Chapter 4: The Light Within Her
Liora didn't sleep.
Even though exhaustion weighed heavily on her body, her mind refused to calm.
She kept staring at her hand.
The same hand that had glowed with golden light.
Light…
Dangerous…
Different…
The Shadow King's words echoed again in her mind.
"You may be more dangerous… than you realize."
Her fingers curled slightly.
"I don't understand…" she whispered.
She had lived her entire life as an ordinary girl. No magic. No special power. Nothing unusual.
Then why now?
Why here?
Her thoughts drifted…
To him.
The Shadow King.
The way he appeared.
The way he protected her.
The way he carried her.
Her heart skipped slightly.
Why did he help me?
Because you are mine.
Her cheeks warmed faintly.
She shook her head quickly.
"No… I shouldn't think like that…"
He wasn't kind.
He wasn't gentle.
He was dangerous.
But…
He wasn't cruel either.
A soft knock suddenly echoed at the door.
Liora froze.
Someone knocked?
Her heart began racing.
"Come in…" she said softly.
The door slowly opened.
But no one entered.
Instead—
A small black creature walked inside.
Liora blinked in surprise.
It looked like a tiny wolf… made of shadows.
Its glowing blue eyes stared at her.
"Uh… hello?" she whispered.
The creature tilted its head.
Then slowly approached her.
She hesitated.
But something about it felt harmless.
She extended her hand slowly.
The small shadow wolf sniffed her fingers.
Then—
It wagged its shadow tail.
Liora gasped softly.
"You're… cute."
The creature made a soft sound.
Then jumped onto the bed beside her.
She smiled faintly.
"This place isn't completely scary after all…"
"That is not a pet."
A deep voice echoed from the doorway.
Liora turned quickly.
The Shadow King stood there.
Her heart jumped slightly.
"I… I didn't know."
The small shadow creature quickly jumped off the bed and ran toward him.
It stopped beside him obediently.
"It is part of the castle," he said calmly.
Liora tilted her head.
"It follows you."
Her eyes widened slightly.
"Why?"
He looked at her.
"Because it is drawn to your power."
Her chest tightened.
Again…
Power.
She looked at the small shadow creature.
It looked back at her, curious.
She smiled faintly.
"So… you're my friend now?"
The creature wagged its tail again.
For a brief moment—
The Shadow King watched silently.
Then—
"Come."
She blinked.
"Where?"
"You need to understand your power."
Her heart skipped.
"You're going to teach me?"
"Yes."
They walked through the castle together.
This time, Liora noticed something different.
The shadows didn't move toward her.
Instead…
They stayed away.
As if afraid.
She glanced at him.
He walked calmly beside her.
Silent.
Mysterious.
"Why are you helping me?" she asked softly.
He didn't answer immediately.
Then—
"Because your power concerns me."
She smiled slightly.
"That's not the only reason."
He stopped walking.
Her heart jumped.
"You're… kind."
The shadows around him shifted.
"Kindness has nothing to do with it."
But his voice sounded quieter than before.
They reached a large open hall.
Unlike the throne room, this place felt ancient.
Strange symbols covered the floor.
Blue flames burned brighter here.
"This is where magic is tested," he said.
Liora swallowed nervously.
"What do I do?"
"Stand in the center."
She walked slowly to the center.
Her heartbeat quickened.
"What now?"
"Close your eyes."
She obeyed.
"Focus."
She tried.
But her thoughts kept drifting.
Fear.
Confusion.
Him.
"You're distracted."
She opened one eye slightly.
"I'm trying."
He stepped closer.
Then—
He gently held her hand.
Her heart stopped.
"Focus on your breathing."
His voice was softer now.
She closed her eyes again.
Her heartbeat slowed slightly.
She focused.
Breathing in.
Breathing out.
Then—
She felt warmth.
Soft.
Gentle.
Her hand began glowing.
Golden light slowly appeared.
The hall brightened.
The shadows retreated.
The Shadow King's eyes widened.
"Light magic…"
The glow intensified.
Liora gasped.
"I can't control it!"
The light burst suddenly.
Then vanished.
She stumbled.
Before she fell—
He caught her.
Her heart raced.
"I'm sorry…"
"You did well."
Her eyes widened.
"You… praised me?"
He released her slowly.
"You confirmed my suspicion."
Her chest tightened.
"What does it mean?"
He looked at her.
"Light magic is rare."
She swallowed.
"Is that bad?"
"It's dangerous."
Her heart sank.
"For me?"
"For everyone."
Her breath caught.
"What do you mean?"
He stepped closer.
"Light magic is the only power capable of destroying shadows."
Her eyes widened.
Destroy…
Shadows?
That means…
She looked at him.
"You…?"
Silence.
He didn't answer.
But she understood.
Her power could hurt him.
Her chest tightened painfully.
"I'm sorry…"
He looked surprised.
"For what?"
"For being dangerous to you."
He stared at her.
For a long moment.
Then—
"You are not my enemy."
Her heart skipped.
"Then… why help me?"
He looked away slightly.
"Because…"
He paused.
Then quietly—
"You may be my salvation."
Her breath caught.
Salvation…?
The word echoed in her chest.
Before she could respond—
A loud tremor shook the castle.
Both of them froze.
"What was that?" she asked.
His expression darkened.
"Something has entered the kingdom."
Fear crept into her heart.
"Enemy?"
He turned toward the door.
"Stay here."
"No."
He stopped.
"I'm coming with you."
His eyes narrowed.
"It's dangerous."
She met his gaze.
"I'm already in danger."
Silence.
Then—
"...Stay close."
Her heart warmed slightly.
They walked toward the disturbance.
The castle trembled again.
The shadows twisted violently.
Something was wrong.
Very wrong.
They reached the outer gate.
Liora gasped.
A massive dark creature stood outside.
Its body made of corrupted shadows.
Its eyes glowing violently.
"What is that?" she whispered.
"Shadow beast."
It roared.
The ground shook.
Her body trembled.
The creature charged.
She stepped back—
The Shadow King moved forward.
Darkness exploded around him.
Shadows clashed violently.
The battle began.
Liora watched, breathless.
For the first time—
She saw his full power.
And realized…
How terrifying the Shadow King truly was.