Shadoww

I slowly opened my eyes, groggily taking in my surroundings. The air was filled with the sweet scent of cherry blossoms, and the warm sunlight cast dappled shadows on the ground. A slight headache and a sense of disorientation lingered, as if I had been asleep for a long time.

As I looked around, I took in the sprawling compound. It was surrounded by stunning cherry blossom trees, their flowers a breathtaking sight – nearly pure white, with delicate pink hues near the stem. The trees transformed the compound into a serene oasis. A soft breeze rustled the leaves, creating a soothing background noise.

The buildings resembled those found in schools, and my gaze returned to the woman standing before me. She was likely in her 40s, with an air of confidence and authority. Her dark hair was styled impeccably, and she wore a tailored dark grey blazer, paired with a high-length skirt and a crisp white blouse. Her high-heeled boots added to her imposing presence, and she stood with her feet shoulder-width apart, her hands resting on her hips.

"It's nice to finally meet you, Liam," she said, a calculating smile spreading across her face.

"Who the hell are you?" I growled at her.

"I'm Selena's mother. My name is Sylvia Remmick."

I narrowed my eyes. "I know you… I mean, I've read about you in one of my mom's journals. You're her best friend."

Sylvia's expression softened. "She was like a sister to me. It's a pity you have more of your dad's features."

I shrugged. "Not my first time hearing that."

I dusted myself off, taking in my surroundings again. "Where the fuck is this?"

"You're in my school," Sylvia replied. "Welcome to Ashwood Haven Academy – a sanctuary for children who have nowhere else to call home."

I raised an eyebrow, skeptical. "A sanctuary? That's a pretty fancy name for an orphanage."

Sylvia's smile never wavered. "We prefer to think of it as a place where lost souls can find refuge and purpose."

I snorted. "And what's the real purpose of this place?"

Sylvia's eyes seemed to gleam with a hint of amusement. "All in good time, Liam. All in good time."

"I won't be staying long, though, so no need," I said, my voice laced with defiance.

Sylvia's expression turned stern, her eyes flashing with a hint of concern. "I'm afraid you won't be leaving this premises, Liam."

I clenched my fists, my anger simmering just below the surface. "I have to go back for him. I can't let the Sage fight Steve alone."

Sylvia's gaze softened, her voice taking on a gentle tone. "You're not thinking clearly, Liam. Steve will stop at nothing to destroy you. I won't let that happen."

I snorted, my skepticism evident. "And why would you care?"

Sylvia's smile was enigmatic. "Let's just say I have a vested interest in your well-being. You have a certain… potential. One that I'd like to help you nurture."

I raised an eyebrow, wary of her intentions. But before I could respond, she continued.

"No one apart from me can leave this compound. This sanctuary is protected with a special barrier. Not even my husband, Seth, can break it. But you're welcome to give it a try."

She took a few steps back, her eyes glinting with a challenge. I hurled a massive shadow energy blast into the sky. The air reverberated with the force of the explosion, and the dust clouds obscured the area, carrying the acrid scent of ozone. The barrier absorbed my attack, unfazed.

As the dust settled, I turned my attention to Sylvia, my rage boiling over. "Undo this damn barrier!" I ordered.

Sylvia's smile never wavered. "I see Shey didn't teach you any manners before she died. But don't worry, that can be corrected."

She threw a half-hearted punch, which I easily deflected. Her eyes sparkled with interest as she countered with another swing kick. I countered her with my hand, sending her off balance.

As she stumbled back, her gaze lingered on me, her eyes narrowing. She was studying me, testing my reflexes and analyzing my reactions. I could almost see the wheels turning in her mind as she calculated her next move.

"You're strong, Liam," she said, her voice dripping with sincerity. "But you're also reckless."

Her words struck a chord within me, resonating with the anger and hurt that had been simmering for so long. My vexation grew as I realized she was studying me like a caged animal. I gnashed my teeth, balled up my fists, and took swift steps towards her. But I halted abruptly, noticing the intricate markings on the ground in front of her. One misstep would have sealed my fate.

"You've been trained well," Sylvia said, a hint of approval in her voice. "My husband and the Sage taught you discipline."

I seethed, my patience wearing thin. "Enough with the flattery. I'm sick of these games."

Sylvia's expression turned cold, but a flicker of concern danced in her eyes. "If we continue, you won't win this fight."

I sneered, my determination burning brighter. "I won't know unless I try. I'll escape this psychotic hellhole you call a sanctuary."

Sylvia sighed, her eyes glinting with annoyance. "You talk too much." Her finger snapped, the sharp crack echoing through the air.

My feet began to wobble, and my legs faltered, unable to support my weight. The earth spun around me, and I felt my consciousness slipping away. I stumbled, my hands grasping for something to hold onto, but it was too late.

I crashed face-first onto the hard soil, the dry earth scraping against my skin. The impact knocked the wind out of me, leaving me gasping. As I lay there, dazed and disoriented, I felt the soil beneath my cheek, cool and damp. The scent of damp earth and decaying leaves filled my nostrils.

Sylvia's voice drifted above me, laced with a hint of concern. "Liam, I'm trying to protect you." Her words were distant, fading into the darkness that engulfed me.

Her assistant, a tall, imposing woman with piercing green eyes and raven-black hair, suddenly appeared beside us, standing a few steps from me. Her sharp jawline and angular features gave her an air of quiet confidence, and her crisp, white blouse and tailored black pants exuded an aura of professionalism.

"You could have done this from the beginning," she said, a hint of dissatisfaction in her tone, "but you chose to weigh his strength instead."

Sylvia turned to her, a calm smile on her face. "He's indeed strong and if he wasn't holding back, he would have won."

On the other side of the world, a loud, ragged gasp echoed through the air, followed by the sound of heavy, labored breathing. The atmosphere around us seemed to shift, the tension palpable.

Suddenly, the scene before me dissolved, replaced by a different, more ominous landscape. Steve stood heaving loudly, his chest rising and falling with each ragged breath. His eyes were fixed intently on Sage Henri, who lay frozen, his eyes wide with content.

Sage Henri's back was against a cold, grey stone rubble. Steve's fist was clenched, his arm cocked back, ready to deliver the final blow. "I've always wanted to kill you," Steve spat, his words tumbling out in a furious torrent. "You've always despised my existence, just because I couldn't control Shadows."

Sage Henri's eyes flashed with anger, but his voice remained steady. "My treatment of you has never been about your inability to control Shadows, Steve. It's because I see the evil in your eyes. You're consumed by hatred and a desire for destruction. That's what I despise, not your limitations."

Steve's face twisted with rage, his eyes blazing with a malevolent intensity "Ramble on to Seth when you meet him"

Steve's sword sliced through the air, its blade biting deep into Sage Henri's neck. The older man's eyes slowly closed and his lips curves in a smile as his head toppled from his shoulders, hitting the ground with a sickening thud.

Steve stood panting, his chest heaving with exhaustion. The fight had been long and brutal, but in the end, he had emerged victorious. He gazed down at Sage Henri's lifeless body, feeling a mix of emotions: satisfaction, relief, and a deep-seated exhaustion.

With a weary sigh, Steve made his sword disappear and turned to leave. He knew he couldn't stay in the Realm, not now. He needed time to recover, to regroup. And he needed to find me.

A portal formed behind him and he graciously ambled inside while dragging his feet with a hand on his abdomen. Two hours later when everything has calmed down, Sophia runs to the scene.

Sophia's eyes widened in horror as she stumbled upon the gruesome scene. Sage Henri's lifeless body lay on the ground, his head severed from his shoulders. A bloodless scream froze in her throat as she stumbled backward, her hands flying to her mouth.

Tears sprang to her eyes, and she felt a wave of nausea wash over her. She had never seen anything so brutal, so senseless. Sage Henri, the man who had been like a father to her, was gone.

Sophia's knees buckled, and she collapsed to the ground, her body wracked with sobs. She felt a deep sense of loss, of grief.

Six days had passed since Sage Henri's brutal murder. The Shadow Realm was still reeling from the shock, and the funeral had been a somber affair, with many members of the Realm paying their respects to the fallen Sage.

Sophia stood outside the gates of Helen's school, her heart heavy with the weight of the news she was about to deliver. She had been dreading this moment, knowing how much Helen had respected and admired Sage Henri.

Taking a deep breath, Sophia pushed open the gates and walked into the school. She was greeted by the familiar sight of students hurrying to and from class, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

Sophia's eyes scanned the crowd, searching for Helen's familiar face. She spotted her sitting on a bench, her nose buried in a book. Her heart swelled with a mix of emotions as she approached her friend.

"Helen," Sophia said softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

Helen looked up, a smile on her face, but it faltered as she took in Sophia's somber expression.

"What's wrong, Sophia?" Helen asked, her voice laced with concern.

Sophia took a deep breath, steeling herself for the words she was about to say. "It's Sage Henri," she said, her voice cracking. "He's…he's dead. Steve has managed to take another one from us"

"That's quite unfortunate," Helen said, her voice tinged with sadness. "Has he been buried?"

"Yes, we did that four days ago," Sophia replied, her eyes clouding over.

Helen sighed, her expression somber. "How's the Realm?"

Sophia's face twisted in anguish. "Traumatized and scared. They need a Guardian, someone they can rely on for their safety."

Helen shook her head, a hint of resignation in her voice. "I can't be that someone, you know that."

Sophia's gaze locked onto Helen's, her eyes burning with intensity. "You're the only one left of the old generation, and the only one who can stand against him."

Helen's shoulders squared, her jaw setting in determination. "I have a responsibility here. I can't leave my school."

Sophia's expression turned persuasive. "Then bring the school to the Shadow Realm. You can protect the Realm and the school at the same time."

"I understand you guys are desperate at this moment-"

"You guys? Did you just refer to your home as you guys?" Sophia roars

Helen's eyes widened in surprise at Sophia's outburst. "Soph, calm down," she said softly.

Sophia's anger simmered just below the surface. "How can you refer to your home as 'you guys'?" she demanded, her voice rising. "You're a part of the Shadow Realm, Helen. You're one of us."

Helen's expression turned melancholic. "I know, Soph. But I've been away for so long…I feel disconnected."

Sophia's anger deflated, replaced by a deep sadness. "You'll always belong, Helen," she said, her voice cracking. "We need you now more than ever. Please, come back to us."

Helen's eyes searched Sophia's face. For a moment, Sophia thought she saw a glimmer of hope. But then Helen's expression hardened. "I'm sorry, Soph. I have a responsibility here," Helen said firmly. "I have students who depend on me. If I bring these kids to the Realm, it won't be Steve that will kill them but the Shadow Realm"

Sophia's face fell, but she refused to give up. "Bring them with you," she urged. "We can protect them, Helen. We are working on something that could protect outsiders from the Realm."

Helen's expression softened, and she looked uncertain. "I can't put their lives in danger"

"Your family needs you," Sophia said, her voice laced with concern.

"These kids are also my family," Helen replied firmly. "Stop making this harder than it already is."

Sophia's expression softened. "I'm sorry. How's Liam?"

Helen's sigh was heavy with emotion. "I put him to sleep. I'll probably wake him up soon and tell him about Henri."

Sophia's eyes locked onto Helen's, her gaze intense. "Can you ask him to become our protector, please?"

Helen's face twisted in a mixture of doubt and concern. "You and I know that the only thing he thinks about right now is his revenge… but I will try my best to persuade him."

She stared blankly at the horizon, her mind reeling with the weight of Sophia's words. Sage Henri… dead. The Realm, in chaos. And I, consumed by my desire for revenge.

Helen's thoughts swirled in a maelstrom of worry and fear. How would I react to the news? Would I crumble under the weight of my guilt, or would I lash out in anger?

She knew she had to tell me, but the words stuck in her throat like a bitter pill. She couldn't bear the thought of causing me more pain, but she knew she had no choice.

With a heavy sigh, Helen pushed herself to her feet. She smoothed her skirts, a habitual gesture that brought her no comfort. Her eyes felt dry and gritty, her heart heavy with foreboding.

She took a deep breath, steeling herself for the task ahead. Helen pushed open the creaky door, the sound echoing through the dimly lit room like a sigh. The air inside was stale, heavy with the scent of frustration and anger. She paused, allowing her eyes to adjust to the darkness, and took a deep breath. The musty smell filled her lungs, and she could taste the decay.

"Liam?" she called softly, her voice barely above a whisper

My voice was low and rough as I responded from the corner of the room, the sound sending a shiver down her spine. "Helen."

She walked toward, her footsteps echoing off the cold walls. As she approached, she saw my figure, my eyes glowing like embers in the darkness. My jaw was clenched, and my fists were balled at my sides.

"How are you feeling?" Helen asked, trying to sound calm and soothing. She could see the tension radiating from my body, and her heart went out to me.

I narrowed my gaze, my eyes piercing through the gloom. "You're not here to check on me, Helen. You're here because Sophia came, aren't you?" My voice was laced with agitation, and Helen could sense the worry underlying my words.

Helen's heart skipped a beat. She had hoped to avoid this conversation, but my perceptiveness had caught her off guard. "Liam, I—"

"Tell me," I growled, my voice low and menacing. "What did she want? Is the Sage alright?" I took a step closer to Helen, my eyes blazing with intensity and worry.

Her eyes locked onto mine, her expression soft and gentle. The dim lighting in the room seemed to amplify the tension between us. She took a deep breath, the sound barely audible over the creaking of the old wooden floorboards.

"Liam, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice low and measured.

My gaze narrowed, my eyes searching hers for any sign of what was to come. My jaw clenched, and my fists balled at my sides, as if preparing for a blow. "What is it?" I asked, my voice tight with restraint.

Helen's hands reached out, instinctively seeking to comfort me, but she hesitated, unsure if I would welcome her touch. The silence between us grew thick and heavy, like a challenge waiting to be met.

"It's about Sage Henri," she said finally, her voice cracking under the weight of her words.

My eyes flashed with a mixture of fear and anticipation. I took a step back, my movements jerky and uncoordinated, as if I had been punched in the gut. "What about him?" I demanded, my voice rising.

Helen's eyes filled with tears as she spoke the words that would change everything. "He's dead, Liam. Sage Henri is dead."

The room seemed to hold its breath as my face froze, my eyes wide with shock and horror. Tears formed in the corners of my eyes, and I blinked rapidly, trying to clear them. My chest heaved with ragged breaths, and my fists clenched so tightly that my knuckles turned white.

For a moment, I just stood there, my body trembling with suppressed emotion. Then, in a sudden burst of movement, I turned away, my shoulders shaking with sobs. Helen's hands reached out, grasping for me, but I shook her off, my voice rough with anguish.

"I should have been there," I muttered, my words barely audible. "I should have protected him."

Helen's eyes never left my back, her heart aching with compassion. She knew that I was hiding my true feelings, that deep down, I was consumed by guilt and self-blame. She took a step forward, her voice soft and gentle.

"Liam, don't. This isn't your fault."

But I just shook my head, my shoulders still shaking with sobs. Helen's hands dropped to her sides, helpless to comfort me. She took a deep breath before continuing, her voice measured. "If you feel this much guilt about Henri's death, there's something you can do about it. And I'll help you achieve it."

My face twisted in a snarl, anticipating where this was headed. But I decided to humor her, hoping she'd surprise me. "And what might that be?" I spat, my voice venomous.

Helen's eyes never wavered, her expression calm. "I told Sophia that I would talk to you, see if you're willing to…to become the next Guardian."

My laughter was cold and mirthless, echoing off the walls. "Become a Guardian? You think I'm just going to forget about my revenge? You really are naïve, Helen."

Helen's gaze locked onto mine, her eyes filled with concern. "Liam, I'm worried about you. You're not thinking clearly. Your desire for revenge is consuming you."

My face contorted in anger, and for a moment, Helen thought I might lash out at her. But instead, my expression crumpled, and I turned away, my shoulders shaking with ragged breaths. Her eyes never left mine, filled with a deep concern that I could feel like a gentle touch.

She knew that I was hurting, that the pain and anger were simmering just below the surface. And she knew that she had to tread carefully, that one misstep could unleash a torrent of emotion.

She halted halfway to the door, her eyes narrowing as she turned to face me. Her expression was stern, her voice low and measured. "Take the time in here to reflect on what to do with your life, Liam. Revenge is not the answer."

Her gaze lingered on mine for a moment, as if willing me to understand. Then, with a quiet resolve, she turned and left the room, shutting the door firmly behind her.

Outside, Helen leaned against the door, her eyelids drooping as she let out a slow breath. Her shoulders sagged, and her head tilted back against the door, the wood creaking softly beneath her weight. "What the fuck am I gonna do with this kid?" she muttered to herself, her voice barely audible.

******