A group of people wake up in a video game world and are forced to work together to survive and find out how to escape.

Artemis completes the mission with the help of an ‘ally?’

Chapter 15 Recap.

It hesitates, its tone softening even more. “I want what you want, Artemis,” it says. “To survive to thrive. To protect those you care about. But to do that, we need, each other.”

The faint warmth in its words almost feels genuine, the doubt I feel is still there but…

“Okay,” I whisper, the word barely leaving my lips. My heart pounds in my chest as the decision settles in. “Let’s do it.”

The void around me pulses, the cold, suffocating darkness giving way to something else. Slowly, the blackness is consumed by a vibrant, blinding white.

The light is warm, almost comforting, and it feels like it’s wrapping around me, pulling me into something new. The voice speaks again, softer now, almost… proud.

“Good,” it says, its tone filled with satisfaction. “You won’t regret this, Artemis. Together, we’ll make everything right.”

“Artemis,” the voice whispers. “This, is only the beginning.”

Then the bright light returns blinding me. And in the back of my mind, a question lingers. What have I just agreed to?

Chapter 16

“Archer… Archer, wake up! Wake up!”

I jolt awake, my heart racing as my eyes dart around. The vivid white light from the void fades from my memory like a dream slipping through my fingers. Above me stands one of the caravan’s guards, his expression impatient.

“Come on,” he says gruffly, motioning toward the road. “We’re about to move.”

I nod quickly, pulling myself to my feet. My body aches, the remnants of yesterday’s fight still clinging to me, but I push it aside. The world feels… off, almost brighter than before, and the faint hum of energy inside me is still there, as if the void followed me back.

The guard moves on, shouting orders to the others as they prepare the wagons to roll out. I adjust my gear, the events of the void swirling in my mind.

Was it real? Did I actually make that choice?

I glance at my hands instinctively, half-expecting to see something—anything—to confirm what happened. But they look the same, steady and normal, though the faint memory of that glowing energy lingers in the back of my mind.

The voice, however, is silent.

I stand up, brushing the dirt from my clothes. I grab my bow and attach my quiver to my back, my movements mechanical as my mind races.

What was all that? I think to myself, the memory of the void and the deal I made gnawing at me.

I hesitate, glancing around to make sure no one is nearby. Then, in a hushed tone, I whisper, “Are you still there?”

For a moment, there’s nothing—just the sounds of the caravan getting ready to move. The faint creak of wagons, the rustle of supplies, the occasional barked command from the guards.

And then, like a low hum in the back of my mind, the voice answers.

“Of course I’m here,” it says smoothly, its tone calm and almost… satisfied. “We’re partners now, remember?”

I feel a shiver run down my spine, the weight of my decision settling heavier than before. “What does that mean, exactly?” I whisper, my voice barely audible.

“It means we’re going to work together,” the voice replies, its tone soft but firm. “I’m part of you now, and you’re part of me. Together, we’ll survive this world. We’ll thrive.”

I glance down at my hands again, flexing my fingers as if expecting to see some sign of the connection. “And what do you get out of this?” I ask cautiously.

The voice chuckles lightly. “Isn’t it obvious? You live, I live. Simple as that.”

Its words feel sincere, but a part of me can’t help but question its motives.

“All right,” I mutter under my breath, adjusting the strap of my quiver as I take a deep breath. “Let’s get moving, I guess.”

The voice doesn’t respond, lingering silently in the back of my mind, like a shadow waiting for the right moment to reappear.

I step into line with the caravan, the guards and merchants already bustling about, readying the wagons to roll out. The cool morning air carries a faint mist, the faint sound of creaking wheels blending with the chirping of distant birds.

One of the drivers glances at me, his expression unreadable. “You good, Archer?” he asks gruffly, his voice low enough that it doesn’t carry to the others.

I nod quickly, forcing a small smile. “Yeah, I’m fine,” I reply, my tone steady despite the knot in my stomach.

He shrugs, motioning toward the road. “Stay sharp,” he says. “This stretch is quiet, but quiet doesn’t always mean safe.”

I tighten my grip on my bow, my eyes scanning the trees on either side of the road. No way they make an escort mission that’s 90% walking, I think. There’s no way we’re getting through this without another attack.

The quiet stretch of road ahead feels too peaceful, too uneventful. The air hangs heavy with an almost oppressive calm, and every sound—the crunch of wheels on gravel, the clinking of armor—feels sharper, louder, like the world itself is holding its breath.

I glance at the guards walking alongside the wagons. Their stances are relaxed, but their hands hover near their weapons, their eyes darting occasionally toward the trees. Even they don’t trust this silence.

The voice hums softly in the back of my mind. “Smart,” it says, its tone calm and conversational. “You’re learning. Always expect the unexpected. Makes the game more fun, don’t you think?”

“Fun isn’t the word I’d use,” I mutter under my breath, keeping my voice low enough that no one else hears.

The voice chuckles faintly, the sound brushing against my thoughts like a wisp of smoke. “Call it what you like. Just be ready, partner. I’ll be here when you need me.”

The words send a shiver down my spine, but I push the feeling aside, focusing on the path ahead.

The questions swirl in my mind, one after another, a chaotic storm I can’t seem to calm.

Did I make a mistake accepting to work with it? Does it really want what I want?

I replay everything in my head—the void, the throne, the meadow. The first thing it showed me was power and control, something I rejected immediately. Then it changed, adjusted, gave me something softer, something that felt… perfect. But was it perfect because it’s what I wanted, or because it’s what it thinks I want?

I glance toward the horizon, my steps heavy. The meadow… the peace. Was that really my deepest wish? Even Lorien…?

The thought lingers uncomfortably. If the voice is in my mind, doesn’t that mean it knows everything? Even things I don’t want to admit to myself?

I sigh deeply, shaking my head as if to push the thoughts away. I don’t know what I want anymore.

Finally, I ask the question that’s been sitting at the edge of my mind. “Do you have a name?”

The voice hums thoughtfully, its tone calm and measured. “A name?” it repeats, as if it hadn’t considered it before. “I suppose I don’t. Not anymore...”

I frown slightly, my grip on my bow tightening. “Not anymore? What does that mean?”

It chuckles softly, the sound brushing against my thoughts. “Names are… fleeting. In that dungeon, I was nothing more than a fragment, a remnant of something greater. But now… now I am part of you. Is a name truly necessary?”

I shake my head. “If you’re going to be in my head, I’d prefer not to call you ‘the voice’ for the rest of my life.”

The voice laughs again, a low, almost amused sound. “Fair enough,” it says. “What would you like to call me, then?”

“Oh, um… you want me to pick?” I say, startled by the sudden shift.

The voice chuckles softly, its tone almost playful now. “Why not?” it says. “You’re the one stuck with me, after all. Seems only fair that you get to decide what to call me.”

I pause, glancing down at the dirt road as I think. A name? For… whatever this thing is? The absurdity of it makes me hesitate, but at the same time, it feels like a small way to take some control back.

“Alright,” I murmur, my brow furrowing. “Give me a second.”

The voice hums faintly, as if waiting patiently.

“Okay,” I say after a moment, straightening my posture as I grip my bow. “I think I’ve got it.”

The voice hums, the sound curling around my thoughts like smoke. “Oh? Do tell, then.”

I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I say the name. “How about Shade.”

The voice is silent for a moment, as though it’s considering the name, letting it roll through the space in my mind.

“Shade,” it repeats, its tone smooth, almost pleased. “I like it. Simple. Fitting.”

I glance around, half expecting some kind of change, but everything stays the same. The hum of its presence feels… calmer now, as though giving it a name has anchored it somehow.

“Well, Shade,” I say, my tone firmer, “if we’re going to be ‘partners,’ then let’s get something straight. You don’t get to take over unless I say so. Got it?”

It chuckles, the sound low and soft. “Of course,” it says, its tone almost amused. “You’re the one in charge, Artemis. I’m just here to… help.”

The words leave an uneasy feeling in my chest, but for now, I nod and keep moving, my focus shifting back to the journey ahead. At least it has a name now. That’s… something.

I hesitate for a moment, my mind racing. Shade’s tone is casual, almost teasing, but there’s an edge to it that keeps me on guard.

“Yeah,” I say firmly, gripping my bow tighter. “A few more ground rules.”

Shade hums, its tone curious. “Oh? Do tell, partner. I’m all ears.”

I narrow my eyes, glancing down at the dirt road as I choose my words carefully. “When I say no taking over my body I mean at all. Unless you get very explicit permission. What happened with that player? That doesn’t happen again unless I decide it’s necessary.”

“Fair enough,” Shade replies smoothly. “Anything else?”

I think for a moment before continuing. “No trying to manipulate my thoughts or emotions. I know you’re in my head, but that doesn’t mean you get to mess with me. Got it?”

Shade chuckles softly, the sound brushing against my thoughts. “Mess with you? Oh, Artemis, you wound me. But sure, no manipulation. What else?”

I hesitate, the memories of the meadow flashing through my mind. “And no more… illusions,” I say quietly. “No fake worlds, no fake happiness. If you’re going to show me something, it has to be real. I’m not falling for that again.”

Shade’s laughter fades, replaced by a thoughtful hum. “Hmm. No illusions more like no fun. That one might be tricky, but… I’ll do my best.”

“That’s not good enough,” I snap, my tone sharper now. “Promise me.”

It’s silent for a moment before replying, its tone low and serious. “Fine. I promise. No more illusions. No more fake happiness. Anything else?”

I take a deep breath, my grip tightening on my bow. “You have to promise me one more thing,” I say, my voice firm.

Shade hums, its tone curious but cautious. “Oh? And what’s that, partner?”

“You have to promise to never, ever hurt my friends,” I say, my voice sharp, leaving no room for argument. “No tricks, no loopholes. No using me to hurt them either. Nothing. Do you understand?”

For a moment, there’s silence, the kind that makes my stomach tighten. Then, finally, Shade sighs softly.

“Your friends mean that much to you, huh?” it says, its tone quieter now. “Fine. I promise. I won’t hurt your friends.”

It pauses, the hum of its presence growing faint. “But just so we’re clear,” it continues, its tone shifting slightly, “if they come after you—if they threaten you—I won’t sit back and let that happen. You’ll have to protect them, Artemis… but I’m here to protect you.”

I nod slowly, my jaw tightening. “They won’t come after me,” I say firmly. “They’re my friends. They’d never hurt me.”

Shade’s chuckle echoes faintly in my mind, soft but unsettling. “Let’s hope you’re right,” it murmurs.

I let out a slow breath, trying to push Shade’s words to the back of my mind. Not much of a promise, I think, my eyes scanning the trees along the road. But it’s better than nothing. At least for now.

The air feels heavy, the silence stretching longer than it should. I grip my bow tightly, shifting my gaze back and forth, scanning for any movement among the trees. The thought of another ambush gnaws at me—this stretch of road feels too quiet, too easy.

The faint creak of the wagon wheels and the soft murmurs of the merchants do little to ease the tension in my chest. My instincts scream at me to stay alert.

Shade’s voice slips into my mind, smooth and calm. “You’re learning. Eyes open, bow ready… just in case.”

“Yeah, thanks,” I mutter under my breath, keeping my voice low enough that no one hears.

The guards nearby seem relaxed, but their hands hover near their weapons—maybe a sign they’re not as calm as they pretend to be.

The road ahead dips slightly, the trees growing thicker on either side. My grip on my bow tightens as I step closer to the wagons, my heart pounding slightly faster.

I raise my bow instinctively, my muscles tense as a massive creature steps out from the forest, its enormous wooden limbs creaking with every movement. Before I can release the arrow, one of the guards places a hand on my arm.

“Woah, easy,” he says, his voice calm but firm. “It’s just a treant.”

I glance at him, confused, but slowly lower my bow. My eyes stay locked on the treant as it crouches down, its gnarled face looming close to the caravan leader.

The creature’s voice is deep and resonant, like wind rustling through its branches. “Ready to pay the toll?” it asks, its glowing green eyes fixed on the leader.

The caravan leader nods quickly, pulling a small pouch from his belt. He steps forward cautiously, placing the pouch in the treant’s outstretched hand—or what could vaguely be called a hand, as it’s more like a cluster of thick roots and bark.

The treant opens the pouch with surprising delicacy, inspecting its contents before nodding slowly. “You may pass,” it says, stepping aside and blending almost seamlessly into the forest once more.

I exhale, realizing I’d been holding my breath. “That thing was massive,” I mutter, my eyes still fixed on the spot where it disappeared.

The guard chuckles softly. “Yeah, they’re big, but they’re not usually a problem. Just gotta pay the toll and move on. Better than dealing with bandits, right?”

I nod slowly, still unsettled by the sheer size and presence of the treant.

“Yeah,” I say, still a little in disbelief as my eyes scan the trees, trying to catch a glimpse of the treant. But it’s gone, blending so perfectly into the forest that it’s as if it was never there.

“What did they pay it with?” I ask, glancing at the guard.

He smirks faintly, adjusting his sword at his side. “Not completely sure, some kind of offering,” he says. “Could be gold, gems, or even rare seeds or plants. Treants don’t care about money the way we do, but they’ve got their own… priorities.”

“Seeds?” I ask, raising an eyebrow.

He nods. “Yeah. They value things that help the forest grow—things with life and potential. Makes sense, considering they’re, well… trees.” He chuckles lightly, but his eyes stay sharp, scanning the forest.

“Better to pay them than to fight them,” he continues. “Treants aren’t quick, but they’re strong as hell. Seen one rip a wagon apart like it was paper once. Trust me—you don’t want to be on their bad side.”

I nod slowly, my grip on my bow tightening as I glance at the forest again. The thought of something that massive—and that powerful—lurking just out of sight sends a chill down my spine.

“Good to know,” I say quietly, my voice steady, though my mind is still racing.

Lucky I didn’t shoot it, I think, the image of the treant ripping apart a wagon flashing through my mind. What would an arrow even do to something made of thick bark like that? Probably just piss it off… and get everyone killed.

The weight of my bow feels heavier in my hand as I glance down at it. For all I’ve been through, all my instincts, I realize just how outmatched I would’ve been if I’d acted without thinking… again.

The guard seems to notice my unease and smirks faintly. “Don’t beat yourself up,” he says. “First time seeing one is always a shock. They don’t show up much unless you’re on a route like this.”

I nod, not trusting myself to say much more. My eyes shift back to the treeline, the faint rustling of leaves makes me shake a little. Who knows how many of them are hidden within.

“Oh, there’s probably more than you’d like to know,” Shade’s voice murmurs, slipping into my thoughts like a shadow creeping under a door. “Treants don’t exactly travel alone, Artemis. They’re… territorial. Protective.”

I stiffen, my fingers brushing against the fletching of an arrow as I glance nervously at the treeline. “You mean there could be a lot more watching us right now?” I mutter under my breath.

Shade chuckles softly, the sound curling in the back of my mind. “Could be,” it says, almost teasingly. “Or maybe not. That’s the fun part, isn’t it? You never know.”

I clench my jaw, trying to push the thought aside. “Not exactly comforting,” I mutter, my eyes scanning the trees again.

“Oh, don’t worry,” Shade says smoothly. “If there are more, they’re not likely to bother you. Not unless you do something stupid, like… oh, I don’t know, shoot one with an arrow.”

I feel a pang of annoyance but bite back a retort, focusing instead on the road ahead.

“Funny,” I say dryly, my tone laced with sarcasm as I grip my bow tighter. “You’ve got jokes now. Great.”

Shade chuckles softly, the sound brushing against my thoughts. “I’m just saying, Artemis, you’ve got a knack for stepping into danger. Lucky for you, I’m here to keep you… grounded.”

I roll my eyes, glancing at the treeline again. “Yeah, because that’s exactly what you’ve been doing—keeping me grounded.”

“Oh, come on,” Shade says, its voice smooth and almost amused. “You’re still alive, aren’t you? That’s gotta count for something.”

I sigh, shaking my head as I focus on the road ahead. “Just… stay quiet for a while, okay?”

Shade hums softly, almost like it’s considering my request. “Fine,” it says, its tone light. “For now.”

The silence that follows is almost welcome, though I can still feel Shade’s presence lingering in the back of my mind.

We continue to move along the path, the wagons creaking softly as the caravan continues forward. For a while, everything is quiet—too quiet, almost.

Then, off to the side of the path, I hear a faint rustle of leaves, followed by a quiet sniff.

I stop in my tracks, my hand instinctively going to my bow. My eyes dart to the treeline, scanning the shadows for any sign of movement. The others don’t seem to notice, their attention focused on the road ahead.

“Something wrong?” one of the guards mutters, glancing back at me.

I hold up a hand, signaling for silence as I strain to listen. The sound comes again, soft and subtle, almost like… breathing.

“Something’s here!” I shout, my voice sharp as I raise my bow, ready to fire.

Before anyone can react, the underbrush explodes in a flurry of movement. A creature bursts out of the leaves—a large, wolf-like beast with jagged fur and glowing yellow eyes. Its snarl sends shivers down my spine, saliva dripping from its exposed fangs as it lunges toward the caravan.

The guards yell, scrambling for their weapons as the beast barrels forward. “Dire Wolves!” one of them shouts. “Stay together!”

I nock an arrow and take aim, the adrenaline flooding my veins sharpening my focus.

I fire my arrow, and to my shock, it takes the beast down. The beast lets out a guttural growl before collapsing to the ground, motionless.

For a brief moment, I feel a surge of relief. I turn to the others, expecting some kind of reaction, but instead, I see terror etched on their faces.

“Why are you—” I start to ask, but my words are cut off as I hear the snarls.

Low, guttural growls fill the air, echoing from every direction. My heart sinks as the realization hits me. This wasn’t the only one.

From the shadows, more of the creatures emerge—dozens of them, their glowing eyes cutting through the dim light. They circle the caravan, their snarls growing louder as they close in.

“There’s too many!” one of the guards shouts, his voice tinged with panic as he raises his blade.

The walking merchants scramble toward the wagons, trying to take cover inside as the guards form a loose defensive line. My grip tightens on my bow, my mind racing as I try to decide what to do.

I leap onto the nearest cart, my boots scraping against the wooden surface as I scramble to the top. One of the beasts lunges at me, its claws swiping through the air.

“Nope!” I shout, kicking it square in the snout. The creature snarls, falling back into the dirt as I steady myself.

I nock an arrow and fire, the string snapping loudly as the shot pierces one of the beasts below. Without hesitation, I grab another arrow, then another, firing as quickly as I can.

The air is filled with the sounds of growling, shouting, and the twang of my bowstring. Each arrow I release finds its mark, but for every beast I take down, another seems to take its place.

“Archer! Watch your flank!” a guard shouts, pointing toward another wolf clawing its way up the side of the cart.

I spin, quickly firing an arrow into its shoulder, sending it tumbling back to the ground. My breath comes in quick bursts, my arms already aching from the rapid pace of my shots.

“We need to move!” a guard shouts, his voice cutting through the chaos.

The carts lurch forward, their wheels creaking and groaning as the drivers whip the reins, urging the horses into a full gallop. I brace myself on top of the cart, trying not to lose my balance as it jolts forward.

The guards scramble, grabbing onto the sides of the moving carts, their weapons swinging at any beast that gets too close. I keep firing, my arrows cutting through the air with a satisfying twang.

But no matter how many fall, there always seems to be more. The snarling pack of wolves keeps pace with the caravan, their glowing eyes reflecting the light of the torches.

“Faster!” one of the drivers yells, panic lacing his voice.

A wolf leaps onto the cart behind mine, its claws tearing into the wood as it snarls and lunges at the guard clinging to the side.

I fire an arrow, my fingers trembling slightly, but the shot hits. It strikes the wolf just as it’s about to attack the guard. The beast stumbles and collapses, its snarls silenced.

The guard looks my way, panting heavily. “Thanks!” he shouts, flashing me a quick smile before gripping his weapon again.

The carts lurch forward faster, each bump threatening to throw me off. I grip the edge tightly, my knuckles whitening as the wheels slam against another rock. The force nearly sends me flying, and for a moment, I’m dangling off the side.

“Want some help?” Shade’s voice murmurs in my mind, calm but tinged with amusement.

“Yes, please,” I gasp, too desperate to argue.

Before I can even process it, a shadowy, almost human-shaped tendril emerges from the side of my torso, twisting and latching onto the cart. It anchors me securely, holding me in place despite the chaotic movement.

For a moment, I freeze, staring at the shadowy appendage with wide eyes. It feels… strange, like a part of me but not at the same time.

“Better?” Shade asks, its voice dripping with satisfaction.

I nod numbly, my focus snapping back to the wolves as they continue to chase us. There’s no time to dwell on what just happened. I grab another arrow and nock it, aiming at the next closest beast.

“How the hell are we supposed to handle that?”

“Relax, Artemis,” Shade murmurs, almost teasingly. “You’ve got me now, remember? If it comes to it, I can help… even the odds.”

The shadowy tendril holding me in place tightens its grip slightly, almost as if it’s emphasizing the point. I shiver, forcing myself to focus on the snarling beasts chasing us.

“You don’t trust me yet,” Shade continues, its tone almost playful. “But you’ll see. When things get desperate… I’ll be your only real choice.”

“How many do we have to get rid of before they stop attacking?” I shout, loosing another arrow as a wolf leaps toward the cart. The arrow strikes, sending the beast tumbling back into the dirt.

Shade’s voice hums softly in my mind, unbothered by the chaos around us. “They won’t stop, Artemis. Not until the pack leader decides it’s no longer worth it… or until you deal with the pack leader directly.”

My heart sinks at the thought. “The pack leader?” I mutter under my breath.

“Yes,” Shade replies smoothly. “Dire wolves are simple creatures. Take out the alpha, and the rest will scatter. But finding it…” It chuckles darkly. “That’s the hard part.”

I grit my teeth, scanning the snarling mass of beasts chasing the caravan. Among the glowing eyes and snapping jaws, it’s impossible to tell which one could be the leader.

“Oh, it’s not too difficult, really,” Shade says, its tone calm and conversational, as if we weren’t being chased by a snarling pack of wolves. “The leader will stand out—it’ll be much bigger, stronger, meaner. The one that the others follow.”

The carts jolt as they turn sharply down the path, the wheels creaking loudly. I struggle to steady myself, the tendril tightening its grip on the cart to keep me from falling.

“Great,” I mutter, scanning the mass of glowing eyes and snapping jaws. “Big, strong, and mean. That really narrows it down.”

Shade chuckles softly. “You’ll know it when you see it, Artemis. Trust me.”

“That sure sounds promising,” I mutter under my breath, firing another arrow into the pack. The shot lands, taking down a smaller one, but the others barely seem to notice, their snarls growing louder as they close the gap.

Shade chuckles, its tone amused. “Oh, it’ll be plenty exciting, don’t you worry. Leaders like these don’t stay hidden for long. It wants to make sure its pack knows who’s in charge—and who its next target should be.”

I glance back toward the pack, my heart pounding. “Well, if it could hurry up and make itself known, that’d be great,” I snap, another jolt from the cart nearly knocking me off balance.

Shade’s voice is calm, almost teasing. “Patience, Artemis. Let it come to you. These things love a challenge… and you’re quite the prize.”

“Guess I’ll just keep defending until it decides to show up,” I mutter, loosing another arrow into the snarling mass. The shot lands, taking down another.

The carts bounce along the uneven path, and I steady myself against the tendril anchoring me to the cart. My arms ache from the constant firing, but I force myself to push through the pain.

“Good plan,” Shade says smoothly, its voice curling through my thoughts. “Keep them busy. Let the alpha get impatient. It won’t be able to resist taking everything down.”

“Not exactly comforting,” I mutter, firing another arrow. This one grazes a wolf’s flank, making it stumble but not stopping it entirely.

The guards on the other carts are swinging wildly, their weapons clashing against the beasts as they leap at the wagons. One of the drivers shouts something, but his words are lost in the chaos.

I grit my teeth, scanning the pack for any sign of the leader. The wolves are relentless, their glowing eyes and snapping jaws making it impossible to focus on any one target for long.

The snarling grows louder, and I can feel the tension in the air shift. The pack’s movements become more erratic, their focus sharpening like a predator closing in on its prey.

Shade’s voice comes through my mind, sharper now, almost urgent. “Oh and be ready, Artemis. It’s going to attack you first—you’ve taken out too many. You’ve made yourself the biggest threat.”

My grip on the bow tightens as I scan the pack, my heart pounding in my chest. “Great,” I mutter, my eyes darting back and forth. “Just what I needed.”

“You’ve drawn its attention,” Shade continues, its voice calm despite the chaos. “Now, don’t panic. Let it come to you. I’ll be here when you need me.”

I swallow hard, my muscles tense as I keep my bow drawn, ready for whatever comes next.

The snarling pack suddenly shifts, parting to the left and right like water splitting around a rock. My heart sinks as I see it—towering over the others, a massive wolf steps forward.

Its fur is darker, almost pitch black, with streaks of crimson running along its shoulders. Its glowing yellow eyes lock onto me, filled with a mix of fury and intelligence.

The alpha.

It lets out a bone-shaking roar, its claws digging into the dirt as it crouches, ready to charge. The pack snarls behind it, their movements eerily synchronized as they follow its lead.

“You see?” Shade says smoothly, its voice curling through my thoughts. “There’s no mistaking a leader like that. Big, strong, and mean. Just as promised.”

I grit my teeth, my bowstring already taut. “Not helping, Shade,” I mutter, my breath quickening as I try to steady my aim.

The alpha snarls again, its massive claws scraping the dirt as it shifts forward, its glowing eyes locked on me.

“Just saying,” Shade continues, its tone calm despite the chaos. “You’ve got potential, Artemis. But this alpha? It’s a natural. Watch and learn.”

“Watch and learn?” I mutter through gritted teeth, my focus locked on the alpha. “I’m about to shoot it in the face!”

Shade chuckles softly. “That’s the spirit.”

I don’t wait. The tension in my bowstring releases with a sharp twang as I let the arrow fly, aiming straight for the alpha’s chest.

The arrow cuts through the air, striking the beast. It buries itself deep in the alpha’s shoulder, and the massive beast lets out a deafening roar that shakes the ground beneath me.

For a moment, I feel a surge of hope. But then it happens.

The alpha snaps its head toward the wound, its glowing eyes flaring with rage. It shakes its massive frame, and the arrow shatters like brittle wood against its thick hide.

“Bold move,” Shade says, its voice calm but laced with amusement. “Unfortunately, you might need more than just an arrow to take it down.”

The alpha lunges forward, its claws tearing into the ground as it charges straight for my cart. The entire wagon shudders under its weight as it leaps, and I barely manage to keep my footing.

“Alright, arrow volley time!” I shout, pulling the string of my bow back with everything I have. My ability activates, and in a burst of energy, countless arrows form around me, glowing faintly with magic.

The air hums as the arrows rain down in a deadly barrage, piercing through the snarling pack like a storm of blades. The alpha lunges mid-charge, then a single glowing arrow appears among the volley.

It streaks through the air, leaving a trail of shimmering light in its wake, and slams directly into the alpha’s chest. The impact is explosive, a surge of raw power blasting the beast backward.

The alpha roars in pain, its massive frame skidding across the dirt as the arcane energy pulses through it. The rest of the pack scatters briefly, thrown into disarray by the sudden assault.

“Now that was impressive,” Shade murmurs, its voice dripping with approval. “See what happens when you embrace what you’re capable of?”

I steady myself on the cart, panting from the effort as I watch the alpha struggle to its feet. It’s wounded now, its movements slower, but its glowing eyes still burn with fury.

The pack hesitates, their snarls quieter now as they look between me and their leader. The alpha’s body trembles, and for a moment, I wonder if it’s finally backing down.

But then it growls low and deep, rallying the pack as it takes a shaky step forward.

“Okay,” I mutter, steadying my breath as I nock another arrow. “It’s definitely stronger than some of the others we’ve fought.”

The alpha shakes itself off, its massive frame heaving with each breath. The glowing wound on its chest pulses faintly with residual energy, but it’s still standing, its eyes locked on me with unrelenting fury.

The rest of the pack stays back for now, their snarls low and uncertain. They’re waiting for their leader to make a move.

“You’ve got its attention,” Shade says, its voice calm but edged with something almost like excitement. “That means you’ve got the power here, Artemis. Keep the pressure on, and the pack might finally break.”

I nod to myself, my fingers tightening on the bowstring. “Yeah, easier said than done.”

The alpha growls again, its muscles coiling as it starts running again the others following closely behind.

“Focus the glowing wound,” Shade says smoothly, its tone almost smug. “Video game rules, remember? Weak spots always glow.”

“Yeah, I know,” I mutter under my breath, pulling my bowstring taut as I aim at the alpha again. “And you only know that because you’re leeching off my brain.”

Shade chuckles softly. “True, but isn’t it nice to have a reminder? Now, make it count, Artemis. One good hit, and this fight might be over.”

I narrow my eyes, my focus locking onto the faintly glowing wound on the alpha’s chest. The pack stirs uneasily behind it, their snarls growing louder as if sensing the tension in the air.

The alpha growls low, its claws digging into and tearing through the dirt with each step.

I release the arrow, my aim locked on the alpha’s glowing wound. For a moment, I feel confident, certain that this will land the decisive blow.

But before it can hit, one of the smaller wolves leaps into the path of the arrow, taking the hit instead. It yelps and collapses, rolling across the dirt before going still.

“Ah,” Shade says, almost amused. “The pack’s more loyal than expected. Or maybe it’s just terrified of the alpha.”

I grit my teeth, frustration bubbling in my chest. “Loyal or scared, it’s still in the way!”

The alpha snarls, using the distraction to lunge forward.

The alpha slams into the cart behind me with a deafening crash, the impact sending it toppling off the road. Supplies scatter everywhere as the wagon tumbles into the trees.

“Looks like your pay just got worse,” Shade says with a dry chuckle, its voice dripping with amusement.

“Not the time!” I snap, pulling back my bowstring and firing another arrow.

This time, the arrow streaks through the air with precision, heading straight for the alpha’s glowing wound. The beast roars, the arrow embedding itself deep into the weakened spot.

The alpha staggers slightly, its massive frame shaking as the energy from the arrow pulses through it. The pack lets out a collective snarl, their movements growing more frantic.

Shade hums thoughtfully. “Nice shot, Artemis. Now, let’s see if it’s enough to put it down.”

The alpha growls low, struggling to stay on its feet as blood and arcane light seep from the wound. It’s weakened, but it’s not finished yet.

The alpha’s roar is deafening, a sound so powerful it makes the air vibrate. My entire body feels like it’s shaking, my bones trembling under the sheer force of it.

Then I see it—a flicker of ember deep within its gaping maw, glowing brighter with each passing second.

“Uh oh,” I mutter, my eyes widening as realization sets in.

Shade’s voice slithers into my thoughts, sharp and urgent. “It’s fire imbued! Move, Artemis! Now!”

I barely have time to process the words before the alpha’s chest expands, the embers swelling into an inferno. Flames begin to gather in its throat, and I know what’s coming next.

I sprint across the top of the cart, the wooden surface creaking and shifting under my weight. My heart pounds in my chest as I nock another arrow, twisting mid-run to fire back at the alpha.

The arrow streaks through the air, but I don’t stay to watch it land. The heat radiating from the alpha’s mouth grows unbearable, and I know I’m seconds away from being roasted alive.

I reach the edge of the cart and leap, the wind rushing past me as the flames behind me erupt in a blinding torrent.

Just as I feel the leap falling short, a shadowy tendril shoots forward from my side, latching onto the next cart with a sharp crack. It pulls me forward, yanking me safely onto the next wagon as the flames engulf the cart I just left.

I land hard, rolling across the wooden surface before scrambling to my feet, coughing from the heat and smoke.

Shade’s voice echoes in my mind, calm but tinged with satisfaction. “You’re welcome.”

I glare into the distance where the alpha is still snarling, the flames around its mouth dying down as it prepares for another charge. “Yeah, thanks,” I mutter, pulling myself together.

The guards shout, their voices frantic as the wolves press the attack moving in ahead of the leader. The alpha’s eyes lock onto me once again, its growl low and menacing.

The shouts of panic from the caravan pierce through the chaos, louder even than the snarls of the wolves. The remaining merchants and guards scramble desperately trying to escape.

“We’ve lost two carts!” someone yells, their voice trembling with fear. “We can’t hold them off like this!”

The alpha snarls again, its glowing eyes sweeping across the wagons as if deciding which one to destroy next.

“They’re falling apart,” Shade murmurs, its tone almost amused. “A few more hits like that, and they’ll all be gone. So what’s the plan, Artemis?“

I grit my teeth, my bowstring taut as I glare at the alpha.

“I need to get to the leader’s cart,” I say through gritted teeth, my eyes locking on the wagon at the center of the caravan.

The alpha growls again, its massive frame shifting as it begins to run toward the next cart in line. The flames around its mouth flicker faintly, a warning of another attack to come.

I glance between the snarling beast and the leader’s cart, weighing my options. “I don’t have a choice,” I mutter, gripping my bow tighter.

Shade’s voice curls through my thoughts, teasing but calm. “Then let’s move, shall we? I’d hate to see your friends down there burn.”

I leap from cart to cart, my heart pounding with each jump. The wagons creak and sway beneath my boots, and twice I feel myself slipping, missing the edge entirely.

Both times, Shade’s shadowy tendril lashes out, catching me mid-air and yanking me back onto the next cart.

“Careful, Artemis,” Shade murmurs, almost teasingly. “Wouldn’t want to lose you now.”

I don’t respond, too focused on reaching the leader’s cart. Finally, I land on the central wagon, where the caravan leader clutches the reins tightly, his face pale with fear.

“We need to lighten the cart loads!” I shout, crouching beside him. “We’re not fast enough like this!”

The leader looks at me, wide-eyed. “What?! Are you crazy? We’ll lose everything!”

“Better than losing everyone!” I snap, pointing back at the snarling alpha as it closes in. “If we don’t move faster, none of us are getting out of here alive!”

The leader hesitates, his grip tightening on the reins. His gaze darts between me, the burning carts behind us, and the panicking merchants.

I stare at the man, disbelief and anger boiling in my chest. “Are you serious right now?” I snap, gesturing toward the chaos behind us. “We’ve already lost two carts, and the rest won’t matter if everyone ends up dead!”

The leader glares at me, his face set in a stubborn scowl. “It’s your job to protect the carts,” he says sharply. “That includes the supplies. Get back there and fight! We aren’t dumping anything!”

My fists clench, and I bite back a retort. Shade, of course, doesn’t stay quiet.

“He’s an idiot,” Shade murmurs, its tone dripping with disdain. “Why not just let him burn with his precious cargo? You don’t owe him anything.”

I ignore Shade’s comment, though part of me wants to agree. The snarls and shouts grow louder as the alpha edges closer to the carts. The leader’s stubbornness could cost everyone their lives.

I glare at the leader for a moment before spinning on my heel and heading to the back of the cart. My hands fumble through the supplies, pushing aside crates and sacks, searching for anything useful.

The cart is crammed with goods—barrels of food, crates of tools, and various trinkets. All important, sure, but none of it is going to help us right now.

“Looking for something specific?” Shade asks, its voice smooth and curious. “Or are you just trying to prove a point?”

“I’m looking for anything that can actually help,” I mutter, my frustration mounting as I toss aside a box filled with bolts of fabric.

Finally, my hand lands on something—a barrel with a faint metallic sheen. I pop the lid open and see rows of small, sharp objects inside.

Arrows.

“Well, well,” Shade hums. “Looks like you found a little gift.“

I grab a handful of the arrows, inspecting them closely. They’re tipped with a strange, glimmering metal—definitely not your standard gear.

“What are these?” I mutter, holding one of the arrows up to the faint light of the surrounding flames. The metal tips glimmer faintly, almost glowing as if charged with some kind of latent energy.

“These,” Shade says smoothly, “are exactly what you need. They’re enchanted, Artemis. Likely explosive-based, judging by the way they’re reacting.”

I glance at my regular quiver, the arrows already burning up after each shot. “So these might actually get past the alpha’s defenses?”

Shade chuckles, its tone brimming with confidence. “Oh, they’ll do more than just ‘get past.’ These are your ticket to leveling the playing field. If you can land a good hit on that glowing wound, these will finish the job.”

The alpha lets out another deafening roar, its glowing eyes locking onto the cart I’m on as it stalks closer.

I tighten my grip on the enchanted arrow, my heart racing as I nock it to the bowstring.

My breath catches as I realize the alpha has run straight past the other carts—it’s charging straight for me, its glowing eyes locked on me completely.

I’d been so focused on searching the supplies that I didn’t notice it tearing past the guards and the rest of the caravan. Its massive frame barrels forward, each step shaking the ground beneath me.

“Now’s the time to shoot, Artemis!” Shade’s voice rings in my head, sharp and urgent.

I don’t hesitate. My fingers tighten around the enchanted arrow, and I pull the bowstring back as far as it will go. The arrow hums faintly, the metallic tip glowing brighter as it aligns with the alpha’s glowing wound.

The alpha roars, its mouth flickering with embers as it prepares to attack.

I release. The arrow streaks through the air, a trail of light following it as it races toward its target.

I brace myself, my back pressed against the crates, my chest heaving as the alpha closes in. There’s nowhere to run—not with the edge of the cart behind me and the fire blazing in its gaping maw.

The world seems to slow as the enchanted arrow streaks toward its target, my heart pounding in my ears. For a moment, I wonder if I’ve failed, if this is the end.

And then it hits.

The arrow strikes dead center in the alpha’s glowing wound, and for a split second, everything is silent. The fire gathering in its mouth seems to falter, its body shuddering as the enchanted energy activates.

And then it happens.

The arrow’s magic combines with the flames, igniting a massive explosion that lights up the entire forest. The alpha’s roar is drowned out by the deafening blast, and I’m thrown backward, crashing into the crates behind me as the shockwave tears through the forest.

Flames and debris fly in all directions, and the cart beneath me groans and shakes violently. I shield my face as splinters of wood and shards of glowing embers rain down.

When the smoke and fire finally begin to clear, I glance up, my ears ringing and my vision blurry. The alpha lies sprawled in the dirt, its massive body still and smoldering. The glow in its eyes fades, and the pack behind it howls mournfully before scattering into the forest.

Shade’s voice hums in my mind, calm and almost impressed. “Well done, Artemis. Seems you have a knack for survival.”

I groan, pushing myself up shakily as the remaining guards and merchants scramble to regroup.

The carts ahead screech to a halt, and the drivers leap down, rushing back to help the survivors from the wrecked wagons. Guards scramble to regroup, some supporting injured merchants while others frantically check the scattered supplies.

I slump against the side of the cart, my arms trembling as I lower my bow. The adrenaline begins to fade, and the weight of what just happened sinks in.

The alpha lies still in the dirt, its massive body smoking and charred from the explosion. The pack is gone, scattered into the forest, but I can’t shake the nagging thought that this might not be over.

One of the guards rushes toward me, his face pale but determined. “You did it!” he shouts, his voice hoarse. “You took it down!”

I nod weakly, still catching my breath. “For now,” I mutter, glancing toward the fallen alpha.

Shade chuckles softly in the back of my mind. “Oh, it’s definitely dead, Artemis. You can relax. At least for a little while.”

I turn, still gripping my bow tightly, to face the caravan leader storming toward me, his face twisted in fury.

“How dare you!” he shouts, his voice trembling with anger. “Those arrows don’t belong to you! They were part of the cargo!”

I blink, my body still aching from the explosion and the battle. For a moment, I can’t even process what he’s saying.

“You’re seriously upset about that?” I manage to say, my voice rough. “I just saved all of you—and your precious carts—from being torn apart by those dire wolves!”

The leader’s face reddens further, his fists clenching. “Those supplies are worth more than your life, adventurer!” he spits. “You had no right to use them without my permission!”

Shade hums in the back of my mind, amused. “Oh, this one’s bold, isn’t he? Shall we teach him a lesson, Artemis?”

I shake my head, muttering to Shade, “Not now.”

“Not now, what?” the leader snaps, his glare sharp. “Do you even understand how much those arrows were worth? Do you have any idea what you’ve cost me?”

The glowing panel hovers in front of me, the words “Mission Failed” glaring like a slap to the face.

“You’ve got to be kidding me!” I shout, turning back to the leader, who stands there glaring at me with his arms crossed. “Because I saved you, you’re not gonna pay me?! I used one arrow! One! Without it, you’d be dead, and your precious carts would be gone!”

The leader’s glare hardens, his lips pressed into a thin line. “We had a deal,” he says coldly. “You were hired to protect the carts and the supplies. You decided to help yourself to what didn’t belong to you. That’s theft.”

I feel my blood boiling, my fists tightening around the bow. “Th—Theft?!” I stammer, incredulous. “Are you seriously standing here, alive, because of me, calling it theft? I saved your life! Without those arrows, you’d be torn apart by wolves right now!”

The man doesn’t budge, his expression icy. “Doesn’t matter. You broke the agreement. No payment.”

Shade, of course, is delighted, its voice dripping with amusement. “Oh, Artemis. He’s practically begging for it, isn’t he? A little scare, a little shadow… you know you want to.”

I take a deep breath, my body shaking with rage.

I grit my teeth, my whole body tense with frustration. Shade’s sing-songy tone hums in the back of my mind like a devil on my shoulder.

“You know you want to…” Shade repeats, the words curling in my head.

I clench my fists, exhaling sharply. “Fine,” I mutter under my breath, low enough that no one around me can hear. “But don’t hurt anyone, Shade.”

“Oh, you’re no fun,” Shade replies with mock disappointment. “But fine. Just a little… show.”

Suddenly, the shadows beneath me ripple unnaturally, spreading out like tendrils around my feet. The caravan leader takes a nervous step back, his glare faltering as the air grows colder.

“What… what are you doing?” he stammers, his voice wavering.

The shadows twist and rise, faintly forming dark shapes behind me, towering and menacing. Shade’s voice echoes faintly in the air, low and growling, as if from everywhere and nowhere at once.

“I don’t appreciate being cheated,” I say, my voice calm but sharp, as the shadows swirl ominously around me. “Especially after saving your life.”

The leader’s face pales, his earlier anger quickly replaced by fear. “W-Wait!” he stutters, holding up his hands defensively. “I… I didn’t mean—”

“Oh, but you did,” Shade whispers in a low, eerie tone, audible only to me but carrying a weight that makes the man shiver. “Didn’t you, friend?”

The other guards and merchants step back, their eyes wide as they watch the display.

The shadows swirling around me shift and twist, coalescing into the shape of a massive, snarling wolf. Its glowing eyes lock onto the caravan leader, and it lets out a guttural growl that reverberates through the air.

The leader stumbles back, his face drained of all color. “No—No! Stop!” he shouts, his voice breaking with fear.

The wolf leaps forward, its enormous jaws snapping inches from his face. The man screams, falling to the ground and raising his arms defensively.

But just as it’s about to snap again, the wolf dissipates into nothing, leaving only an eerie silence in its wake.

I watch the man’s trembling form on the ground. My heart is still pounding from the display, even though I know Shade was the one who made it happen.

“Wasn’t that satisfying?” Shade asks, its voice soft and smug. “He’ll think twice before crossing you again.”

The leader scrambles to his feet, his hands shaking as he fumbles for a pouch at his waist. “Here! Take it!” he shouts, tossing a hefty bag of gold toward me. “Just… take it and go!”

I catch the pouch mid-air, the weight of it heavier than I expected. “Next time,” I say, my voice low and steady, “remember who saved your life.”

I turn on my heel, walking back toward the caravan as the merchants and guards look on in stunned silence.

Shade hums in satisfaction. “Now that’s how you negotiate.”

One of the merchants bursts out laughing at the leader, their amusement echoing through the tense air. “Looks like the big boss isn’t so tough after all!” they say, their tone mocking.

The leader whirls on them, his face red with fury. “Stop it! That’s enough!” he snaps, his voice shaking more from lingering fear than anger.

I smirk slightly, but quickly refocus. “Come on,” I say, addressing the leader, my tone firm. “Let’s get moving before anything else comes out of the woods.”

The leader looks at me, his pride clearly wounded, but he’s still too shaken to push back. “N-No, we… we can handle it from here,” he stammers, waving me off with a trembling hand. “You’ve done… enough. You can go.”

Shade’s chuckle curls in the back of my mind, amused by the entire exchange. “Looks like you’ve been promoted from savior to terrifying legend. Well done, Artemis.”

I glance at the leader, then at the damaged caravan and scattered survivors. Part of me wants to insist on staying, but the other part, the tired and frustrated part, knows he’s just looking for an excuse to save face.

“Suit yourself,” I say, shrugging as I sling my bow back over my shoulder. My voice is calm, but inside, I feel a mix of frustration and relief. If they want to handle the rest on their own, that’s their problem.

The leader avoids my gaze, his face still pale as he turns back to the other merchants and guards, barking orders to regroup.

The merchant who laughed earlier gives me a sly grin as I walk past. “You scared the hell out of him,” they whisper, barely holding back a chuckle.

I don’t respond, just keep moving down the road ahead of the caravan. My steps are slow, my body aching from the fight, but I press on.

“Leaving already?” Shade asks, its voice soft and almost playful. “Didn’t even stick around for the applause. I’m disappointed.”

“They’ll be fine,” I mutter under my breath, more to myself than to Shade. “I did my part.”

“True,” Shade agrees, though its tone suggests it’s amused by my choice. “Still, you do have a knack for leaving a dramatic impression.”

I shake my head, tuning out Shade as the sounds of the caravan fade behind me. The road ahead is quiet, the forest still, but my mind is anything but.

I can’t help but smile, the memory of the leader’s panicked face replaying in my mind. He deserved it, and honestly, it felt good to knock him down a peg.

“Ahhh, made you smile for real,” Shade says, its tone teasing and self-satisfied. “No illusions, no tricks. Just genuine, pure, smug satisfaction.”

I shake my head, chuckling softly despite myself. “Yeah, well, don’t get used to it,” I mutter, though I know Shade can hear the amusement in my voice.

Shade hums contentedly. “Admit it, Artemis. You’re starting to appreciate having me around. A little chaos can be good for the soul.”

I roll my eyes, the smile lingering for a moment longer before I focus back on the road ahead. The forest is quiet now, the air still and calm, but the weight of everything that’s happened lingers at the edge of my thoughts.

“Maybe a little,” I mutter, my voice low but honest.

Shade’s chuckle echoes in my mind, soft and smug. “That’s all I needed to hear, Artemis. You’re warming up to me.”

I shake my head, trying to hide the faint smirk that creeps onto my lips. “Don’t get ahead of yourself. You’re still a pain most of the time.”

“A lovable pain,” Shade replies smoothly. “You’d be bored without me.”

I don’t respond, but deep down, I can’t completely disagree. As much as Shade irritates me, there’s no denying it’s saved my life more than once. And, well, I can’t remember the last time I’ve actually smiled since being trapped here.

The road ahead stretches into the horizon, the sun dipping lower into the sky.

“Now we go back,” I say firmly, the faces of my friends flashing vividly in my mind. I tighten my grip on my bow, the thought of seeing them again both comforting and nerve-wracking.

Shade hums, its tone playful and intrigued. “Oh, so you trust me enough to bring me along to meet your little group? How exciting!”

“Well…” I hesitate, glancing around the empty road. “We can’t exactly show them you yet. I don’t know how they’d react if they found out I’ve got… you… tagging along.”

Shade chuckles softly, almost mockingly. “Fair enough, Artemis. I can be our little secret for now. But don’t keep me in the shadows forever, hmm? I’m dying to see the look on your boyfriend’s face when he finds out about me.”

I feel my cheeks flush slightly at Shade’s teasing. “Can you not?” I mutter, shaking my head. “This is hard enough without you being… you.”

Shade’s laughter fades to a low hum, amused but not pressing further. “Fine, fine. Lead the way, Artemis. Back to your merry band of misfits. Let’s see if they missed you as much as you missed them.”

“And he’s not my boyfriend,” I snap, my voice sharp with embarrassment.

Shade, of course, doesn’t let it drop. Its giggle bubbles up, light and childlike. “But you want him to be,” it says, sing-songy and delighted.

I groan, dragging a hand down my face as I keep walking. “Can we not do this right now? I’ve had enough of you poking around in my head.”

“Oh, Artemis,” Shade teases, its tone dripping with mock sympathy. “You’re just upset because I’m right. Admit it—when you see him, you’ll be blushing all over again.”

I stop for a moment, turning my head as if I could glare at Shade directly. “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“Absolutely,” it replies cheerfully. “And so will he, once you stop denying it and actually tell him how you feel.”

I shake my head, groaning again as I start walking faster. “You’re impossible.”

“And you’re adorable,” Shade says smugly, its voice brimming with satisfaction.

“For a shadow monster thing, you’re way too interested in my love life,” I mutter, rolling my eyes as I keep walking.

“Ooo, love life!” Shade coos, dragging out the words like a delighted child. “You said it, not me! Finally admitting there’s something going on?”

I let out an exasperated sigh. “There’s nothing going on, Shade. Seriously, drop it.”

“Oh, Artemis,” Shade says, its tone mockingly sweet. “You can lie to yourself all you want, but you can’t lie to me. I’m in here, remember? I know every little thought, every little feeling.”

I groan again, picking up my pace as if I could outrun its teasing. “And I wish that wasn’t true every single day.”

Shade chuckles softly, its voice fading into a hum of satisfaction. “No need to thank me, Artemis. I’m just here to make sure you face the truth… and maybe make things a bit more entertaining along the way.”

“Entertaining for who exactly?”

I let out another sigh. “This is gonna be a long walk…” I mutter, dragging my feet slightly as the road stretches endlessly ahead.

Shade chuckles softly in the back of my mind. “Oh, don’t be so dramatic. I’m here to keep you company. We can chat about your feelings for Lorien… or your existential crisis. Your pick!”

I groan, throwing my head back in frustration. “I’d rather talk to a rock.”

“Well, lucky for you, I can be as solid as a rock and a great conversationalist,” Shade replies, its tone dripping with mock pride.

I shake my head, focusing on the road. The sooner I get back to the city, the sooner I can reunite with my friends and maybe—just maybe—get a moment of peace.

“Suit yourself,” Shade says, its voice fading into a low hum of amusement.

I let my mind wander, trying to ignore Shade’s humming as I mentally calculate the distance back to the city.

Let’s see… We stopped to camp the first time, so that added about half a day. If I don’t stop to camp now and keep a steady pace, I should be able to make it in… maybe a day?

Shade’s voice cuts through my thoughts, sounding impressed. “Look at you, calculating distances like a proper adventurer. Not bad for someone who almost flew off a cart today.”

I ignore the jab and keep working out the details. If I can keep moving through the night, even if I slow down, it should cut the time down further. But that’s assuming nothing jumps out at me on the road.

“And assuming your body doesn’t give out first,” Shade adds, its tone dripping with amusement. “You’re still recovering, Artemis. You’re pushing yourself hard.”

I sigh, realizing it has a point. The aching in my legs and arms from the fight earlier hasn’t gone away, and my back still feels sore from being slammed into that tree.

“Fine,” I mutter, rubbing my temple. “Maybe I’ll stop for a break if I absolutely have to. But I’m not wasting time camping.”

“Bold choice,” Shade replies, its tone almost playful. “Let’s see if you’ve got the stamina to back it up.”

After hours of walking, the sky begins to shift, hues of orange and pink melting into deeper purples as the sun dips lower on the horizon. The forest around me grows quieter, the rustling of leaves and chirping of birds fading into an uneasy stillness.

I glance at the road ahead, my feet aching with every step. The chase earlier must have thrown me off—I’m further away from the city than I’d thought.

Shade, of course, doesn’t miss the opportunity to comment. “Looks like your brilliant plan to power through the night is already hitting a snag, huh?”

I roll my eyes, ignoring it as I keep walking. The darkening sky makes it harder to see the path clearly, but stopping feels like giving up, and I can’t afford that right now.

“You know,” Shade continues, its tone almost sing-song, “you could always take a little break. Just for a bit. I’ll even keep watch for you. Aren’t I generous?”

I scoff under my breath, gripping my bow tighter as I glance around the dim forest. The thought of resting is tempting, but the idea of lingering out here alone—and with Shade—feels just as risky.

“I’m fine,” I mutter, stifling a yawn that sneaks up on me. My body feels heavy, the ache in my legs and back more pronounced now that the adrenaline from earlier has worn off.

Shade chuckles softly in the back of my mind. “Oh yes, you’re definitely fine. Yawning, stumbling, and barely able to keep your eyes open. A picture of perfect health.”

I glare at nothing in particular, my frustration flaring. “I said I’m fine,” I repeat, my voice firmer this time.

“Suit yourself,” Shade hums, its tone dripping with amusement. “But don’t blame me when you fall flat on your face in the middle of the road. I’ll make sure to laugh when it happens.”

“I thought you were going to be nice now,” I mutter, my voice tinged with annoyance as I trudge along the darkening path.

Shade’s laugh echoes softly in my mind, low and amused. “I said we’d work together and be friends,” it replies, its tone mockingly sweet. “I never said I’m a good friend.”

I let out an exasperated sigh, shaking my head. “You really are the worst, you know that?”

“And yet, here I am,” Shade says, its voice dripping with smug satisfaction. “Helping you survive, making you laugh, keeping you company. Admit it, Artemis—you’d be so bored without me.”

I can’t help but roll my eyes, biting back a small, reluctant smirk. “Sure, you’re my favorite shadow parasite. Congratulations.”

Shade hums contentedly, clearly taking my sarcasm as a win. “Ah, acknowledgment. I knew you’d come around.”

I yawn again despite myself, my body screaming for rest even as I force one foot in front of the other. The road ahead feels endless, but stopping still doesn’t feel like an option—not yet.

Gotta be at least twelve hours straight if I’m lucky. My legs already feel like they’ve been put through a meat grinder, and the ache in my back isn’t letting up anytime soon.

Shade, as usual, doesn’t miss the opportunity to chime in. “Twelve hours, huh? That’s ambitious. Think you’ll make it without passing out?”

“Not helping,” I mutter, pulling my cloak tighter around me as the evening chill settles in.

“I’m just being realistic,” Shade says, its voice light and teasing. “No food, no proper rest… you’re going to hit a wall eventually, Artemis.”

I scoff under my breath. “You’re only here because I let you stay. Don’t act like it’s charity.”

Shade chuckles softly, the sound faintly echoing in my mind. “Not like you had a choice in the matter. But come on, twelve hours still? Even you’ve got to admit that’s a bit much for one day.”

I grit my teeth, pushing through the fatigue as the path winds deeper into the forest. I’ve made it this far. I can make it back. I have to.

“I’ve got to get back to them,” I say firmly, my voice cutting through the stillness of the forest. “I don’t want them looking for me and getting hurt because of it.”

Shade lets out a low, amused chuckle. “Sounds like stuff you should’ve thought of before running off,” it says smugly. “But hey, hindsight’s twenty-twenty, right?”

I grit my teeth, my fists clenching at my sides. “I didn’t run off for no reason,” I snap. “I was trying to protect them from you.”

“Oh, don’t pin this all on me,” Shade replies, its voice light and sing-song. “You made that choice all on your own. I didn’t force you to leave your little friends behind.”

I take a deep breath, trying to shove down the frustration bubbling in my chest. “I don’t need a lecture from you,” I mutter. “I just need to get back to them before they do something stupid.”

“Like follow you?” Shade teases, clearly enjoying itself. “Oh, I’m sure they’re already running around like headless chickens, worried about their fearless leader. So dramatic.”

“It’s already annoying enough when Veyron calls me ‘fearless leader,’” I mutter through gritted teeth, pushing myself to keep walking. “I don’t need you doing it too.”

Shade chuckles, clearly amused by my frustration. “Oh, but it suits you so well,” it says mockingly. “Always charging ahead, making the tough calls, sacrificing yourself for your precious little group.”

I roll my eyes. “Yeah, because it’s not like anyone else stepped up.”

“Exactly my point!” Shade says, its tone positively gleeful. “You’re the glue that holds them together. They need you, Artemis. Why not embrace it?”

I shake my head, the exhaustion creeping deeper into my muscles. “Because it’s exhausting,” I mutter. “I didn’t ask for this, and I sure as hell don’t want it.”

“Oh, don’t be so modest,” Shade teases. “You love it. Deep down, you love being the one they look to. Admit it.”

“I don’t,” I snap, my voice sharper than I intended. “I just… I just don’t want them to get hurt. That’s all.”

Shade hums thoughtfully, its tone softer now. “Hmm… maybe you don’t love it,” it says. “But you care about them more than you want to admit. And that, fearless leader, is why they’ll always follow you.”

“Also,” Shade chimes in smugly, “I’d like to point out that I never once said I’d hurt your friends. So really, it’s your fault for leaving them. Don’t pin that on me.”

I let out a sharp laugh, shaking my head. “Who knew shadow creatures had such selective memory? You literally threatened to hurt them after, like, five minutes of being in my head.”

Shade pauses for a moment, almost as if caught off guard, before replying in an overly casual tone, “I just made a fist… Okay, fine. That was before I got to know you. Now we’re buddies.”

“Buddies?” I repeat, raising an eyebrow. “You’ve got a weird definition of friendship, Shade.”

“Well, forgive me for not having much practice,” Shade says with mock offense. “It’s not like I’ve had loads of social interaction while being… you know, a ‘shadow monster.’”

I roll my eyes, smirking despite myself. “Yeah, I’m sure you were the life of the void parties.”

“Absolutely,” Shade replies, its tone dripping with sarcasm. “But seriously, Artemis, I wouldn’t hurt them. I know how much they mean to you. You’ve got my word.”

I hesitate, caught off guard by the sincerity in its voice. “Your word?” I echo skeptically. “Since when does a shadow creature’s ‘word’ mean anything?”

Shade chuckles softly. “Since now. Like I said—we’re buddies.”

I shake my head, a faint smile tugging at the corner of my lips. “You’re impossible.”

“Thank you,” Shade says cheerfully.

I tilt my head back, letting my gaze drift up to the stars scattered across the dark sky. The cool air brushes against my skin, and for a moment, the ache in my legs feels a little less heavy.

“Ah, stargazing,” Shade says, its voice soft and amused. “Trying to keep your mind busy, huh? Good call. I was running out of things to tease you about anyway.”

I ignore it, focusing on the constellations above. They’re brighter here, sharper, unclouded by the haze of city lights like back home. It’s almost peaceful, despite everything.

“You ever do this before?” Shade asks suddenly, its tone oddly genuine.

“Do what?” I reply, not taking my eyes off the stars.

“Look at the stars,” it says. “When you were… you know, Alex.”

I pause, surprised by the question. “Not really,” I admit quietly. “Didn’t have much reason to. Too busy, too tired, too… I don’t know. Just never thought about it.”

Shade hums thoughtfully. “Shame. They’re beautiful, don’t you think? Almost makes you forget you’re stuck in a game.”

I nod slightly, the weight of its words settling over me. “Yeah,” I murmur. “Almost.”

For a while, we walk in silence, the stars above twinkling softly. It’s a fragile kind of calm, but I cling to it, letting it steady me as I press on.

The soft glow above helps to calm my nerves as my boots crunch against the dirt road. “How come sometimes you ask me if I’ve done stuff,” I say after a moment, my voice low, “when you already know the answer?”

Shade hums in my mind, its tone amused but quieter than usual. “Because hearing you say it hits different,” it replies. “I can see your memories, sure, but they’re not all… together sometime they’re like fragments. Fuzzy. Like flipping through a half-finished book.”

I glance ahead, my gaze scanning the dark path. “So you’re saying you don’t actually know everything about me?”

“Not everything,” Shade says, almost defensively. “I pick up the big stuff, sure—the regrets, the feelings, the thoughts you try to bury. But the details? The small moments? They’re clearer when you talk about them. That’s how I’ll complete them.”

I furrow my brow, trying to process that.
“So what, you’re just… piecing me together like a puzzle?”

Shade chuckles softly.
“Something like that. But don’t worry—I like what I’ve figured out so far.”

“Glad I’m so entertaining,” I mutter, though my tone is less biting than usual.

“More than entertaining,” Shade says, and for once, there’s no sarcasm in its voice.
“You’re… interesting. Complex. Different. It’s why I’m still here.”

I blink, caught off guard by the sincerity in its words. “Thanks… I guess?”

Shade hums again, letting the silence linger as we keep walking.

I shift my gaze from the stars to the path ahead, illuminated faintly by the soft silver light of the moon. It stretches on endlessly, or at least it feels that way. Each step feels heavier, the road blending into the shadows of the trees surrounding me.

Shade’s voice comes through, softer this time. “Long night, huh?”

I sigh, keeping my eyes on the path. “Feels like it’s never going to end,” I mutter, my voice almost lost in the quiet of the forest.

“Funny,” Shade replies with a light chuckle. “That’s how you’ve been feeling about this whole world, isn’t it? Like there’s no way out.”

I pause for a moment, not responding. It’s not wrong. This road, this walk, this world—it all feels endless, like I’m stuck running in circles, chasing something I can’t quite reach.

“You’ll get there,” Shade says unexpectedly, its tone lacking its usual teasing edge.
“The city. Your friends. Maybe even a way home. It’s not as endless as it feels right now.”

I glance at the faintly glowing horizon, the moonlight catching the edges of the trees. For once, I don’t argue. I just keep walking, one step at a time, hoping Shade’s right.

After what feels like an eternity of walking, my legs feel like lead, and my eyelids grow heavier with each step. The moonlit path starts to blur, my thoughts fogging as exhaustion takes hold.

“Rest,” Shade says softly, its voice oddly calm. “I’ll take it from here. Just close your eyes.”

In my delirium, I don’t even question it.
“Okay,” I mumble, my voice barely above a whisper. My legs falter, and I sink to the ground, my back resting against a nearby tree. My eyes shut before I can think twice about it, and the world slips away into darkness.

The last thing I hear is Shade’s voice, faint and reassuring. “I’ve got you, Artemis. Just sleep.”

For the first time in what feels like forever, there are no dreams, no illusions, no suffocating voids—just pure, uninterrupted sleep. It’s peaceful, a relief I hadn’t realized I needed so desperately.

When I wake, though, something feels… off. My eyes blink open slowly, the faint light of dawn breaking through the trees. My legs are moving, my arms swinging naturally at my sides.

I’m walking.

“Wait, what?” I mutter groggily, looking down at my feet as they keep moving forward, the road beneath me passing by steadily.

“You’re welcome,” Shade’s voice chimes in, cheerful and smug.

“What—how—?” I stammer, my mind still catching up.

“I told you I’d take care of it,” Shade says, as if it’s the most obvious thing in the world. “You needed rest, so I made sure your body kept moving while your mind got some much-needed shut-eye. Pretty efficient, huh?”

Despite the oddity of the situation, I notice something strange: I feel completely rested. My legs don’t ache, my back doesn’t hurt, and my head feels clear.

“This is… weird,” I admit, glancing around as I regain full control of myself. My pace slows slightly as I steady my breathing.
“You were walking my body all night?”

“Of course,” Shade replies, its tone almost proud. “And might I say, I’ve gotten pretty good at this whole ‘human movement’ thing. Smooth, natural, no one would even notice.”

I frown, the realization sinking in.
“You… didn’t do anything else, did you?”

“Artemis, please,” Shade says, feigning offense. “I’m hurt you’d even suggest that. I was the perfect caretaker. Scout’s honor.”

I roll my eyes, glancing ahead at the road. The city can’t be too far now, and while the situation feels strange, I can’t deny the small sense of relief at being this much closer to my friends.

“Can you always control me in my sleep?” I ask cautiously, my voice low as I glance down at my hands. The idea sends a small shiver through me, and I’m not sure if I want to know the answer.

“No,” Shade replies, its tone unusually calm, almost reassuring. “Only if you tell me I can.”

I let out a breath I didn’t realize I was holding, relief washing over me.
“Good,” I mutter, glancing up at the road ahead. “Because that was… unsettling. Helpful, but unsettling.”

“Hey, you gave me permission,” Shade says, a faint chuckle lacing its words. “Don’t act so surprised. I’m not the type to overstep. Well… most of the time.”

I roll my eyes. “I’ll keep that in mind,” I say dryly. “Just don’t get used to it.”

Shade hums softly, its tone light and playful.
“Fair enough. But you have to admit—it’s kind of nice, isn’t it? A full night’s sleep, no interruptions, and you’re already halfway to the city. I’d call that a win.”

I sigh, shaking my head. “Yeah, maybe. Just don’t think this means I trust you completely.”

“Oh, I know,” Shade says, its voice carrying a hint of amusement. “But you’ll come around eventually. You always do.”

I sigh, my thoughts drifting as I walk.
He’s right, I realize reluctantly. Basically everything he’s said, I’ve denied at first… and then eventually agreed to, at least the reasonable stuff. Well, other than the really messed-up things.

Shade chuckles, clearly picking up on my thoughts. “See? I’m not as bad as you like to pretend I am,” it says, its tone smug. “I mean, sure, I’ve got a… dark side, but who doesn’t?”

I shake my head, a faint smirk tugging at the corner of my lips despite myself. “Yeah, your ‘dark side’ is literally all of you,” I mutter.

“Fair point,” Shade replies with a laugh. “But come on, admit it—you’ve warmed up to me. Just a little?”

I glance at the road ahead, my steps steady as I think. Have I warmed up to him? I wonder. He’s still infuriating, and I don’t trust him completely, but… he has helped me, in his own weird way.

“Maybe,” I say finally, my voice hesitant. “But don’t let it go to your head.”

“Too late,” Shade says brightly. “But I’ll take it as a win. Baby steps, Artemis. Baby steps.”

I roll my eyes, the faint smirk lingering as I keep walking. For better or worse, he’s stuck with me… and I guess I’m stuck with him too.

With the extra time Shade gave me by, well, walking me like a puppet, we should make it back to the city by the afternoon. I let out a small sigh of relief at the thought.

Sooner than I expected, I think to myself. The sooner I get back, the sooner I can check on everyone and try to explain everything… somehow.

Shade hums thoughtfully in the back of my mind. “See? You’re welcome. If I hadn’t taken over, you’d still be stumbling through the woods like a zombie.”

“I could have managed,” I mutter, not wanting to give him too much credit.

“Sure, sure,” Shade replies, its voice full of mock agreement. “But now you’ll get back faster, rested, and ready to face your friends. Or… to face Lorien.”

I groan, my cheeks heating slightly despite myself. “Why do you keep bringing him up?”

Shade laughs softly. “Oh, no reason. Just thought you’d want to look extra fresh and energized for your boyfriend.”

“He’s not my boyfriend,” I hiss under my breath, quickening my pace as if I can outrun the teasing.

“Not yet,” Shade says, clearly enjoying itself.

I roll my eyes, muttering to myself as I focus on the road. The city walls will be visible soon, and I can’t waste energy on Shade’s nonsense. I need to figure out how to explain everything to the group without alarming them too much.

I sigh, running a hand through my hair as I try to figure out what to say. What reason could I possibly give them for just leaving like that? I can’t tell them about Shade, obviously. But what lie would even make sense?

Shade hums softly, its voice almost thoughtful. “The best lies always contain the truth,” it says, as if offering genuine advice.

I frown, considering its words. Maybe I could say I went to find a way to heal myself? I think. I did go to the priest, after all… but that wouldn’t explain why I was gone so long. The church was close to the inn.

“True,” Shade agrees, picking up on my thoughts. “It’s not a bad excuse, but you’d have to explain what kept you out all night. What’s plan B?”

Maybe I could say I was trying to earn some gold for everyone? I muse. I did technically do that with the caravan job… even if it didn’t go perfectly.

Shade chuckles. “A solid option,” it says.
“You’re not lying about what you did, just… leaving out a few details. Nice and clean.”

I nod slightly to myself, still uneasy.
But will they buy it? Kaida’s sharp—she’ll know something’s off she seems to always know. And Veyron’s probably going to joke about me bailing on them. Hrothgar might be mad I didn’t tell them beforehand. And Lorien…

“Ah, Lorien,” Shade says in a sing-song tone. “He’s going to love this. Running off without saying goodbye? Classic romantic tension.”

I shake my head, muttering under my breath, “Not helping.”

Shade just laughs, leaving me to my thoughts. Maybe I should just keep it simple, I think. Stick to the gold excuse and keep the focus on why I came back.

I take a deep breath, steadying myself as I walk. I’ll tell the truth… kind of, I think. I’ll say I felt helpless, like I wasn’t contributing, so I went out and earned some gold. That’s true enough, right?

Shade hums, clearly amused. “Not a bad approach,” it says. “Vulnerable, honest—well, mostly—and relatable. They’ll probably still be mad, but it’s hard to stay mad at someone who admits they were just trying to help.”

“They’ll be mad-ish,” I say aloud, more to myself than Shade. “But I’ll apologize, explain why I did it, and… everything goes back to normal. Hopefully.”

“‘Normal,’” Shade repeats with a chuckle.
“Sure, that’s what we’re aiming for.”

I ignore the jab, focusing on the city’s outline beginning to appear in the distance. The walls are still a ways off, but they’re visible now, a reassuring sign that I’m getting closer.

“Hey,” Shade says suddenly, its tone almost teasing. “If they’re too mad, you could always let me handle it. I’m great at smoothing things over. Real charmer.”

“Not happening,” I mutter, shaking my head.

Shade chuckles softly, retreating into the back of my mind as the city draws nearer.
This is going to be fine, I tell myself, though the knot in my stomach suggests otherwise.

I furrow my brow as a thought crosses my mind. What if they’re not at the inn? I wonder. They could’ve used the inn menu to see my location. They might’ve even tried following me… they could be halfway to the other city by now.

Shade pipes up, its tone casual and amused. “If they’re that dedicated to finding you, I’d say you’re more popular than you think, fearless leader.”

I groan. “That’s not the point, Shade. If they’re out there looking for me, they could’ve walked straight into danger. What if something happened to them?”

“Relax,” Shade says smoothly. “If they used the menu, and if they tried following you, they wouldn’t have known where you were headed and would’ve been forced to wait for you to stop moving.”

I bite my lip, the knot in my stomach tightening. But what if they’re not? What if I have to track them down? What if they’re—

“Hey,” Shade interrupts, its voice firm but not unkind. “One problem at a time, Artemis. First, get to the inn. If they’re not there, then you can panic all you want.”

I take a deep breath, nodding to myself.
“Right. Get to the inn first. They’re probably there. They have to be there.”

I glance up at the city walls towering above me as I approach the gate. The familiar sight eases some of the tension in my chest.
The inn’s still a decent walk from here, I think to myself, but at least I won’t have to worry about any beasts jumping out of nowhere.

Shade hums in agreement. “No beasts, sure, but don’t forget about your charming human adversaries. This city’s got no shortage of jerks.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” I mutter under my breath, quickening my pace.

The streets are alive with activity, bustling merchants shouting their wares and townsfolk weaving through the crowd. It feels oddly normal, almost comforting, after the chaos of the past couple of days.

“See?” Shade says with a playful tone.
“No beasts, no bandits, no death traps. Just a nice, peaceful stroll through the city. Enjoy it while it lasts.”

I sigh, ignoring Shade’s commentary as I focus on navigating the crowded streets. The inn feels miles away, but with every step, I remind myself that I’m closer to finding my friends—and hopefully, some semblance of normalcy.

After weaving through the crowded streets and sidestepping merchants with carts piled high, I finally reach the familiar sight of the inn. Its weathered sign swings gently in the breeze, and the hum of activity inside drifts through the slightly open door.

I pause just outside, taking a deep breath to steady myself. Alright, Artemis, this is it. Hopefully, they’re still here.

Shade speaks up, its tone half-mocking, half-genuine. “Ready for your grand reunion? Or are you going to stand there all day debating what to say?”

“Shut up,” I mutter, pushing open the door. The warmth of the inn wraps around me, the soft chatter of patrons and the clinking of mugs filling the air. My eyes scan the room quickly, searching for familiar faces.

The old woman at the counter glances up and smiles faintly when she spots me. “You’re back,” she says quietly, as if trying not to draw too much attention. “Your friends have been waiting for you.”

Relief washes over me, and I nod. “Where are they?” I ask, my voice steady despite the nerves bubbling beneath the surface.

She gestures toward the staircase.
“Upstairs. They’ve been worried sick about you.”

I swallow hard, my chest tightening.
They were really that worried?

“Time to face the music,” Shade says, its voice teasing but not unkind.

I nod to myself, heading for the stairs, my heart pounding with each step.
How are they going to react? Mad? Relieved? Both?

I stop at the top of the stairs, my hand hovering just over the door to the room. My chest tightens as I stand there, frozen.
On one hand, I’m relieved they’re here—safe, unharmed. But on the other… I’m terrified of the reaction I’m about to get.

Shade pipes up, its voice light but tinged with amusement. “It’s gonna be fine. Worst case, they yell at you. Maybe Hrothgar’s booming voice rattles the walls a little. But hey, no fireballs or flying axes. You’ll live.”

I roll my eyes. “Not helping,” I mutter under my breath.

I take a deep breath, clenching my fist slightly as I try to steady myself. Just get it over with. They’re your friends—they’ll understand. Maybe.

I push open the door, bracing myself for whatever’s about to come. The second it swings open, I hear Kaida’s voice ring out.

“Artemis!” she yells, her face a mix of relief and frustration as she jumps to her feet.

End of chapter 16
Next time the groups reaction loose ends and more ;)