The Intruder

Everyone is surprised by yet another person in a surprising twist.

Lightning split the sky outside as the glassblower’s shop shook with a sound like the earth groaning in protest. The crystal’s glow intensified, illuminating the interior in violent flashes of red. Shelves rattled, glass ornaments shattered to the floor.

“Darius!” Elara shouted. “We have to move!”

“I said I can’t!” he growled through clenched teeth. His knees buckled, the satchel burning against him like it was searing through to the bone. The crystal was alive now, tethered not just to his blood but to his will.

Lyle stepped further into the room, the puddles of rainwater steaming at his feet. His hood fell back, revealing eyes gone black as pitch. “You always were the stubborn one,” he sneered. “But that fire isn’t yours anymore.”

Then the window behind him shattered inward.

Something…someone…burst through, cloaked in the wind and the scent of wildflowers and lightning. The figure landed in a crouch, scattering shards of glass across the floor like dandelion seeds on a breeze.

Maren raised a ward instinctively, shielding them from the blast.

The intruder rose.

A girl, no older than Darius, hair braided with silver thread, eyes like starlight.

“I told you not to let him speak,” she said, voice flat and calm. “Now he’s calling the Hollow.”

From behind Lyle, a shadow began to uncoil like smoke with teeth.

“Who are you?” Elara demanded, stepping between the girl and the creeping dark.

“I’m the reason he hasn’t burned this city down already.” Her gaze locked with Darius’s. “But if you want to live, you need to run. Now.”

Darius looked at Maren. Maren nodded.

They ran out the back, into the storm, with Rockford at their heels. The girl stayed behind, facing Lyle with one hand raised.

As they emerged into the alley, the city was in chaos.