Shadows Of The Forgotten Dawn

The morning the ravens stopped singing, Liora knew the curse had awakened again. The sky above the coastal town of Marinth was pale and heavy with fog, stretching across the cliffs like a cold blanket. Waves crashed against the rocks far below, sending echoes through the empty streets. Liora stood at the window of her small cottage, gripping the wooden frame as an uneasy chill crawled across her skin. The silence of the ravens was never a good sign. They were guardians of the cliffs. And when they grew silent, it meant something had crossed into the human world.

Her heartbeat raced with a strange mix of fear and anticipation. She had been sensing odd energy for days. Each night she dreamed of shadowy figures moving beneath a crimson sky. A whispering voice calling her name. A pair of glowing violet eyes watching her from the darkness.

She tried to shake it off, but a tug in her chest persisted. It was like a thread pulling her toward the cliffs and whatever was waiting there.

Liora pulled on her cloak and stepped outside. The cool wind brushed against her cheeks, carrying the scent of brine and distant storms. The ravens were perched in a silent row along the rooftops, unmoving, unblinking. Their dark feathers shivered faintly as if sensing danger.

As Liora approached the cliff path, she saw something strange on the ground. A mark carved into the dirt. A spiral within a circle, glowing faintly violet. She shuddered. It looked exactly like the symbol from her dreams.

A voice echoed quietly from behind her.

You should not touch that.

Liora spun around. A man stood at the edge of the fog, tall and striking, his presence almost otherworldly. His dark hair fell across his forehead, and his violet eyes glowed softly like twilight stars. His clothing was unfamiliar, made of dark fabrics that looked ancient yet elegant.

Who are you Liora asked, unconsciously stepping back. And what is that symbol

He walked toward her slowly, careful not to startle her. My name is Kael. And that symbol is a warning. Something crossed through the veil last night.

Liora frowned. The veil You mean the old stories about the realm of shadows Those are myths.

Kael looked at her with an unreadable expression. They are not myths. They are history. And now they are repeating.

Liora felt a strange flutter in her chest. There was something about him that felt familiar, even though she had never seen him before. His voice sent a faint warmth through her, comforting yet confusing.

Kael knelt and touched the glowing spiral. The symbol flickered as if responding to him. His expression grew tense.

It is weaker than I thought he murmured. That means the creature is already feeding.

A chill ran down Liora’s spine. Feeding On what

Kael stood and looked at her with quiet gravity. On souls.

Liora gasped softly. That cannot be real. This is some kind of trick. Are you from the traveling troupe Are they playing pranks again

Kael shook his head slowly. I know it is difficult to accept, but you must believe me. A Shadowborn has entered your world. And you are connected to it.

Liora froze. Connected How

Kael hesitated. Because your bloodline is not fully human.

A laugh escaped her lips, sharp and nervous. That is ridiculous. My parents were ordinary people.

Kael stepped closer, his eyes softening. Your foster parents, yes. But your true lineage is far older. You have felt it, have you not The dreams The whispers The sense that something is waking inside you

Liora stared at him, stunned. How could he know about her dreams She had never told anyone.

What do you want with me she whispered.

Kael lowered his gaze for a moment. His voice softened. To protect you. And to teach you how to protect yourself.

Liora opened her mouth to respond, but the ground trembled beneath them. A low growl echoed from the cliffs. The fog shifted violently as a dark shape moved within it.

Kael’s eyes sharpened. It found us. Liora, get behind me.

Fear jolted through her, but she obeyed. A monstrous figure stepped out of the fog. Its body was made of swirling shadows, and its face was a hollow void. Long talons dragged across the ground, leaving trails of frost.

The Shadowborn hissed.

Kael lifted his hand. A violet flame burst from his palm, illuminating the fog like a beacon. The creature recoiled but lunged forward again.

Kael struck, sending a wave of light toward the monster. The force blasted the creature back, but only for a moment. It reformed instantly.

Liora covered her mouth in horror. What is that thing

Kael’s voice remained steady even as he prepared another attack. A hunter. It is drawn to your power. And it will not stop until it has consumed you.

The creature lunged again. Kael grabbed Liora’s hand and pulled her into the forest path.

Run he commanded.

The forest of Marinth was thick with pine and twisted roots. Branches whipped at Liora’s face as they ran. The sounds of the creature echoed behind them, growing louder.

Kael skidded to a stop at an abandoned stone archway covered in moss. Carvings of swirling shapes were etched into the ancient pillars.

Inside he said urgently.

Liora stepped through the archway. A soft rush of energy brushed against her skin. The air inside the ruins felt different, calm and heavy with magic.

Kael entered behind her and placed his hands on the pillars. A circle of violet light rippled out from the stones, forming a barrier.

The creature slammed against the invisible wall. The stones shuddered, but the barrier held. The Shadowborn shrieked and clawed at the air before melting into the fog again.

Liora collapsed onto a stone bench, her breathing frantic. What is happening to my life I was just a simple herbalist yesterday. Now monsters are chasing me and you are telling me I am not human.

Kael sat quietly beside her. His voice gentle. I am sorry you had to learn this way. But the truth is that you are part of an ancient line of Dawnkeepers. Protectors of light. Guardians of the barrier between realms. Your presence alone threatens the Shadowborn.

Liora shook her head, overwhelmed. But I do not know anything about magic. I cannot fight creatures like that.

Kael met her gaze. You can. The power inside you is awakening. That is why the creature came. You shine too brightly in its world.

Liora felt tears prick her eyes. She hugged her cloak around herself. What if I cannot control it What if I hurt someone

Kael reached out slowly, gently brushing a tear from her cheek. His touch was warm. Tender. You will not hurt anyone. Your power is born from light, and light seeks to protect. I will guide you. I swear it.

His words sank into her chest, comforting and frightening all at once. She felt her heartbeat quicken. There was something about Kael that drew her in, not just because he was saving her, but because he felt strangely connected to her. As if their fates were woven together long before this moment.

Liora swallowed hard. Why are you helping me You said my bloodline is ancient. But what are you

Kael hesitated. Shadows flickered behind his eyes.

I am a Shade Guardian. Born from the twilight between light and shadow. My existence is to protect the balance. And you are the key to restoring it.

Liora stared at him, her breath catching. A Shade Guardian. A being from legends. She could hardly process it.

Before she could respond, Kael winced suddenly, pressing a hand to his chest. The air around him flickered.

Kael Are you hurt

He shook his head but looked weakened. Creating the barrier drained more energy than I expected. The creature is stronger than most. It is being fueled by something.

Liora moved closer instinctively, touching his arm. A strange warmth flowed through her into him. Kael gasped softly as the light spread across his chest.

Your power he breathed. It responds to me. That is unusual.

Liora pulled back quickly, embarrassed and startled. I did not mean to do that. It happened on its own.

Kael met her gaze, eyes glowing softly. It means our energies are bound. That is rare. And dangerous.

Bound Liora whispered. What does that mean

Kael hesitated, his voice quieter. It means that our destinies are intertwined. Your soul recognizes mine. And mine recognizes yours.

Liora felt her cheeks warm. She looked away, heartbeat racing. How could she feel drawn to someone she barely knew It made no logical sense. Yet her heart felt as if it had known him forever.

Before she could speak, the ground trembled again. The barrier flickered.

Kael stood quickly. It is back. And it is stronger.

The Shadowborn materialized in front of the archway. Its form twisted violently, larger and more defined. It slammed against the barrier, cracks forming across the magical dome.

Kael cursed under his breath. Liora, listen to me. You have to release your power now or it will break through.

Liora shook her head in panic. I do not know how

Kael grabbed her hands and placed them against his chest. His heart beat fast beneath her palms. Look at me. Focus on the light you gave me just now. Let it grow. Let it fill the ruins.

Liora tried to calm her breathing. She focused on his eyes. Violet and endless. Something inside her unlocked.

A soft glow formed beneath her hands. The ruins illuminated with white gold light. The broken carvings began to shimmer. The air vibrated with ancient magic.

The Shadowborn roared.

Liora gasped as the energy surged through her. It felt like fire and water and wind all at once. It was overwhelming, but Kael held her hands firmly, grounding her.

You can do this he whispered. I believe in you.

The light burst outward.

The Shadowborn shrieked as the light pierced its form. It writhed violently, shrinking and dissolving into mist. The fog split apart. The ruins shook as the creature was torn apart by pure light.

When the last echo faded, the air fell still.

Liora collapsed into Kael, trembling and exhausted. His arms wrapped around her instinctively, steadying her.

You did it he murmured gently. You saved us both.

Liora looked up at him, tears falling freely. I thought I would die.

Kael brushed her hair softly. You are stronger than you know. Stronger than I expected. The Shadowborn will not return. Not after that blow.

Liora pressed a hand to her chest, feeling the fading glow. Will more creatures come for me

Kael nodded slowly. Yes. The veil is thinner than ever. Others will sense your awakening. But I will not leave your side. I will protect you until you can protect yourself.

Liora searched his face, feeling something deep inside her unfold. A connection. A bond. A pull stronger than fear.

Kael leaned closer, his voice soft. In my world, a bond like this is rare. Souls connected from the first moment. I did not expect to find mine in the human realm.

Her breath hitched. Kael

He brushed a strand of hair from her cheek. May I

He hesitated, giving her time to pull away. She did not.

Their lips met in a kiss filled with warmth, longing, and something ancient. The ruins glowed softly around them, reacting to the bond forming between their souls.

When they finally parted, Liora rested her forehead against his.

Whatever comes next she whispered I want to face it with you.

Kael held her close, his voice steady. And I will walk with you through every shadow and every dawn. Together.

Outside the ruins, the ravens began to sing again. The first sign that hope was returning. And deep beneath the cliffs, the veil shivered once more, sensing the rise of a new Dawnkeeper.

The world was changing.

And so was Liora’s destiny.