Imminent Shadows
As they left the destroyed battlefield, Zara stood by Kael's side. The weight of Kael's wounds and the remains of her own fatigue weighed down each sluggish, heavy step. Kael held his blade tightly despite his illness, as if releasing it would mean he was giving up his will.
The thick, ominous smoke plume was still visible in the sky. Between relief that Kael was still alive and fear for what was to come, Zara's mind was racing. She kept thinking about what the Keeper had said: The shard needs purpose.
"What did you discover?" Kael's voice rasped as he asked abruptly.
Zara looked at him, not sure what to say. Though Kael had put everything on the line to keep her safe, the recollection of the masked figure and their enigmatic instructions seemed very personal. After a pause, she said, "Answers," but her tone was uncertain. "And more enquiries. There are always more questions.
Kael coughed wh
