Arin awoke to the faint glow of the pendant still warm in his palm. The whispers from the previous night lingered at the edge of his mind, like shadows darting just beyond the light.
He had thought the dangers of the ruined alley were behind him, but the feeling of being watched gnawed at him relentlessly.
The marketplace was quieter than usual. Stalls that had once buzzed with chatter now stood empty, their owners hiding from eyes unseen. Arin's heart raced as he adjusted the cloak around his shoulders, careful to conceal the pendant's light.
Every shadow seemed to stretch, every sound echoed with intent.
A sudden crash drew his attention to the alley across the street. Boxes toppled, spilling fruit onto the cobblestones. A figure stepped from the shadows, tall and cloaked, its face hidden. Arin's fingers instinctively clutched the pendant.
"You shouldn't be here," a voice hissed, low and deliberate.
Arin took a cautious step back, eyes narrowing. "Who are you?" he demanded, though his voice betrayed his unease.
The figure tilted its head. "Someone who knows what you carry. And what that little light means."
A chill ran down Arin's spine. The pendant pulsed faintly, as if reacting to the stranger's words. Memories of his father's hurried warnings flitted through his mind. He was not just a boy anymore; the kingdom's shadows were beginning to find him.
The stranger moved closer, and Arin could see the glint of a blade under the cloak. But before either of them could act, a sudden roar echoed from the street behind Arin. Merchants screamed, and horses bolted, kicking up clouds of dust.
The figure hesitated, then vanished into the crowd, leaving nothing but silence and the faint scent of smoke.
Arin's heart pounded.
The city had grown stranger, more dangerous, and he realized he could no longer afford hesitation. He had to understand the pendant, the whispers, and the threat that now stalked him from the shadows.
The first steps of his journey to reclaim the lost kingdom had just begun—and every moment counted.
Thank you for reading Chapter 3 of Legacy of the Shadow Throne!
Arin has sensed the first real threat to his safety, and the shadows are stirring.
Stay tuned for Chapter 4—more secrets, magic, and dangers await!
What do you think the cloaked stranger wants? Leave your predictions in the comments!