Days passed since the victory over the Eclipsed Order, and Silver City had begun to settle into an uneasy peace. The Nightbound kept a vigilant eye on the streets, wary of any remaining Order sympathizers, but for the first time in months, there was a sense of calm in the city.
Zara, however, couldn't shake the feeling of impending danger. The Shard's power pulsed inside her, restless, as if it knew the battle had only been a prelude to something far greater. Each night, her dreams were filled with visions of the ancient civilizations she had seen before—places where the Aether had been worshipped and then destroyed. And always, there was the figure cloaked in shadow, watching her with glowing eyes.
She hadn't told anyone, not even Helena, about the dreams. There was something unsettling about them, something that felt like a warning. But she didn't know what the warning was—or how to stop it.
One evening, as Zara stood on the rooftop of an old building overlooking the city, Helena approached her quietly.
"You've been distant," Helena said, her voice soft but firm. "Something's bothering you."
Zara didn't turn to face her, her gaze fixed on the horizon. "It's the Shard. Ever since I merged with it, I've been having these visions… of ancient places, long before our time. And always, there's this figure in the shadows. I don't know what it means, but it's starting to feel like more than just a dream."
Helena frowned, stepping closer. "A warning?"
"Maybe," Zara said. "Or a threat."
Helena was silent for a moment, then placed a hand on Zara's shoulder. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together. You're not alone in this."
Zara nodded, grateful for Helena's support. But deep down, she knew this was something she had to face on her own. The Shard had chosen her for a reason, and whatever was coming, it was tied to that power.
"I'll keep you updated," Zara said, finally turning to face her friend. "But I have a feeling this is just the beginning."
Helena's eyes were serious, but she gave a nod of understanding. "We'll be ready for whatever comes next."
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows over Silver City, Zara stood in silence, feeling the weight of the future pressing down on her. The battle against the Eclipsed Order was over, but a darker, more ancient enemy was waiting in the wings.
And when they came, Zara would be ready.
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