The voice lingered, deep and commanding, as though the very canyon walls had spoken. Its presence felt tangible, pressing against my chest like a weight I couldn’t shrug off. I scanned the cliffs, desperate to find its source, but the towering shadows revealed nothing.
“Who…” My voice cracked, and I swallowed hard, steadying myself. “Who are you?”
From the shadows of the tree line that skirted the cliffside, a figure emerged. He was Draconoi, his scales as black as night, shimmering faintly in the moonlight, while his piercing green eyes seemed to cut through the gloom. He moved with deliberate ease, his hands raised in a gesture of peace as he approached the group.
“Name’s Diaz,” he said, inclining his head in a small, respectful bow. When none of us raised a weapon, he slowly lowered his hands back to his sides.
Well, most of us. Theron still had his hammer raised, but he wasn’t aiming it at Diaz. His focus remained fixed on the spot where Tieryn had vanished, his shoulders tense. Anger and something deeper, loss, maybe; etched themselves into his expression.
“I’m James,” I said, returning Diaz’s bow with one of my own.
The others followed suit, offering their introductions. Theron, however, turned and walked away without a word, heading into the woods. None of us took it as rude, more an unspoken understanding that he needed the space.
Diaz watched him go, his sharp eyes narrowing slightly. “Clearly, those two share a history,” he remarked, before shifting his gaze back to me. “But you aren’t planning on going down there” he motioned toward the abyss below, “looking like that, are you?”
His tone carried a mix of incredulity and mild amusement, but his gaze flicked between Trish and me with genuine curiosity.
I wanted to trust him; after all, he’d just scared off the woman who had been so intent on killing us. But trust was a luxury I could no longer afford. If this journey had taught me anything, it was that I needed to be cautious of everyone we met. My luck had carried me this far, but even I knew it wouldn’t last forever.
“Who says that’s where we’re going?” I responded, my tone cautious, guarded.
Diaz looked over each of us, then let out a laugh, deep, unoffended, and oddly disarming. “Don’t take me for a fool, boy,” he said, his voice calm but firm. “Though I appreciate your caution. I got word from… someone we may both know that a group was headed this way. He suggested I lend a hand; said it would settle a debt of sorts.”
I studied him carefully, waiting for him to drop a name. He didn’t. Smart. I wasn’t about to throw one out myself, not unless he confirmed it first.
“And who is this… friend, exactly, that sent you?” Max asked, his sharp tone breaking the pause.
Diaz’s gaze shifted, scanning each of us before settling on Mel. His piercing green eyes softened slightly. “Ah, you’re the orc he mentioned. Mel, right?”
Mel blinked, her usually stoic expression cracking with the faintest trace of surprise. She nodded slowly.
That question left no doubt in my mind who Diaz was referring to. “You’re the childhood friend he spoke of?” I asked, my curiosity slipping through despite my caution. I still avoided saying the name, waiting for him to confirm it.
“Yes,” Diaz said, a small smile playing on his lips. “Wyguall and I go back a very long way. It’s a shame he took that oath, but a friend of his is a friend of mine, regardless.”
Relief rippled through the group, the tension that had gripped us since Tieryn’s appearance melting away like a morning frost in sunlight. The breeze that swept through the canyon seemed lighter somehow, as though even the air had been holding its breath until now.
“Wyguall mentioned there were some disguises that would help you two blend in, but I’m not seeing them,” Diaz said, his sharp green eyes studying us with curiosity.
“We do,” I replied simply, gripping the gem at my side as I activated its power. Beside me, Trish slipped on her ring, her movements fluid and deliberate.
Diaz’s expression shifted from curiosity to surprise as my transformation began. Shadows coiled around me, enveloping my form like living smoke. When they dissipated, my figure was cloaked in darkness, Star its red and black shades within my hand.
Trish’s transformation was subtler but no less striking. Her chestnut hair darkened to an inky black, and her skin paled to an almost ethereal tone. The real shift, though, was her aura. The radiant warmth of her celestial energy, which always felt like sunlight breaking through clouds, turned cold and heavy, suffused with an abyssal edge that sent a shiver through the air.
Diaz whistled softly, his gaze flicking between us. “Color me impressed. That’s one heck of a change,” he said, crossing his arms as he leaned slightly closer to inspect us. “I’m surprised she doesn’t want your weapon over that ring. Though… now that I think about it, the ring is remarkable in its own right.”
He gestured toward Trish. “The way it hides itself completely, no trace of augmentation… that’s rare enough. But your weapon?” His eyes locked onto Star, narrowing slightly. “To see it transform not just itself but you into shadow… that’s something I’ve never heard of.”
Trish gave me a sidelong glance, her expression unreadable, though I could sense her unease beneath the surface. The weight of her transformation was more than just appearance, it was a shift in identity.
I tightened my grip on Star, “She will have to pry it from my cold dead hands.”
Diaz chuckled, his expression lightening as he straightened. “Clearly. Wyguall wasn’t kidding when he said your group was… unique.” His gaze lingered for a moment longer before he turned, gesturing toward the path ahead. “I take it this little show means you’re ready to descend into the Depths?”
I glanced around the area, hoping to catch sight of Theron one last time so we could say goodbye. But he was still nowhere to be seen.
“Your friend has likely already started going back to his home,” Diaz said, his gaze drifting to the spot where Theron had disappeared. His tone was calm, but there was a note of understanding beneath it. “He has his oath to uphold, just as I have mine.”
I nodded, the weight of his words settling in my chest. “I take it you felt that… urge they spoke of?” I asked cautiously, remembering the peculiar bond to the oath that bred war between the factions.
Diaz nodded, his expression thoughtful. “He walked away for his own reasons, yes. But I suspect he felt my presence, just as I felt his. It’s not something we can ignore, and he likely knew his part in this journey had ended.”
His words carried a finality I wasn’t entirely ready to accept. Theron had been a steadfast guide and a source of strength.
“Still,” Diaz added, his piercing green eyes turning back to me, “you’ve made it this far without him before. You’ll make it further still.”
I managed a small smile, appreciating the reassurance but feeling the weight of what lay ahead more keenly than ever.
“You’re right,” I said, my gaze lingering on the woods. “I just hoped to at least tell him thank you before we parted ways.”
The others nodded in quiet agreement, their expressions reflecting the same unspoken gratitude. But there was no point in lingering. Theron had made his choice, and it was time for us to move forward.
We turned as one, the path ahead stretching into the unknown. It was time to finally face the Depths.
Diaz led the way, his confident strides cutting through the silence. “Your guises are impressive,” he said after a moment, glancing over his shoulder. “I doubt even Tieryn would recognize you, even if she were to sit down and speak with you for hours.”
I exchanged a glance with Trish, relieved but wary.
“But” Diaz continued, his tone sharpening slightly, “she wouldn’t need to recognize you to figure out who you are. Not if she sees the others in your company.”
The weight of his words hit immediately, and I frowned. “What are you saying?”
Diaz stopped for a moment, turning to face us. “Your disguises are flawless,” he said, gesturing toward Trish and me, “but they don’t extend to the rest of your group. Their faces, their movements, their abilities, any one of those things could give you away. Tieryn is no fool. She’ll connect the dots if she sees them.”
The others exchanged uneasy glances. Max’s hand drifted instinctively to his bow, while Mel crossed her arms, her jaw tightening. Leo, quietly observing, narrowed his eyes, no doubt already running through possible solutions in his mind.
“Then what do we do?” Trish asked, her voice steady but tinged with concern.
Diaz’s piercing green eyes softened slightly. “We plan carefully, and we keep moving. For now, it’s enough to know the risk. But if it comes to a confrontation…” He paused, his gaze lingering on each of us in turn. “Be prepared to make sacrifices.”
The gravity of his words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, none of us spoke.
“Let’s just hope it doesn’t come to that,” I said finally, breaking the silence as I turned back to the path ahead.
We traversed the canyon path in silence, the air growing cooler as we descended further beneath the surface. Darkness enveloped everything, pressing against us like a living weight, until a gentle light began to emerge.
All around us, the plants stirred, their petals unfurling to reveal a soft blue luminescence. The light danced across the path, flickering like fireflies in the stillness. A familiar cinnamon scent wafted through the air, and I caught sight of the strange purple moss running along the walls like a silken curtain.
A smile tugged at my lips as I remembered our first encounter with that moss, how I’d stumbled straight into it. The memory came rushing back, clear as day, and it seemed I wasn’t alone. The others let out quiet chuckles, no doubt recalling the same scene. Before long, the chuckles turned into full laughter, echoing warmly through the cavern.
As if responding to our joy, the glowing flowers and mushrooms around us flared brighter, their light pulsing gently, like the rhythm of a heartbeat.
Diaz stopped in his tracks, turning to look at us with a bemused expression. “Do I even want to know?” he asked, his tone cautious but curious.
I waved a dismissive hand, grinning. “Long story, man.”
He raised an eyebrow, clearly tempted to press for details, but after a moment’s hesitation, he shrugged and resumed leading us down the winding path.
The canyon narrowed, and soon we approached a cave mouth carved into the canyon wall. The passage led us into a massive underground opening, and the sight that greeted us stole the breath from my lungs.
The cavern was a world unto itself, vast and alive with a kaleidoscope of light. Luminescent plants dotted the landscape, some towering like streetlamps, casting their warm glow over the pathways that crisscrossed the cavern floor.
In the distance, a castle loomed, its grand structure embedded into the far wall like a natural extension of the stone itself. Its towers and spires glimmered faintly, as though the rock itself held a latent magic.
Scattered throughout the cavern walls were buildings, each one carved seamlessly into the stone. They were intricate and timeless, their architecture blending harmoniously with the natural formations. Not a single structure was attached, it was as though the stone had grown into homes and shops of its own accord.
Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.
The vegetation shifted to hues of yellows, reds, and oranges, blanketing the area in perpetual autumn. The sweet, earthy aroma of the plants filled the air, their scent as inviting as the scene before us.
“It's… incredible,” Trish whispered, her voice barely audible over the faint hum of life that seemed to permeate the cavern.
I could only nod, my gaze sweeping over the surreal beauty of this hidden world. For a moment, the danger of our journey felt distant, replaced by a sense of awe at the wonders lying beneath the surface.
Diaz watched our reactions to the hidden world before us, a smile spreading across his dragon-like features. He took in the view alongside us, his green eyes glinting in the gentle luminescence. “It’s beautiful, isn’t it?” he said, more a statement than a question, his tone almost reverent.
“All this beauty in plain sight…” Max began, his voice trailing off as his sharp eyes darted across the cavern. “Just makes me wonder what’s lurking behind it, waiting to distract you long enough to take you out.” His hand shifted toward his bow, his body stiffening as he snapped into high alert.
Diaz nodded, his smile fading slightly. “That’s an excellent observation, Max,” he said, his tone steady but serious. “There are plenty of dangers down here. But within this cavern, you are safe.” He raised a hand in a calming gesture, sensing the unease spreading among us.
“Tieryn could be here,” Mel said, her deep voice cutting through the moment as her hand drifted toward the massive mace strapped to her back. Her blue eyes scanned the cavern warily.
Diaz’s face grew solemn, his gaze turning sharp. “She would be a fool to try anything here. If she did, her life would end before she had the chance to strike.”
We exchanged uncertain glances, his confidence not entirely soothing the tension coiled in the air.
Diaz continued, his tone softening but remaining firm. “This is a no-contest cavern. It’s a sanctuary, a place where even the greatest enemies down here can meet and discuss solutions to end wars or disputes without fear of violence.”
His words began to ease the tension in our group, though caution lingered.
Diaz picked up on the lingering unease, addressing it directly. “Look,” he said, his tone patient but firm, “you could walk into this cavern even in your usual… situation, and you’d still be protected by the rules here. No one can harm you within these walls. Not even Tieryn.”
“Then why have us put our guises on before we got here?” I asked, crossing my arms as I studied him.
Diaz’s expression hardened slightly, a flicker of wariness in his eyes. “Just because she can’t attack you here doesn’t mean she couldn’t disguise herself among the others, hiding her presence from me while stalking you.” His gaze flicked around the cavern subtly, his voice lowering. “She could be watching… and notice your change.”
He chose his words carefully, clearly trying not to say too much in case unwanted ears were nearby.
I caught the hint and nodded, letting the matter drop.
We followed the path toward the massive castle, the awe-inspiring scenery doing little to distract from the looming structure ahead. As we neared the gates, it became immediately clear why no one would dare attack or even attempt to start a fight here.
Diaz raised a hand, signaling for us to stop and stay quiet as he approached the guards stationed at the entrance.
The guards were an intimidating sight, a diverse mix of races, from dwarves to Draconoi, their armor polished and weapons sharp. But it wasn’t just their appearance that sent a shiver down my spine, it was their sheer presence. Their eyes missed nothing, scanning us with a precision that felt like they were peeling back every layer of our disguises.
On the walls above, sentries with ranged weapons kept their aim trained on us. Even as they scanned the surrounding area, their focus never wavered, and I could feel the weight of every arrow or bolt ready to fire.
My gaze shifted to the turrets built into the city walls. They were like nothing I’d ever seen, mechanical but suffused with glowing red magical circuitry that hummed faintly. The turrets tracked movement with eerie precision, poised to eliminate any threat in an instant. It was both mesmerizing and utterly terrifying.
I was so preoccupied with the thought of how quickly we could die here, one wrong move, one ill-timed breath, that I didn’t catch a single word exchanged between Diaz and the guard at the gate.
Then, suddenly, every weapon shifted away from us. I let out a slow breath, thinking the worst was over, until I felt it.
A sharp, cold edge pressed against the back of my neck. My heart froze.
My eyes darted forward as the faintest whisper of movement behind me registered, but it was too late. The guard I hadn’t even noticed stepped away, sheathing a dagger with a deliberate, slow motion. He rejoined the others near the gate as though nothing had happened.
Four more guards, each one positioned at the backs of my companions, followed suit, silently withdrawing. My breath caught in my throat as realization hit, I hadn’t seen or felt a single one of them until they wanted me to.
The guard who had been behind me let his dagger drag lightly across my back as he moved away, a silent message that sent a chill down my spine. If I’d made a wrong move, I wouldn’t be breathing now.
A small, involuntary sigh of relief escaped my lips as Diaz motioned for us to follow him through the gate. My steps felt heavy, each one weighed down by the tension still thrumming in the air.
I glanced back at the guard who’d held the dagger to my neck. His cat-like features peeked out from under his hood as he gave me a slow, toothy grin. The sight made my stomach churn.
I turned my gaze forward, my hand instinctively brushing against Star at my side, a silent reminder of the weapon’s comforting presence.
Whatever lay beyond these gates, I realized, we were entirely at the mercy of this city’s rules.
The quiet walk through the city pulled me into my own thoughts, the vibrant surroundings blurring into a haze. I didn’t take in the intricate carvings of the stone buildings or the bustling life around us. I kept my head down, my gaze fixed on the ground as the realization settled in like a heavy weight on my chest.
Even with all the advancements we’d made, the high levels we’d achieved, the powerful weapons and abilities at our disposal, it wasn’t enough. Not here.
In this realm, we were ants. Crawling through the cracks, gathering what we could just to survive.
The memory of that blade against my neck flashed in my mind, the guard’s grin a haunting reminder of how easily it could have ended. All the power we’d fought for meant nothing if someone stronger, or smarter, decided it wasn’t enough.
A knot tightened in my gut, a mix of frustration and resolve. I had to get stronger. Not just for myself, but for the others, for the journey we’d chosen to see through.
This wasn’t about the next fight or the next step forward. It was about survival in a realm where even the walls around us felt like they were watching, waiting for a moment of weakness.
I clenched my fists, the faint hum of Star at my side grounding me. Training more wasn’t just a goal anymore; it was a necessity.
“We’re here. This is my home,” Diaz said, gesturing for us to follow as he opened a sturdy door embedded in the rock. “Come inside. We can discuss the next steps freely, without prying ears.”
I glanced around as we entered, noticing that a few buildings were situated on the ground above. Most seemed to be shops or small establishments, their stone facades blending seamlessly with the surrounding rock. But Diaz’s home was different, a door that led down, further below the city’s surface.
We descended the stairway, the cool air shifting as the space opened into a breathtaking interior.
The room was masterfully designed, carved entirely from stone, yet far from the stark, lifeless space I had imagined. Every shelf and cabinet emerged naturally from the walls, as if grown rather than built. The craftsmanship was seamless, organic, as though the stone itself had decided to shape a home.
What caught my eye immediately were the moving pieces of furniture, chairs and shelves crafted from a striking turquoise wood I’d never seen before. They floated gently, adjusting their positions as if alive, giving the space an almost magical atmosphere.
You’d think an underground home would be dull, drab, devoid of color. But this place was anything but. Cracks in the stone walls were alive with vibrant vegetation, their creeping vines glowing with streaks of yellow, red, and orange that pulsed faintly like lightning frozen in motion.
The turquoise wood furniture complemented the vivid colors perfectly, with tables, stands, and additional shelves scattered thoughtfully throughout the room. Above us, a chandelier made entirely of cascading plants hung from the ceiling, its leaves and flowers radiating a soft, natural light that bathed the space in warmth.
It was beautiful, a hidden masterpiece tucked beneath the city’s surface. The combination of stone, vegetation, and wood created a space that felt alive, welcoming, and powerful all at once.
Diaz motioned for us to sit as he gathered the turquoise chairs, arranging them in a circular formation. With a flick of his wrist, he cast a spell, sending a faint pulse through the room. The staircase leading to the surface sealed itself seamlessly, the stone shifting as though the door had never existed.
Leo gaped at the transformation, his wide eyes darting between the now-hidden entrance and the vibrant surroundings. “Is this how all Depth Dwellers live?” he asked, awe dripping from his voice.
Diaz let out a soft chuckle, shaking his head. “No, not quite. I’m something of a Stone Singer. We’re a rare class, but highly respected. It’s our craft that built this city and keeps its walls and homes strong.”
“That is so awesome!” Trish exclaimed, her gaze wandering over the intricate details of Diaz’s home.
Diaz smiled briefly but then grew serious. “I’d love to show you more of the city tomorrow during the day, when it’s easier to see everything. But for now, we need to get to business.”
I blinked at him, frowning. “Nope. You don’t get to just say that and not explain it,” I said, crossing my arms.
Diaz tilted his head back slightly, clearly taken aback by my bluntness.
Realizing how my words might have sounded, I raised my hands defensively. “Wait. I didn’t mean it like that. I just… how does it become daytime down here, exactly?”
His expression softened, and he let out a long sigh. Glancing around at our curious faces, he seemed to decide that this explanation couldn’t wait. “Alright,” he began. “Even when the sun shines on the surface, it shines down here, just in a different way.”
He gestured toward the glowing vegetation on the walls. “The plants above absorb the sunlight and transfer it to the luminescent plants down here, making them shine brighter. That glow provides the same level of light surface dwellers experience during the day.”
Trish’s eyes widened in fascination. “Wait, so… you have day and night, just like the surface?”
Diaz nodded. “Exactly. Though it’s not quite the same as direct sunlight. For example, we don’t experience the sun’s tanning effects or certain other benefits it offers to some races.” He paused, as if recalling something, then added, “That said, areas like this, where the light reaches fully, are rare. Many Depth Dwellers live in near-total darkness, and some prefer it that way.”
I leaned back slightly, processing the information. The idea of an underground world with its own unique cycle of light and dark felt almost as magical as the glowing plants themselves.
“Well, that’s… fascinating,” I said finally, glancing at the others. Trish looked downright enchanted by the idea, while Leo seemed lost in thought. Max, ever pragmatic, just gave a small shrug.
Diaz smiled faintly, gesturing toward the circle of chairs. “Satisfied? Then let’s get back to why we’re really here.”
I nodded, responding to Diaz with a faint smile. “For now, yes. But I’ve got a lot more questions.”
He returned the smile. “When we’re done, I’ll be happy to answer them.”
We all sat down, the circle feeling uncomfortably intimate given the topic at hand. Diaz wasted no time addressing the most immediate issue.
“Have you all thought about how to deal with the Tieryn situation?” he asked, his tone grave.
“I have an idea,” Max said, his voice calm but his posture braced, as if expecting backlash. “But I don’t think you’ll like it.”
All eyes turned to him, curiosity sparking through the tension.
“I think we should split the group,” he said bluntly, his gaze darting around the circle, ready to defend his suggestion.
Leo remained quiet, his expression unreadable, while Mel’s brows furrowed deeply, worry and fear flashing in her eyes. Trish looked down at her feet, falling into quiet contemplation.
I kept my gaze locked on Max, then glanced around, waiting for someone else to break the silence.
“I don’t like it,” Mel said finally, her voice sharp. “This can’t be a good idea. And how would we even split the party?”
“The obvious split,” Leo said calmly, “would be Trish and James going one way while the three of us go another.”
“Oh, great,” Mel snapped. “Let’s just leave them on their own while we’re fine because we’ve got the numbers.”
“You mean you’re worried about losing our tank and healer?” Max shot back, his tone cutting.
“Max is right, Mel,” Leo added, his voice measured but firm. “They hold a far better advantage together than we do. But if we stay with them, we’re more likely to draw Tieryn’s attention faster.”
Mel leaned back in her chair, frustration clear on her face but offering no further argument.
Trish spoke next, her voice calm but edged with concern. “Mel, it’s not a bad idea in theory, but there’s something you’re all forgetting. She’ll still recognize you three. That’s not much safer for you, and it puts you in even more danger.”
“I don’t think that’s true,” Max countered. “She’s going to be so focused on finding you and James that we won’t even register as a concern to her.”
Diaz cleared his throat, drawing our attention. “Don’t underestimate her intelligence,” he said, his tone serious. “If she realizes you’re traveling separately, she could use the three of you as bait to draw out James and Trish. And while Max may have slipped under her radar during your last encounter, likely because her focus was divided between Theron and the ring.”
I shook my head, gripping Star tightly at my side. “That’s not true. She said she’s been following me for a while. That means she knows every person in this party better than any of you realize.”
Diaz sat back, his brows furrowing in thought.
“Who’s to say she doesn’t already know these forms by now?” Trish added, her gaze sharp.
Diaz shook his head. “No. She was long gone by the time you two shifted. Her presence completely dissipated, I’m certain of it.”
The room fell silent for a moment, tension thick in the air, until Leo finally spoke.
“Look, splitting up is dangerous. I won’t deny that. But what other options do we have?” He looked at each of us in turn. “If she gets that ring, or worse, James’s weapon; she could do far more damage to this world than to any of us individually.”
Unease rippled through the group, everyone sitting in heavy silence until Diaz broke it.
“I have a friend,” he said, his voice steady. “Someone who can travel with the three of you. They’ll help keep you hidden from her and deal with anyone she sends after you.”
“You’re saying she wouldn’t come after them herself?” I asked, skepticism in my tone.
Diaz tilted his head, considering. “No. If she doesn’t think you’re with them, she won’t waste her time. And if she does… this friend of mine would be more than enough to send her running.”
We debated other possibilities, like keeping Leo or Max with Trish and me. But every suggestion led back to the same conclusion; even one of them traveling with us could give us away. We couldn’t afford that risk.
As the discussion quieted, a new concern settled in my chest. Without Max, I’d need to learn to control the shadows on my own. Otherwise, they could interfere during battle, and not in a good way.
“That settles it, then,” Diaz said, his tone decisive. “I’ll have my friend meet with you three in the morning and escort you to the other safe haven.”
The room fell silent for a moment as the weight of his words sank in. This was happening.
The journey ahead was going to become far more complicated, and possibly a lot harder. Splitting up wasn’t just a tactical choice; it was a risk, one that could change everything.
But that was a thought for tomorrow. Tonight, we had one last chance to be together as a group, to share stories, laughter, and the fleeting comfort of camaraderie before going our separate ways.
I glanced around at the others, their faces a mix of determination and unease. Who knew how long it would be before we saw each other again?