The earth shook beneath Evans's feet as he stood at the edge of the abyss, the final threshold to the resting place of the crown. In the darkness, the jagged rocks below were luminous from the pit glowing with that eerie light, casting long, twisted shadows around the chamber. Every step they had taken through the Black Mountains had been taken to come here. Now, at the heart of the cursed land, the crown's whispers no longer confined themselves to his head; instead, they echoed around him like some sort of chilling chorus of lost souls, begging to be set free. The air felt heavy with malevolent weight, and it was hard to breathe. "Evans, this isn't right," Jorin's voice cut through the haze, though it seemed to be so much farther away than it should have been. "We need to get out. This place. it's teeming with the crown's power. Evans's hand hovered near the hilt of his sword, his muscles tense, as if every fiber in his body was ready to ac

Evans stood in the grand hall, the morning sun spilling through the high windows, filtering on to the intricate designs on the stone floor. He had trod these halls a thousand times as a boy, but now he dreamed of one day taking the throne, leading his kingdom with the same strength and honor. But after his journey into the Black Mountains, everything was somehow different. Gone was the boy who'd left the castle with little more than courage and curiosity. Before her stood a prince forged by darkness, strong through sacrifice, and burdened by truths he could hardly speak. Then he faced Jorin, who was well beyond being a friend—a partner, brother in arms. Together they'd faced horrors that nobody could ever understand, their bond deepening within the silence afterwards, after being taken from the mountain. Evans, are you certain?" Jorin's voice was even, but Evans saw the flash of concern in his eyes. "You don't owe anyone the truth of what happened. Th

By the time morning broke over the kingdom, Evans and Jorin prepared to take their leave for the eastern forests. The atmosphere was thick with foreboding as they mounted their horses, accompanied by a small retinue of house guards loyal to them. Though the sorceress they searched for was only a day's ride away, weighted was this journey because there was an ominous threat lurking behind every shadow. Are you certain of this, Evans? "Jorin asked. An edge of concern laced his tone. "Magic has always had a price, especially of the kind used by the sorceress." Evans nodded, his jaw set. "If there is even a chance she can help us understand this curse, we have to take it. The kingdom's already in jeopardy. Whatever price she asks, I'll pay it if it protects our people.". They set off at an even gait, the sound of hooves pounding on the forest path the only sound to break the silence of early morning. The trees loomed overhead, their shadow

The night Evans came back, the quiet of the castle seemed to be every bit as ominous. Every corner seemed darker, each shadow deeper. He could feel the weight of the shadow spirits pressing down on him, their unending memory of what this soul held captive within himself. Every step he took echoed through the empty hallways, mingled with the hushed whispers that trailed his thoughts. By the time he reached his chambers, a figure stood waiting by his door. It was Jorin, his features etched in concern and determination. "Evans," Jorin said, stepping forward. "We have to talk. The people are frightened, and the council's getting restless. They can feel something is wrong, although they do not know the full extent of it. Evans nodded, fatigue pulling at his face. "I understand, Jorin. The shadows' influence is beginning to seep. Even now, they lean on me, probing my defenses. But I may not yield to them. Not now, not when there is so much h

It was as though the silence after Evans' sacrifice sent an eerie feeling that unsettled him. The pass of the mountain, which was teeming with shadows and dark energy, felt hallowed now-those air drained out. And Jorin stood in place, looking where Evans vanished into the darkness; his friend's last words a painful echo in his mind: Protect them. A cold shiver ran down his spine. He had promised, but how could he fulfill that promise sans Evans by his side? The enormity of his friend's sacrifice weighed in upon him, mingling with his grief and disbelief. The prince, his friend, had given all in service to the protection of the kingdom, but at what real cost? He did not know how much time he spent thus, staring into the shadows as they receded down the mountainside, a faint mist swirling where Evans had been. Now, a cold wind swept through the pass, breaking the silence, and with effort, Jorin pulled himself from his grief. He had known that