19.00 PM
They walked slowly, enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of the market beneath the glow of the lanterns that were beginning to light up one by one. The night in Eldergate felt so peaceful and cheerful, just like most nights leading up to the Full Moon Festival. However, Elian couldn't shake off the feeling of unease that had haunted him since hearing Lyra's explanation about the situation at the border.
I have to stop worrying, thought Elian, trying to calm himself. After all, Louis the Archmage was going to the border of the Land of Light. There should be plenty of wizards from various races here to bolster the defenses of Eldergate. Yet, even as he tried to reassure himself, the fear remained.
Mira, who was walking beside him, seemed unbothered. She was busy gazing at the colorful lanterns in the sky, occasionally tossing her hair as the gentle breeze blew. "Brother, we should get home before the last lantern is lit, right?" Mira asked cheerfully, bouncing up and down while holding the shopping bag filled with bread and some other ingredients.
"Yes, but we still have a little time left," Elian replied. He quickened their pace, though he wasn't entirely sure why he felt rushed.
Not far from there, the market had become even busier, with more people gathering in the middle of the street. Vendors were busily offering their wares, and children were running around joyfully. However, amidst the crowd, Elian spotted Lyra again. This time, her expression appeared tenser than before. She was walking quickly, seemingly avoiding the gazes of those around her.
Elian pulled Mira's arm. "Wait a moment, Mira. I need to talk to Lyra again."
Mira frowned. "Why, Brother? Didn't we finish buying everything?"
"Just a moment, only for a bit," Elian replied without elaborating further. He knew there was something Lyra was hiding, something that might be important.
They approached Lyra, who was now standing at the corner of the street, gazing anxiously at the night sky.
"Lyra?" Elian called softly, so as not to draw the attention of others. Lyra turned quickly, her expression slightly relieved upon seeing them.
"Elian, Mira. You're still here? I thought you had gone back to the village," she said, taking a deep breath.
Elian shook his head. "We just finished shopping. But you look worried. Is something wrong?"
Lyra lowered her head for a moment, as if searching for the right words. "I don't want to make you worry, but... I received orders from Master Seladris to warn the wizards and other powers in Eldergate. Something feels wrong tonight. We have received signs—visions—of danger lurking."
"D-danger? What do you mean?" Mira asked, her voice trembling slightly. Her usually cheerful eyes were now filled with fear.
Lyra stared directly into Elian's eyes, her own clearly showing deep unease. "Shadow Creatures. There's a possibility they might attack tonight, while everyone's attention is focused on the festival. Master Seladris has sent messages to other wizards to be on guard, but that might not be enough."
Elian felt his chest tighten suddenly, and his breath began to come a little heavier. "Shadow Creatures? But how could they reach here? Isn't Eldergate far from the border of the Land of Light and the Land of Darkness...?"
"That should be the case," Lyra answered quickly. "But right now, Archmage Louis is away at the border. And the magical power present in this city... may not be enough to fend off a large-scale attack from the Shadows."
Lyra's words echoed in Elian's mind. Shadow Creatures. He had always heard tales about them—creatures of darkness that brought ruin wherever they went. They were not mere shadows; they were symbols of the Dark Era that once plagued Aeloria. And now, it seemed they were returning.
"So... what should we do?" Elian asked, his voice calmer than he felt. Yet inside, anxiety began to rise.
Lyra looked at him seriously. "I can't guarantee what will happen tonight. But you two should return to the village and prepare yourselves. Darkness may engulf us, and if it does, the safest place is with your family."
Mira grasped Elian's hand tightly. "Brother, I'm scared," she whispered. Her face, usually bright with joy, now looked pale.
Elian exhaled and held his sister's hand, trying to reassure her. "Don't worry, Mira. I will protect you, no matter what happens."
"I also have some protective potions," Lyra added, handing small bottles to Elian. "They won't do much, but at least they can buy you time to escape if something truly bad happens."
Elian accepted the potions with a nod. "Thank you, Lyra. You should also be careful. If those creatures really do attack, your safety comes first."
"I will stay here, and I am a wizard, yes, even if I am only at the Novice level, but I am still a wizard. Besides, I am with Master Seladris," Lyra replied, trying to sound more confident than she actually felt. "We will do what we can to protect this city."
After the urgent yet brief conversation, Elian and Mira decided to return to the village immediately. Their steps quickened now, leaving the festival's bustle behind. Elian could feel his heart racing, and he knew that tonight would be a long night.
As they walked through the increasingly quiet streets, Elian reflected inwardly. Is this what I have been feeling all along? That vague fear... perhaps there is some truth to it. Eldergate isn't entirely safe tonight. And if the Shadow Creatures truly come... can I protect Mira?
Elian looked at his sister walking beside him. Although Mira tried to appear calm, he knew she was also scared. Elian shook his head and tried to pull himself out of his thoughts, a profound sense of responsibility filling him. He not only had to protect Mira but also the people in their village—his family.
Yet, within his heart, one thought continued to haunt him: Am I... strong enough?
With that worry, they quickened their pace, hoping to reach the village before darkness caught up with them.
--> To Be Continued