Between Shadows and Light

1. The Traitor's Shadow

The Blade of Returning. It's been with Simon Phoenix all along.

He had suspected as much, but until now, he hadn't known whether he'd get close enough to be sure.

Another figure entered. Though the hood concealed his face, Adrian recognised him instantly—his father.

"Sit, Morpheus. We have matters to discuss," Simon commanded.

He pulled off his gloves and dropped them beside his cloak. Both men soon took their seats. A heavy silence followed.

Adrian stared, seething with barely contained hatred. He had once been one of them. But after what they had done to Athea, there was no turning back. He would never forgive them.

His relationship with Morpheus had always been strained. Adrian was raised with harsh discipline as the son of the ruler of the Dream Kingdom. High expectations and relentless pressure marked his childhood. His father never showed affection—his lessons were designed to shape Adrian into a strong, merciless ruler. But the loss of his sister opened his eyes: there was no love, no compassion in Morpheus' heart. He was willing to sacrifice even his children for the sake of power.

Adrian watched as his father sat beside Simon and felt that old pressure tightening in his chest.

He remembered the days of sword training with his father.

"Only the strongest survive," Morpheus often said whenever Adrian grew tired. At the time, the boy hadn't understood that those words were not merely a lesson—they were a creed.

"I've finally found one of them," Simon Phoenix broke the silence.

"You mean a piece of the Silver Crystal?"

The blond man nodded.

"I'll soon travel to Earth to retrieve it."

"Shall I go with you?"

"No. I'd like you to do something else while I'm away. You must find your traitorous son. He could ruin everything. Bring him back to reason."

Adrian smirked slightly at the mention of his name. His fingers clenched around the dagger so tightly that the hilt dug into his palm. Of course, he would ruin their plans. That was why he'd come.

Hidden behind the column, Adrian barely moved, eyes fixed on Simon, who rose and began pacing thoughtfully.

Adrian's thoughts raced. How could he stop Simon Phoenix from obtaining the crystal?

"Charles Al'Kobath. He's the one with the crystal," Simon said coldly. "That bastard killed my father. I'll also deal with his daughter. I'll end that bloodline once and for all."

Was Simon targeting the long-lost ruler of the Kingdom of Light? Adrian had always known Charles slew the Dark Emperor long ago. Since then, the empire had been divided among his five children.

Adrian stepped back quietly, not taking his eyes off Simon until he bumped into something behind him. He cursed inwardly as it crashed to the ground and shattered.

He froze. A rush of adrenaline surged through him.

Then he felt the cold kiss of metal at his throat. His heart pounded so fiercely that he feared it would betray him.

He slowly stood, almost eye to eye with the man, pressing the blade to his skin.

"Move," the voice ordered again, and Adrian obeyed.

He stepped slowly toward the round table, noting how his father's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You?!" the ruler of the Dream Kingdom shouted, rising to his feet. "What are you doing here?"

Adrian said nothing. But he knew, after hearing what he had while hidden, he might not walk away from this. He had to escape. Fast.

"Answer me when I speak!"

Simon Phoenix struck Adrian across the back with the hilt of his sword, and Adrian dropped to his knees. A moment later, he felt the blade again at his throat. He shut his eyes, trembling, mind racing for a way out.

"You were spying on us?" The blade pressed harder. "What did you hear?"

"Everything I needed to," Adrian spat, eyes flashing open. He grabbed the blade with a gloved hand and yanked it away, feeling the metal bite into his palm. The glove protected him slightly, but blood still began to seep through.

"You're bold," Simon growled, trying to wrench the weapon back.

Adrian sprang to his feet. His muscles coiled like a predator's. With a swift kick, he slammed into Simon's gut, sending him stumbling backwards. Morpheus lunged but, seeing Simon still standing, hesitated and withdrew.

But the weapon was already in Adrian's grasp.

With all his strength, Adrian hurled the sword. It clanged off a stone column, echoing through the hall.

Furious, Simon advanced, fists clenched. A magical circle began to glow beneath him, but Adrian lunged and punched him square in the face, halting the spell.

Blood sprayed. Seizing the moment, Adrian grabbed the Blade of Returning from Simon's belt and yanked it free.

Simon staggered, reaching to reclaim it, but Adrian darted to the window—and, without hesitation, leapt through it.

The glass shattered around him.

A freezing wind lashed his face. Shards cut into his skin. He closed his eyes against the pain.

Falling at a terrifying speed, he struck out with the dagger, scraping against the castle stones once, twice. The blade caught in a gap, grinding to a halt for a split second.

His body slammed against the wall. Pain seared through his chest. Scraping down the stone, he tore his hands and sides, finally crashed into the foundation and collapsed into the wet grass.

For a moment, he just lay there, gasping, body screaming with pain. But he forced himself to rise. He looked up—no sign of Simon Phoenix or his father. He had fallen too far.

Below, the moat glistened, its dark water ominous.

Breathing heavily, Adrian began to descend, carefully climbing down the stones. When he reached the bottom, he sighed in relief—solid ground beneath his feet.

His body ached, but he had no time to rest. Knowing he might be pursued, Adrian dashed toward the moat and plunged into the icy water.

After crossing, he emerged on the far bank and headed into the forest, where he had hidden a small bag. Glancing around, ensuring no one followed, he retrieved it and slung it over his back.

From the woods, he heard voices—distant but drawing closer.

He had only one dagger. It wouldn't be enough if he had to fight them all.

How many had they sent to kill him?