating with the same blue light as the spires. Unlike the spires, however, this crystal wasn’t surrounded by destruction—it was beautiful, serene, and untainted.

“Fascinating, isn’t it?”

Zeryn spun around, shadows flaring defensively. A cloaked figure stepped into the grove, their face hidden beneath a hood.

“Who are you?” she demanded.

“Someone who’s been watching you for a long time,” the figure replied. “You’re not the first to walk this path, you know. Others came before you, wielding shadows, seeking answers.”

Zeryn narrowed her eyes. “And what happened to them?”

The figure gestured to the crystal. “They made choices. Some embraced the darkness, letting it consume them. Others fought against it, only to be destroyed by the light.”

“Great,” Zeryn muttered. “So no happy endings.”

The figure chuckled softly. “Happy endings are for fairy tales. This… this is a war. And the question you must answer is simple: which side will you fight for?”

Before Zeryn could respond, the figure vanished, leaving her alone in the grove.