Zara stood at the threshold of the Temple of Aether, hidden deep beneath Silver City's forgotten subway lines. She had discovered its location after following the visions that plagued her dreams—visions that were becoming clearer, more urgent. The figure cloaked in shadow had spoken this time, whispering a single word in an ancient tongue.
She hadn't recognized the language, but the Shard had pulsed with understanding.
Helena had offered to send backup, but Zara had refused. This was something she had to do alone.
The temple was carved from black stone that shimmered faintly under the glow of her power. Glyphs lined the walls, some eerily similar to the symbols etched into the Shard. The air was heavy, charged with old energy—raw, unfiltered Aether that made her skin prickle.
As she stepped inside, the temperature dropped. Her breath came out in visible puffs as the shadows thickened around her.
In the center of the main chamber was a pedestal, and upon it, a second shard. It looked similar to hers—but darker, more twisted, as though it had been corrupted by time or misuse.
Zara's heart pounded. She wasn't alone.
"Zara Kane," a deep voice echoed around her. "Bearer of the Aetherlight."
She turned, shadows coiling protectively around her.
A man emerged from the far end of the chamber. His eyes glowed the same ominous silver as hers did when she tapped into the Shard. He was tall, regal, dressed in ceremonial robes that hinted at a civilization long buried.
"You've come seeking answers," he said. "But answers come with a price."
"Who are you?" Zara demanded.
The man smiled, slow and knowing. "I am Solan. First Warden of the Aether. And you, child, are walking the same path I once did."
Zara narrowed her eyes. "You had a Shard too."
"I still do," he replied, raising his hand. The corrupted Shard on the pedestal pulsed in response. "But unlike you, I did not resist its hunger."
Zara's breath caught. The second Shard wasn't just ancient—it was alive. Corrupted by the one who had once wielded it.
"This temple," Solan said, circling her, "was not just a place of worship. It was a prison. For me. For my kind. For what we became."
Zara could feel the Shard inside her reacting, almost recoiling from the presence of the other.
Solan's gaze darkened. "You came here for knowledge. Then know this: your power is only the beginning. There are six Shards total—scattered, hidden, buried. If they are reunited, they will awaken something far greater than you or I."
Zara's heart dropped.
"How many have already been found?" she asked.
Solan tilted his head. "Two are in play. Yours… and mine."
She stepped back. "Then I'll destroy yours before it can do any more damage."
His grin widened, chilling her to the bone. "You can try."
And with that, the corrupted Shard flared—and Solan attacked.
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