As they ventured deeper into the labyrinth of twisted stone corridors, the tension between them hung like an invisible thread. Liana walked slightly ahead, her hand resting on the hilt of the Blade of the Veil. Behind her, Sera and the Shadow King spoke in hushed voices, their words too low to catch, but their tones warm and familiar.
Every glance Sera threw his way was gentle, fond. Every small smile seemed meant only for him.
And yet, the Shadow King did not return those smiles—not fully. He answered her kindly, with a quiet patience, but never with the same softness Sera offered. Still, the sight of them walking side by side stirred an ache in Liana's chest.
"She's always been with him," whispered a voice inside her. "Someone who understands his world. His burdens. His darkness."
At the next bend, the tunnels opened into a chamber illuminated by eerie blue light streaming from crystals embedded in the walls. The air shimmered strangely, as if magic coiled through every breath.
In the center stood an ancient archway, sealed by a glowing sigil.
"The next gate," the Shadow King murmured.
But before he could step forward, Sera's hand shot out, barring his path. "Wait," she said softly, her eyes scanning the arch. "It's warded. I can break the seal."
Without waiting for permission, she stepped forward and raised her hands. Her palms glowed with a silver fire, and an intricate pattern of runes bloomed beneath her feet. The air rippled around her as the sigil on the arch began to crack and pulse.
Liana watched, her lips parting. There was grace in Sera's magic, a natural elegance that made the difficult seem effortless. The Shadow King's gaze softened as he observed her.
"She's powerful," Liana said quietly.
"She is," he agreed.
But he didn't elaborate.
The sigil shattered with a flash of light, and the gate creaked open.
"There," Sera said, turning with a triumphant smile. "Shall we continue, cousin?"
Liana's brows rose. "Cousin?"
Sera glanced at her, then back at the Shadow King, her smile tilting slyly. "Did he not tell you? We were promised to each other since childhood. It was our mothers' wish. He's always protected me."
The words struck like a cold blade. "Promised?"
The Shadow King's jaw tensed. "That arrangement was made long ago."
"But it hasn't been broken," Sera said lightly, brushing a lock of silver hair from her face. "Not yet."
Liana's grip on her sword tightened. She looked away, trying to steady her breath, but doubts gnawed at her ribs.
They crossed the threshold into a new passage, the path sloping downward into darkness. Their footsteps echoed off damp stone as silence stretched between them.
After a long while, Liana found herself walking beside the Shadow King again. "Is it true?" she asked softly.
"What?"
"That you and Sera… were promised."
He hesitated. "It was never my choice."
"But you didn't refuse."
He glanced at her, shadows flickering across his face. "There were… reasons."
"That you won't tell me."
He didn't answer.
Liana swallowed her bitterness. "Of course. There's always something you're not telling me."
Their conversation was cut short as a gust of wind howled through the tunnel. The ground trembled beneath their feet. Ahead, a crimson glow bled through cracks in the stone.
"We're not alone," the Shadow King said grimly, drawing his scepter.
From the shadows burst a pack of twisted creatures—half-human, half-shadow, their limbs warped, their mouths filled with jagged teeth. They surged forward with guttural roars.
"Get behind me!" the Shadow King barked.
But Sera stepped forward, summoning a circle of light around her. "No," she said sharply. "Let me."
With a sweep of her hands, a wall of shimmering energy erupted, holding the creatures at bay. "Go, Liana! I'll hold them off!"
"But—" Liana hesitated.
"Go!" Sera shouted, her magic flaring brighter.
The Shadow King grabbed Liana's arm. "She's right. Move!"
Reluctantly, Liana ran, the Shadow King close behind. Behind them, Sera's magic lit the darkness like a beacon. The creatures howled, battering against her barrier, their claws scraping sparks from the shield.
As they fled deeper into the tunnels, the Shadow King's steps slowed. He glanced back, his face creased with worry.
"She'll hold," he murmured, almost as if convincing himself.
"She's strong," Liana admitted, though a knot twisted in her chest.
At the next junction, they paused to catch their breath.
"She cares for you," Liana said suddenly.
The Shadow King looked at her, surprise flickering in his silver gaze. "She's… family."
"Family?" Liana echoed hollowly. "She loves you."
He didn't deny it.
"She saved me," Liana added. "She didn't have to."
"She's always been protective," he said softly.
Liana bit her lip. "You're protective too. Just… different."
His gaze darkened. "We're wasting time."
Before she could respond, footsteps echoed behind them. Sera appeared, panting but unharmed, dust on her cloak.
"All clear," she announced with a grin. "Did I miss anything?"
The Shadow King nodded. "Good work."
Sera's smile softened. "Anything for you, cousin."
Again that word—cousin—yet it carried more weight than blood. Liana felt it in the quiet glances, the unspoken threads.
As they continued, Sera fell into step beside Liana.
"He's difficult, isn't he?" Sera said gently. "Hard to read. Harder to love."
"I never said—" Liana began.
"You don't have to." Sera's voice was kind, sympathetic. "I see the way you look at him."
Liana's cheeks flushed. "It's not—"
"He won't let anyone close," Sera interrupted softly. "He's too burdened. Too bound to duty."
Liana hesitated. "You know him well."
"I've known him all my life." Sera's gaze turned wistful. "I've watched him carry a kingdom on his back. Watched him sacrifice again and again. He won't stop until it consumes him."
They reached a wide chamber at last, a high ceiling arching above them. In the center, a spiral staircase led downward, deeper into shadow.
"Whatever awaits," the Shadow King said, his voice firm, "we face it together."
But Liana couldn't shake the seeds Sera had planted.
That night, as they camped beside a dying flame, Liana sat apart from the others, staring into the embers. The Shadow King stood nearby, silent, his gaze fixed on the darkness beyond.
She rose and approached him.
"Is there something you're not telling me?" she asked quietly.
He didn't turn. "Everything you need to know, you already know."
"That's not the same as knowing everything," she pressed. "You're hiding something."
His jaw tightened, but he said nothing.
"You think I don't deserve the truth," Liana murmured.
Still, no answer.
She stepped back, pain flickering in her eyes. "Then I'll find it myself."
She turned away, leaving him standing in silence.
Behind her, the Shadow King's gaze softened, shadowed by regret.
And unseen by both, Sera watched from the shadows, a faint smile curving her lips.