5. Elara

5

ELARA

T he shadows seem to stretch and coil around me as I wander through Lucian’s keep. I don’t know what I’m looking for—an exit, maybe, or just some sign that I haven’t completely lost my mind. But every hall looks the same, dimly lit and filled with strange, flickering shapes that make my skin prickle.

“Great job, Elara,” I mutter to myself, trying to ignore the twisting shadows that seem to watch me as I pass. “Wandering alone in a demon’s lair. What could go wrong?”

I reach a massive, arched doorway and hesitate. The air feels colder here, heavier. But something urges me forward, a mix of curiosity and defiance. I step through, finding myself in a wide corridor lined with strange, dark statues. They’re twisted and contorted, frozen in expressions of rage, despair, and… something else. It’s unsettling, but I force myself to keep going.

As I walk, a flicker of movement catches my eye. I freeze, squinting into the shadows. For a moment, I think I see a figure—a tall, thin shape that shifts as if made of mist. But when I blink, it’s gone. My pulse quickens, and I swallow, trying to push down the rising fear.

“You’re not welcome here,” a voice hisses from somewhere nearby, low and guttural, like gravel scraping against stone. I spin around, heart pounding, but there’s no one there. Just empty shadows.

Ignoring the chill crawling up my spine, I keep walking. I have to keep moving, or else I’ll start to panic. And I can’t afford to let fear take control. Not here.

“Lost, are we?” a voice says suddenly, soft and amused.

I whirl around to find myself face-to-face with a figure that wasn’t there a moment ago. He’s tall, but there’s something insubstantial about him, as if he’s only half-real, his form shifting in and out of focus like smoke. His face is obscured by shadows, but I can feel his gaze, sharp and assessing.

“Who… who are you?” I ask, my voice trembling despite my best efforts.

He chuckles, the sound echoing down the corridor. “Just an old soul wandering these halls. You may call me Kieran.” His gaze flickers over me, curious. “You must be the human. Lucian’s new… companion.”

I bristle at the word, but swallow my pride. “I didn’t choose to be here,” I say, crossing my arms. “In fact, I’d give anything to get out of this place.”

Kieran’s mouth curves into a faint smile. “Yes, I thought as much. But breaking a bond with Lucian isn’t a simple matter, I’m afraid. He doesn’t let go easily.”

I narrow my eyes, trying to make sense of this strange figure. “You know him well, then?”

“Better than most,” he replies, with a hint of something almost… sympathetic. “I’ve been here a long time, watched his rise to power, and… certain changes along the way.” He pauses, as if choosing his words carefully. “He wasn’t always like this, you know.”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued despite myself. “What do you mean?”

Kieran shrugs, his form flickering. “He was once… different. But power changes people. And curses, well…” He gestures to the bracelet on my wrist. “They leave scars that aren’t easily healed.”

I glance down at the bracelet, the dark jewels glinting ominously. “So he’s cursed, too?”

Kieran nods, a flicker of sadness in his expression. “The curse that binds you now once bound him to another—a sorceress with a taste for cruelty and control.” He chuckles softly, almost to himself. “Symara didn’t leave much of him intact, but what remains… well, he guards it fiercely.”

I’m quiet for a moment, digesting his words. “So… he’s not as invulnerable as he seems?”

Kieran’s smile widens. “No one is invulnerable, dear human. Least of all Lucian. He may be powerful, but he’s not invincible.” He leans closer, his gaze sharp and calculating. “If you’re clever, you might find a way to turn his strength against him.”

A spark of hope ignites within me. If Lucian isn’t untouchable, maybe there’s a way out of this after all. “And… would you help me?”

Kieran chuckles again, tilting his head. “I may. I’ve always had a fondness for defiant spirits, and Lucian could use a reminder that he’s not above the rest of us.”

I glance at him, a question forming on my lips, but he holds up a hand. “Before you get any ideas, let me give you a word of warning. There are those in this realm who would be less than thrilled to see you here, even under Lucian’s protection.”

I frown, feeling a shiver crawl up my spine. “You mean… other demons?”

“More than demons,” he replies cryptically. “There are forces in the Underworld that even Lucian avoids. If you’re going to survive, you’ll need to tread carefully.” His gaze sharpens, and his voice softens to a near-whisper. “Trust no one, Elara. Not even me.”

Before I can respond, he’s gone, fading back into the shadows as if he were never there. I’m left alone, my heart racing, but my mind buzzing with possibilities. If what Kieran says is true, then maybe I have a chance.

I turn, heading back the way I came, a new sense of determination settling over me. This isn’t just about surviving anymore. If I’m going to be stuck in this nightmare, then I’m going to find a way to control it.

As I step into the dim light of Lucian’s keep, I hear Kieran’s voice echo in my mind: “Trust no one.”

A cold shiver runs through me, but I push it aside. I’ll need every ally I can get, even if they’re as unpredictable as Kieran. And if Lucian thinks he can keep me caged here, he’s in for a surprise.