Luna Aurora (Alpha Fenrir)

Chapter 332

Dain wandered deeper into the labyrinthine ruins, the air around him heavy with an oppressive energy. The shadows seemed alive, curling and whispering as if guiding him forward. The pulsing shard fragment in his pocket felt like a second heartbeat, urging him on. He clenched his fists, his thoughts a storm of frustration and anger. Elyra's trust in Althea grated on him, as did the feeling of being sidelined, treated as if he were the one destined to falter.

The shadows thickened, and a voice, deep and resonant, echoed through the chamber. "You doubt them, don't you?"

Dain froze, scanning the dark. "Who's there?"

From the shadows emerged a figure cloaked in black, his face hidden by a mask etched with crescent moons. The Warden of Shadows. His presence radiated power, a magnetic force that pulled Dain's attention like a moth to a flame. "Relax," the Warden said, his voice smooth and commanding. "I am not your enemy. I am here to help you."

Dain's eyes narrowed. "Help me? Why would I trust you?"

The Warden stepped closer, his movements fluid and deliberate. "Because you and I are the same. We know what it's like to be overshadowed, underestimated. They tell you to wait, to follow their path. But deep down, you feel it, don't you? The power within you, clawing to break free."

gestured

pack bowed before him. The shadowy aura surrounding him wasn't menacing-it was regal, powerful, awe-inspiring. The world seemed to bend to

future where you are not bound by her light or anyone else's expectations. A

was everything he'd ever wanted: respect, power, freedom from the shadow of Elyra's destined role. But there was a lingering doubt, a

The shard you carry-it's a key to unlocking your true potential. But its power alone isn't enough. You

his fingers brushing against the shard in his pocket. The warmth of its energy seemed to respond to the Warden's words, pulsing faintly as if urging

the price?" Dain asked, his voice steady

is simple. Embrace the darkness, not as your enemy, but as your ally. Let it amplify your strength, sharpen your instincts, and free

heart pounding. He thought of Elyra, of her trust in Althea, of her unwavering belief that light was the only path forward. He thought of the visions the shard had shown him-the pain, the betrayal, the abandonment. Wasn't he tired of being the one left

path of weakness, shackled by their expectations. You'll watch as they grow stronger while you remain in their shadow. Is that what you want, Dain? To be forgotten?" Dain clenched his jaw, the weight of the Warden's words sinking in. He glanced at the vision again, at the image of himself standing tall and unyielding. It felt right-natural. A future where he was no longer questioning his worth or fighting for recognition. "What do

you'll need. But it's only the beginning. To unlock your full potential, you must perform the first ritual." Dain reached out hesitantly, his fingers brushing the fragment. It felt cold, yet thrilling, as if it carried the promise of something more. He closed his hand around it, and a surge of energy coursed through him, igniting

the Warden continued, "is simple. Focus your mind on what you desire most-your power, your freedom-and let the