Over the next few days, Zara worked closely with the Nightbound, learning everything she could about the Eclipsed Order's operations. Helena proved to be an invaluable ally, her network of informants providing Zara with vital intelligence on the Order's movements. But even as they prepared for the inevitable confrontation, Zara couldn't shake the feeling that time was running out.
The Shard's power continued to grow inside her, amplifying her abilities but also becoming more difficult to control. At night, she dreamed of the ancient temples she had seen in her visions—places where the power of the Aether had been worshipped, and later feared. The lines between herself and the Shard were blurring, and she feared what might happen if she lost control.
Helena noticed the change in Zara and confronted her one evening after a grueling training session.
"You're holding back," Helena said, crossing her arms. "I can see it in your fighting. You're afraid of your own power."
Zara wiped the sweat from her brow, her body aching from the training. "You don't understand. The Shard… it's like a living thing. It's pushing me to use more power than I can handle."
Helena's gaze softened slightly. "I've seen what happens to people who try to control forces they don't understand. But you're different, Kane. You're not just trying to control it—you're trying to fight it."
Zara shook her head. "I don't know how to stop it."
Helena placed a hand on Zara's shoulder. "Then stop fighting against it. Learn to work with it. If the Shard is part of you now, you need to embrace that. Otherwise, it will consume you."
Zara looked into Helena's eyes, seeing the truth in her words. She had been resisting the Shard's power out of fear, but maybe Helena was right. If she was going to stand a chance against the Order, she needed to stop holding back.
"I'll try," Zara said quietly. "But I need time."
Helena nodded. "Time is a luxury we don't have, but we'll make do. The Order is mobilizing. They're planning something big, and if we don't act soon, they'll take Silver City for themselves."
Zara clenched her fists, determination hardening her resolve. "Then we'll stop them."
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