The address Darius had given Zara led her deep into the heart of Silver City's underground, a district known for its secrecy and shadowy dealings. The Nightbound operated out of an old cathedral, long abandoned by the city but claimed by those who lived in the fringes. Its gothic spires loomed over the surrounding streets, giving the area a haunted, foreboding air.
Zara approached cautiously, her senses on high alert. She could feel eyes watching her from the dark alleys, but no one made a move. The Nightbound were letting her come to them.
As she entered the cathedral, the heavy wooden doors groaned in protest. Inside, the air was thick with incense and the faint hum of conversation. A group of figures, all dressed in dark, flowing cloaks, stood near the altar, their faces hidden in shadow. At their center was a woman with piercing green eyes, her presence commanding the attention of everyone around her.
"You must be Zara Kane," the woman said, her voice low and measured. "We've heard about your… recent activities."
Zara straightened her posture, meeting the woman's gaze without flinching. "I'm not here to cause trouble. I need your help to stop the Eclipsed Order."
The woman's lips curled into a faint smile. "Bold, coming from someone who's just bonded with the Shard of Aether. You've made yourself a target, Kane. Why should we risk our lives for you?"
Zara took a deep breath. "Because the Order doesn't just want me. They want to control the Shard—and if they get their hands on it, they'll have the power to reshape the world. I can't let that happen. And neither can you."
The woman studied her for a moment, as if weighing her words carefully. Then, she nodded. "You're right. The Order has been a thorn in our side for far too long. But we've seen what happens when someone tries to control that kind of power. The Shard is dangerous, and so are you."
Zara's expression hardened. "I didn't ask for this, but I'm doing everything I can to control it. If you help me, I'll make sure the Order never gets their hands on the Shard."
The woman's green eyes flickered with something—curiosity, maybe even respect. "Very well. We'll give you a chance, Kane. But if you slip, if you show any signs of losing control, we won't hesitate to take you down. Understood?"
Zara nodded. "Understood."
The woman extended a hand. "I'm Helena, leader of the Nightbound. Welcome to our world."
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