The land turned gray as they left the snowy mountains behind.
The trees here were twisted. The sky was always cloudy. No birds sang. The shadows between the trees felt darker — heavier.
Kael walked beside Serin, while Lira followed close behind. The water shard glowed faintly in her palm, but even its soft blue light looked dim in this place.
"Where are we now?" Kael asked.
Serin's voice was quiet. "The border of Mournvale. The cursed kingdom. Home of the Whisper King."
Kael looked around. "Then why are we walking toward it?"
"Because the shadow shard is here," Serin said. "And we need it before he does."
They made camp in an old watchtower. The stone walls were cracked, and the windows were covered in vines. But it was quiet.
Kael sat by a small fire. "How do we find someone chosen by shadow?"
Serin turned the ember compass in her hands. The needle didn't move.
"That's the problem," she said. "Shadow hides from light. Even from magic."
Lira looked uneasy. "Then how will we know?"
Kael leaned back. "Maybe it'll find us."
That night, Kael couldn't sleep.
The fire had died. The wind outside howled like a whisper.
Then — a sound.
Tap… tap… tap.
Footsteps on stone.
He grabbed the emberstone and crept toward the stairs.
At the top of the tower, standing by the broken window, was a figure in a black cloak.
Thin. Silent.
Watching the forest.
Kael raised his hand. "Who are you?"
The figure didn't move.
Then — he spoke.
"You're not ready for this place."
Kael stepped closer. "Do you have the shard?"
The figure turned slowly. His face was pale, and his eyes glowed with a deep violet light.
"I am the shard," he said.
Kael froze.
"You carry the shadow?" he asked.
The boy nodded. "It came to me in a dream. In darkness. It showed me the truth."
"Who are you?" Kael asked again.
The boy's voice was calm, cold. "My name is Corren. I don't trust you. But I know you'll need me."
Just then, Serin and Lira reached the top of the stairs.
Serin's eyes widened. "Shadow has already bonded to him…"
Lira stepped back. "Can we trust him?"
Corren looked at each of them slowly. "No. You shouldn't. Not yet."
Kael stood tall. "We don't have time for secrets. We're trying to stop the Whisper King."
"I know," Corren said. "And that's why I'll come with you."
Kael looked at Serin. She didn't speak, but she gave a small nod.
"Then let's go," Kael said. "Four shards down. One to go."
Corren stepped into the light of dawm .
the shadows clung to his cloak- but for now they followed him .