The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow

CHAPTER 13: THE GUARDIAN AND THE ARCHON; The Cursed Shadow

Chapter 13 – An Unexpected Visit

Kael’s old apartment was quiet except for the faint creak of the wooden beams and the distant hum of the Tenebrous city streets. The faint light of dawn filtered through the threadbare curtains, casting a soft glow on the sparsely furnished room.

Kael lay sprawled on his small cot, his broad chest rising and falling steadily. His tanned skin gleamed faintly in the morning light, his toned muscles a testament to his rigorous training. His abs were well-defined, his body honed not for vanity but for survival and strength. He rarely rested this deeply, but the weight of the previous days had finally caught up with him.

Meanwhile, outside his apartment, Kleera hesitated at the door. She clutched a rolled parchment tightly in her hands, her mind replaying Caleb’s words from earlier: “Take this to Kael. He needs to be ready for what’s ahead.”

She bit her lip, steeling herself. Why am I nervous? It’s just Kael. But the image of his sharp features and pier