Shadow Monarch Ashborn の小説・ストーリー

“Then we fight. I won’t run.” Ryan’s lips curved into a faint, approving smile. “That’s the spirit. But remember you’re not alone. I’ll be right here.” As the sun struggled to pierce the mist, figures began to emerge from the forest. The Shadowborn had returned, larger in number, their shapes more terrifying and grotesque than the night before. Limbs stretched at impossible angles, faces half formed, eyes glowing a malevolent violet. They advanced like a living tide, silent and deliberate, yet brimming with lethal intent.

I must keep going, even though I am exhausted and sweating, because this is the only way I can win. Then I hear it—a noise behind me, a rustle. I tighten my grip on the hilt. “Who’s there?” I whisper, turning slowly. The forest answers with silence. But then—I saw a shadow between the trees. Someone is watching me. For the first time since my seventh rebirth, I realize I may not be the only one with memories.

Right after posting it, while I was still reading comments mocking me for putting on a tough front, I saw Immortal Ashes Team’s official account tag me in a post, openly standing by my side. "The crowd follows the herd. The strong walk alone. Those who don’t know how to cherish what they have will lose it. Ash Mercer, we stand with you. IA will always be your strongest backing."

Let everything go back to normal. Normal. The word tasted like ash. I turned the water off and stood dripping in the quiet. Steam swirled around me thick and heavy. But I didn’t want normal, all I want is her. And that scared me more than any slap Ethan could throw.

Ash bows his head graciously, “Asher Wild, Prince to the Vampire King of England. But please, call me Ash. Everyone does, it feels weird to have people say my full name now.” The king bows his head, “Her loss, if only temporary, is felt keenly here.” Luther says, and Ash nods,

“You think she rules you. But I know her mind. I am her mind. And I know she’s terrified of what she’ll become when you’re gone.” Amara’s hand brushed Luca’s arm. “Don’t.” “She’s trying to bait you,” she said softly. The clone stepped closer. “Tell me, Queen of Ash — how does it feel to wear a crown built on the bones of men who worshiped you?” Amara didn’t flinch. “It feels heavy. And earned. Something you’ll never understand.” A low rumble began beneath the ground. The air filled with the sound of shifting metal — the Ash Legion emerging from beneath the square. Dozens, then hundreds of them, crawling up through the marble like insects.

"He commanded the patrol that took my son. I want him. Alive. Delivered to *my* shadows." Ashton didn’t hesitate. "Done." A slow, predatory smile spread across Lyra’s face, devoid of warmth. "Then the night will remember your name, Ashton Vince. My shadows move when your Stoneclaw hammers fall. Silvermane will learn that some debts are paid in screams and silence." --- **The Conclave & The Spark**

"I am the Shadow Knight. Once Kaelen Dawnblade. Bearer of the Soulstone. Enemy of the corrupt Council. Avenger of the murdered innocents. I claim these names and purposes. I reject oblivion's comfort." The amalgamation of memories retreated, its composite features displaying surprise. The bone song changed tenor, becoming less overwhelming demand and more respectful recognition. The darkness surrounding him thinned, revealing the ossuary's interior fully for the first time. At its centre grew a tree unlike any in the living world. Its trunk and branches consisted entirely of bones fused together, not constructed but somehow grown into this impossible configuration. Instead of leaves, small f