Uviz's head throbbed as if he had hit it against the wall. He looked at the window and noticed that time had flown by.

"Teraz, I think we stayed out too late. I think it's time to go," his voice came out with some difficulty due to the celebration's drinking.

With a nod, Teraz agreed. He got up and headed for the exit, saying to Uviz, "I'm heading home. See you later, Uviz."

Uviz waved in response, even though he was already struggling to keep his vision clear. His new companion had disappeared from sight, and he knew it was time for him to go home before drunkenness took over completely.

Uviz made an effort to get up from the chair, feeling his legs a bit wobbly due to the amount of alcohol he had consumed. With unsteady steps, he made his way to the tavern's counter and settled the bill. The looks of the other tavern-goers indicated that he wasn't the only one who had enjoyed the night.

With a sigh, Uviz left the tavern and was greeted by the cool night air. The nighttime breeze helped clear his head a bit, although he still felt dizzy. He knew he needed to get home.

Walking through the quiet streets of Zaderut, Uviz tried to head in the right direction. As he advanced, the sleeping city seemed shrouded in tranquility, contrasting with the tavern's hustle and bustle. The only sounds he could hear were his own footsteps and the whisper of the wind.

But a strange sound caught Uviz's attention; this sound drew him to a nearby alley. He headed for the alley where the sound of shackles could be heard. Sneaking through the shadows, he could see a wounded soldier with a hooded figure in front of him. The shadows around this figure seemed to behave in a malleable way. Uviz hid, fearing to be seen.

Uviz, although still under the influence of alcohol, sharpened his senses in the face of the strange scene he witnessed in the alley. He hid in the shadows, trying not to attract the attention of the unknown figure in front of the wounded soldier.

Carefully observing, Uviz realized that the hooded figure seemed to be manipulating the shadows around them. It was an unusual and sinister ability, something he had never seen before. He tried to analyze the situation, trying to understand what was happening.

While the figure continued its strange manipulation of the shadows, the wounded soldier appeared defenseless and helpless. Uviz felt a mix of fear and concern. He didn't know whether to intervene or wait to better understand the situation.

Determined to find out more, Uviz continued to observe, staying hidden in the shadows and waiting for the right moment to act if necessary. He knew that something mysterious was happening that night, and he was determined to uncover the truth behind it.

Unlawfully taken from Royal Road, this story should be reported if seen on Amazon.

"Poor creature, your role in this story ends here. I cannot allow you to continue your path, but fear not, you will have use for the Lord of the Abyss." As the figure's voice spoke, the soldier moved his hand quickly before being engulfed by the shadows, slowly leaving the scene, and the figure had disappeared along with the soldier.

Uviz had witnessed everything that had happened. He approached the spot where everything had occurred. On top of the spot where the soldier had disappeared, there was a message written in blood: "Don't trust anyone; they are inside." Along with the message, there was a letter sealed with the guard's emblem.

****************************************************************************************************************************

Sandez had received an important message to deliver to Baroness Amber, one of the most authoritative figures in the city of Zaderut. With firm steps, he made his way to the palace where the baroness resided. The night was quiet, and the city seemed shrouded in an almost solemn silence.

Upon reaching the palace, Sandez was greeted by the guards at the entrance, who immediately recognized the guard seal on the message he carried. He was respectfully escorted to the baroness's chambers, where he intended to deliver the crucial message.

However, as he approached the baroness's chambers, an unexpected and swift ambush unfolded. Out of nowhere, Sandez felt a sharp pain in his side. Acting on pure instinct, he jumped out of the window, landing in a nearby tree. The assailant who had stabbed him followed the same path, jumping out of the window shortly after.

"Sandez, do not fear; this will be quick," he heard his opponent's voice. He contemplated fighting back, but the wound he had sustained was somehow worsening. Deciding to retreat, he began running back to the city, his thoughts in chaos. "Who is he? We're already compromised. Who can we trust?"

Sandez knew he needed urgent answers and help to deal with this threat. As he ran back to the city, he wondered about what to do.

Out of nowhere, a figure shrouded in shadows appeared in front of him, seeming to burn like fire. A new attack was launched against Sandez, but he used his sword to deflect the attack.

"Are you going to run more, or will you surrender? I promise that if you surrender now, I will give you a quick death," Sandez said, looking to the side and spotting a small alley where he could attempt to escape. He ran toward the alley, trying to flee from the shadowy figure pursuing him.

Sandez knew he was in a dangerous situation, but he was determined to survive and seek help to face this unknown enemy. As he ran through the alley, his thoughts focused on escaping and on who he could trust to confront this mysterious foe.

However, in the midst of his escape, something grabbed his leg, causing him to fall. When he looked back, Sandez saw the figure approaching, its words sounding threatening.

"No more games; it's time for your show to end," said the shadowy figure as it drew nearer to Sandez.

Sandez knew he was about to face his fate; there was no escape. However, in a last act of desperation, he looked around and noticed an opening leading to another part of the alley. With one final hope, he began writing a message with his own blood and concealed the letter along with the message before being engulfed by the shadows.

Sandez hoped that someone would find his message and could help uncover the truth behind this mysterious attack. As the shadows enveloped him, he knew his only hope rested with those who could discover his message and understand the gravity of the situation.