Home / Fantasy / The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow / CHAPTER 19; The Guardian and the Archon; The Cursed Shadow
CHAPTER 19; The Guardian and the Archon; The Cursed Shadow
Author: KEEMUNKNOWN0920
last update Last Updated: 2024-11-25 16:52:00
Chapter 19: In the shadows of truth, even familiar faces can become your darkest enemy.

Kael sat cross-legged on the cool grass, his fingers absently brushing the smooth pendant of the necklace that rested against his chest. Around him, the mountains stood like silent guardians, their towering peaks piercing the sky. This was his sanctuary—a place where the world seemed to slow, and the burdens of life grew lighter. It was here that his adoptive father, David, had once brought him to meditate, to teach him patience and focus. Now, Kael came alone, seeking clarity amidst the chaos swirling around him.

The faint breeze carried the scent of pine and earth, a calming reminder of simpler times. But Kael’s thoughts were far from calm. His gaze was fixed on the necklace, the intricate carvings on the pendant glowing faintly in the dappled sunlight.

“This isn’t just a trinket,” he muttered to himself, the weight of realization heavy in his voice. “It’s... something more.”

The necklace
Continue to read this book on the App

Related Chapters

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    CHAPTER 20: The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow

    Chapter 20 The Rivalry The air inside Caleb’s sanctuary felt unusually heavy. The faint scent of old parchment and burning candles mingled with the sound of Kleera’s light footsteps as she moved about Caleb’s workspace. She carefully arranged the ancient scrolls Caleb had asked her to retrieve earlier. Her hands worked diligently, yet her mind seemed distracted. Ever since the recent events, she couldn’t shake the lingering tension in the air—or in her chest.Kael barged into the sanctuary without warning, the door swinging open so forcefully it startled Kleera. Her hands froze mid-air, clutching a fragile scroll, as her head turned to face him. His chest was heaving slightly, his face still shadowed with the intensity of his earlier encounter. The storm in his eyes told her something significant had happened, but her heart twisted at how quickly he dismissed her presence, striding through the room with barely a glance her way.She bit her lip, forcing her expression into a neutral m

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    CHAPTER 21: The Guardian and the Archon; The Cursed Shadow

    Chapter 21; When shadows rise, only the light within can restore balance. Kael stood across from Caleb in the quiet chamber, the dim light from the lanterns casting shadows that danced on the stone walls. His heart raced, his fingers brushing over the edge of the necklace hidden beneath his shirt. Every fiber of him wanted to keep it a secret, to protect whatever mystery it held. But the questions burning inside him needed answers. Caleb’s usual calm demeanor shifted. His eyes held an intensity Kael had never seen before. For a moment, the older man didn’t speak, just studied Kael with an unreadable expression. Finally, Caleb broke the silence. “You’re hiding something, Kael,” he said, his tone low but steady. “And I believe it’s important.” Kael hesitated, his hand instinctively clutching the necklace. “It’s... nothing,” he muttered, his voice unconvincing even to himself. But Caleb wasn’t fooled. “Nothing doesn’t make you look this uneasy,” he replied, his voice soft yet f

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    CHAPTER 22: The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow

    Chapter 22: The Watcher at the Door The flickering glow of the light inside Caleb’s chamber caught Kleera’s attention. It had always been a calming presence for her, especially when the world outside felt too chaotic and wild. But today, something felt different. As she worked, her mind kept drifting back to the strange feeling gnawing at her, like a dark cloud hanging over the peaceful aura she usually found in this room. A soft breeze brushed against her cheek as she turned toward the window, drawn by an eerie sense of unease. Her hand hovered over the edge of the desk, and she slowly took a step toward the open window, her heart hammering a little faster with every passing second. The city of Tenebrous, so alive and full of secrets, stretched out before her. The wind rustled the trees outside, and far below, she could see the bustling streets. But something was off. Kleera’s eyes widened as her gaze darted to a dark figure standing in the distance, partially obscured by the sha

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    CHAPTER 23: The Guardian and the Archon; The Cursed Shadow

    CHAPTER 23: The Second Encounter; Mysterious old man The light inside Caleb’s sanctuary was soft, calm, and welcoming as always, but something in the air felt different tonight. Kael noticed it the moment he stepped inside. The shadows clung to the corners of the room, even though the room was brightly lit. The faint hum of magic buzzed in the air, as if something powerful was stirring, just beneath the surface. Caleb looked up from the ancient tomes spread across the table. His face was unreadable, but there was a seriousness in his posture that made Kael feel uneasy. "Kael," Caleb said, his voice steady but firm. "We need to talk." Kael raised an eyebrow but said nothing, waiting for Caleb to continue. The old man’s usually calm demeanor was now replaced with an urgency Kael hadn’t seen before. “You can’t stay at your home anymore,” Caleb continued, his eyes never leaving Kael’s. “It’s not safe. The Umbra watchers are out there, and they’ll be watching you, waiting for a ch

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    Chapter 24: The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow

    CHAPTER 24: "A flicker of truth, a spark of doubt—Kael’s path is ignited by shadows and fire."---Kael stood frozen at the edge of the alley, staring at the spot where Elian had vanished into the shadows. The air around him felt heavy, as though the man’s parting words had cast a weight he couldn’t shake.Don’t trust anyone.The warning played over and over in Kael’s mind like a haunting melody. It sent a shiver down his spine. He clenched his fists, his breathing shallow as he tried to process everything.But there was something else—a thought that clawed its way into his consciousness, refusing to be ignored.“Could he…?” Kael whispered to himself. “Could Elian be the Fire Guardian?”The possibility made his heart race. He had seen the man’s timid demeanor, his apparent inability to defend himself. It didn’t add up. And yet, when Elian disappeared, it wasn’t ordinary—it was like the shadows themselves swallowed him.Kael’s brow furrowed, his thoughts a whirlwind of confusion. His f

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    CHAPTER 25: The Guardian and the Archon; The Cursed Shadow

    Chapter 25: The Beginning of Control The sun was beginning to set behind the trees, casting an orange glow over the clearing. The air was cool and fresh, the scent of pine and earth thick in the air as Lyra led them deeper into the woods. It felt like a world apart from Tenebrous, a world where danger and darkness hadn’t yet touched the land. The tranquility here seemed almost unreal, as if the shadows didn’t dare to enter. Kael felt his muscles relax with each step, his heart easing. For the first time in weeks, he didn’t feel like something was lurking behind him, waiting to strike. The peace of the place, the calm of the forest, wrapped around him like a protective blanket. Caleb, who had been walking beside him, suddenly raised his hand. The air around them shimmered, and the temperature shifted, growing warmer. Kael watched, his eyes widening as he felt a pulse of energy radiate from Caleb’s palm. In an instant, orange and red hues flared into the air, as if a flame had been

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    CHAPTER 26: The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow

    Chapter 26: A Moment of WeaknessThe air inside the training chamber was thick with the hum of magic. Kael could still feel the warm glow of the Guardian Light pulsing through the necklace around his neck, but it was different now. The energy that had once felt so powerful, so alive, now seemed more like a weight pulling him down.Kael’s chest was tight, his breaths shallow. His hands were shaking as he tried once more to control the power within the necklace, but the glow had grown erratic, flickering dangerously. He could feel it, the danger—it was as if the light was pushing back against him, not wanting to be tamed.With a sharp gasp, Kael fell to his knees. His strength had failed him; the necklace had overwhelmed him, draining him of energy. His vision blurred, and his head spun.“Kael!” Lyra’s voice rang out, sharp with concern. She was by his side in an instant, her hands gentle but firm as she helped him steady himself.She placed a cool hand on his forehead, brushing away th

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    CHAPTER 27: The Guardian and the Archon; The Cursed Shadow

    Chapter 27: The Archon’s Dominion The City of Tenebrous was quiet, almost eerily so, as the wind rustled through the empty streets, the echoes of daily life now hushed by an unseen force. Beneath the cold moonlight, shadows seemed to stretch longer than they should have, curling around corners and creeping through cracks. Tonight, there was an ominous stillness in the air, one that felt heavy, suffocating. In the heart of the city, high above the skyline, Erebus Blackwood stood at the pinnacle of the tallest tower, his cloak billowing around him like a dark cloud. His eyes, black as midnight and burning with unholy power, glowed with an eerie light as he surveyed the city below. The people were unaware, living their lives, unaware of the storm about to descend upon them. But Erebus knew. With a slow, deliberate movement, he raised both hands to the sky, calling upon the powers of the Shadow Weave. His voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the night air. “Let the darkness consum

Latest Chapter

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 78: The March of Light

    The planning chamber was alive with the clinking of armor and the murmurs of strategy. At the center of the room stood Kael, his presence commanding, his demeanor no longer that of the boy he once was but of a seasoned warrior forged in the crucible of loss and determination. The chamber, lit by flickering torches, cast long shadows across the faces of those present—the Queen, Aeron, and the Knight Guardians who had sworn their allegiance to the cause. On the table before them lay a meticulously crafted map, a testament to the combined efforts of Kael and Aeron. Every line and marking represented hours of calculation, their strategy detailed to the smallest flaw in the enemy's defenses. Kael leaned forward, his fingers tracing the paths marked on the parchment. "Here," he said, pointing to a cluster of intricate markings. "This is where we’ll create distractions—fires, explosions, anything to draw their attention. Meanwhile, Aeron will lead a stealth team through these tunnels." He

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 77: The Archon's Dark magic

    The Whisper of the Shadow Weave The oppressive skies loomed heavy over the Archon’s stronghold, an ominous fortress carved from jagged obsidian. Shadowy mist encased the structure, swirling like restless spirits drawn to its dark aura. Lyra and Ezyel stood at the gates, the chill of the surrounding air biting against their skin. Lyra’s lips curled into a victorious smirk, her golden eyes gleaming with triumph as the towering doors groaned open. "We’re so close," she murmured, her voice tinged with wicked delight. "Victory is within our grasp." Behind her, Ezyel hesitated, his steady composure shaken. Memories of Caleb’s brutal demise replayed in his mind—images he could not erase, no matter how hard he tried. His hands trembled, but he clenched them tightly, concealing his unease. "Lyra," he finally said, his voice quiet yet laced with uneasiness. "Are we truly doing what’s right? Caleb’s death… it felt wrong. Was it necessary?" Lyra glanced back, her smile sharp and cruel. "Nece

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 76:The Flame of Vengeance

    As the last sorrowful notes of the melancholic hymn echoed in the cavernous halls, Seytan slipped into the cold night, leaving behind the weeping souls and shattered hearts within the Solarian Kingdom. The stone walls, heavy and grey, seemed to mourn alongside the kingdom, their cold surfaces bearing witness to the unfolding tragedy. They knew, in their silent observation, that the meeting of these people—the Guardians—would forever alter the course of their destinies. Gathered in the dimly lit chamber were the Chosen, warriors bound by oaths of loyalty and devotion to their fallen mentor, Caleb. Each was cloaked in shadows, their vibrant spirits dimmed by the oppressive grief that now consumed them. It had been a year since Kael began his training under Caleb. In that time, the wise and noble mentor had shaped Kael, guiding him with unwavering patience and a firm hand. Caleb’s words of wisdom still lingered in the air, his voice echoing faintly in the stone corridors alongside the

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 75: Rise of the most powerful Guardian

    Kael’s boots echoed faintly in the vast corridors as he retraced his steps toward the spot where he had left Caleb, Lyra, and the stranger. A strange unease churned in his chest, growing heavier with each passing second. His fingers twitched against the hilt of his axe, his instincts screaming that something was wrong. The air felt different—heavier, colder. When he finally arrived at the clearing, his breath hitched. The hallway was eerily silent. Lyra and the stranger were gone, leaving behind only bloodstains smeared across the marble floor. And there, in the center, lay Caleb’s lifeless body. Kael froze for a heartbeat, the sight rooting him to the ground. But then the reality of the moment crashed into him, and his legs moved on their own. "Caleb!" he shouted, his voice cracking as he sprinted forward. He dropped to his knees beside the fallen Guardian of Fire, his hands trembling as he grasped Caleb’s shoulders. "Caleb, hey!" Kael’s voice was shaking now, raw and desperate

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 74: The Mask of Betrayal

    The dim torchlight flickered against the marble walls of the Solarian Palace as Ezyel crouched low, his eyes scanning the corridors nervously. His palms were clammy, and every distant sound made his heart race. Beside him, Lyra moved with unnerving precision, her demeanor cold and calculating. "Lyra," Ezyel hissed under his breath, his voice barely above a whisper. "What we’re doing right now is out of control. There are too many Guardians in this palace. We’re going to get caught." Lyra silenced him with a sharp glare, her finger pressed against her lips. Her gaze flicked toward a nearby hallway, where Kael and Caleb were visible, searching intently. "Shh... Keep quiet," she snapped. "Kael and Caleb are there. We need to act like we aren’t the spies. Do you understand?" Ezyel swallowed hard, the unease gnawing at him. "What do we do now?" A wicked smirk curved Lyra's lips. "I have a very interesting idea," she said, her voice low and dripping with malice. "After this, you’ll fo

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 73: The real motives

    The Solarian Palace bustled with activity as Galen sprinted through its sacred halls, his usually composed demeanor replaced by urgency. He reached the queen, who was seated on her gilded throne, discussing the kingdom’s affairs with her advisors. Her piercing gaze snapped to him as he called out, his voice shaking with unease. "Your Majesty! Your Majesty, something is terribly wrong within the kingdom!" Galen exclaimed, panting as he knelt before her. The queen tilted her head, her regal calm giving way to concern. "What are you talking about, Galen?" "The two portal guardians, Your Majesty—they’re dead. Their bodies... it’s unnatural. Pale as ash, their eyes vacant, like they were drained by something foreign. This power—it doesn’t belong here," he said, his voice trembling with both anger and fear. The queen's expression darkened. Her poised face, always a beacon of strength, now carried a shadow of unease. She rose swiftly from her throne, her golden robes flowing behind he

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 72: Awakening in chains

    The first thing Kleera felt was the cold. Her body shuddered involuntarily, and a sharp ache spread through her limbs. It took her a moment to realize she was lying on a cold, hard surface. The darkness around her seemed suffocating, pressing in from all sides. Her eyes fluttered open, but the world around her was a blur.A low groan escaped her lips as her head throbbed. Where was she? Her throat was dry, and her breath came in short gasps. Panic clawed at her chest as she tried to move, but the heavy weight of chains around her wrists and ankles held her firmly in place. She looked down, the chains digging into her skin as she tried to pull them off, but they were unyielding. She was trapped.Memories from the last few days rushed back to her in flashes. The Solarian kingdom. The portal. The betrayal. Lyra. The woman who had once been her closest friend had turned on her, led her into the darkness of the Tenebrous City, and now, here she was—locked away, helpless and alone.The soun

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 71: The Oracle's Fate

    The journey back to the Tenebrous City was tense, the weight of Kleera’s unconscious form between them adding a silent tension to the air. Ezyel had been walking behind Lyra and the bound Kleera for what felt like hours. His mind raced with questions, but the cold, unyielding silence from Lyra left no room for him to voice them.As they reached the outskirts of the city, the towering black spires loomed in the distance, casting long, ominous shadows over the barren land. The sky above was a twisted swirl of dark clouds, casting an eerie light over everything. The city itself seemed alive, the shadows twisting and shifting with a mind of their own.Lyra glanced over her shoulder at Ezyel, her eyes gleaming with a strange satisfaction. “We’re almost there,” she said, her voice cold and commanding.Ezyel’s gaze remained fixed on Kleera, who was still unconscious, her head drooping. “What are you going to do with her?” he asked, his voice low but filled with unease.Lyra’s lips curled int

  • The Guardian and the Archon: The Cursed Shadow    

    Chapter 70: The Betrayer Revealed

    The air inside the Solarian Kingdom was thick with enchantment, the faint hum of magic reverberating through the ancient crystalline halls. Ezyel glanced around nervously as he followed Lyra, who moved with an eerie sense of purpose.“What is this place?” Ezyel asked, his voice breaking the silence. His eyes darted to the glowing symbols etched into the walls, their light pulsing faintly.“Stay silent,” Lyra commanded coldly, her gaze fixed ahead.As they ventured deeper into the sacred halls, the treasures of the Solarian Kingdom began to reveal themselves. Gold, gemstones, and relics of immense power lined the walls in pristine displays, their brilliance catching Ezyel’s eye.Ezyel’s steps faltered as his gaze lingered on a dazzling sapphire embedded in a golden scepter. His hand inched toward it, temptation tugging at his resolve. But Lyra’s hand shot out, grabbing his arm and yanking him back.“Focus,” she hissed. “Greed will get you killed here.”Ezyel frowned but nodded, relucta