Willie and Ghoida pressed forward, leaving the mysterious structure behind. The calm after the storm left the air thick with unease. The floating islands ahead were scattered like stepping stones across the void, each one shrouded in mist.
“We can’t walk forever,” Ghoida said, glancing at the faint shimmering bridges connecting the islands. “These look like they’ll collapse if we step wrong.”
Willie studied the first bridge, his brow furrowing. “They’re made of energy. I think the artifact can stabilize them, but it’s risky.”
“We’ve had worse plans,” Ghoida said with a shrug, stepping onto the first bridge. It flickered under her weight but held. “See? Totally safe.”
Willie winced. “Your definition of ‘safe’ worries me.”
They moved cautiously across the bridge, the mist swirling around them. Shadows danced at the edges of their vision, and faint whispers grew louder with each step.
“Is it just me, or are these whispers getting creepier?” Ghoida asked, gripping her sword.
“It’s not just you,” Willie replied, glancing nervously at the mist.
Halfway across the bridge, the shadows coalesced into humanoid shapes, blocking their path. Unlike the ghosts from the structure, these figures were solid, their eyes glowing with an unnatural light.
“Not again,” Ghoida muttered, raising her sword.
The shadowy figures lunged forward, their movements quick and erratic. Ghoida met the first one head-on, her blade clashing against its dark form. The creature hissed, its body twisting unnaturally as it fought back.
“Willie, anytime you want to use that artifact would be great!” Ghoida shouted, dodging another attack.
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Willie fumbled with the shards, their glow pulsating wildly. He directed their energy toward the nearest creature, and it disintegrated into wisps of smoke.
“Got it!” Willie said, gaining confidence.
“Then keep doing it!” Ghoida snapped, parrying another strike.
The shadows pressed harder, their numbers seeming endless. Ghoida fought with precision, her movements a blend of skill and raw determination. Willie, meanwhile, struggled to keep up, the artifact draining his energy with every blast.
“We’re outnumbered!” Ghoida called out. “We need to move!”
Willie nodded, focusing on creating a path through the shadows. With a final burst of energy, he cleared the way ahead.
“Go!” he shouted, stumbling as the artifact’s light dimmed.
Ghoida grabbed his arm, pulling him forward as they sprinted across the remaining length of the bridge. Behind them, the shadows
Reaching the next island, they collapsed to the ground, gasping for breath.
“That was too close,” Ghoida said, glaring at Willie. “You need to get better at this whole ‘artifact mastery’ thing.”
Willie managed a weak smile. “I’m working on it.”
They took a moment to recover, their surroundings eerily quiet. The mist began to clear, revealing a massive tree at the center of the island. Its roots spread across the ground like veins, and its branches reached high into the sky, glowing faintly.
“What is this place?” Ghoida asked, approaching the tree cautiously.
Willie stood, his eyes widening. “I think it’s a marker. These trees are ancient—there’s a chance it holds more clues about the shards.”
As they drew closer, the tree’s glow intensified, and the artifact began to resonate. A voice echoed in their minds, deep and resonant.
“Seek the truth, and the path will open.”
Before they could react, the ground beneath the tree shifted, revealing a hidden staircase spiraling downward.
“Of course there’s a creepy staircase,” Ghoida muttered.
Willie smirked. “You wanted adventure.”
“I wanted answers, not endless traps,” she shot back.
With no other options, they descended into the depths, their resolve firm. Whatever lay below, it was one step closer to uncovering the truth about Elaris.
> End of Chapter 15