Days were passing. Shadow and Elyria went to the mines every morning, inspecting the condition of the workers and checking for any suspicious activity. Elyria translated in the elven tongue, and after every conversation she sprinkled a sense of hope and mercy among her people.
As they walked along the paths near the mines, Elyria broke the silence.
Elyria: "My lord… I've been thinking… After all of this is over, what do you aim for? When these villages and mines are cleansed and exhausted, what will your position become?"
Shadow slowed his steps and looked at her. His eyes carried their usual coldness, but his voice was calmer.
Shadow: "Elyria, one day I want to establish my own dominion. These villages… these mines are only the beginning. But first I must bring order here. For now, that is my duty."
Elyria lowered her head, thought for a moment, then gathered her courage to ask another question:
Elyria: "My lord… How do you see me? Am I only a tool… or someone you hold value for?"
Shadow paused. In Elyria's eyes there was a blend of fear and curiosity. Silence fell for a moment. Shadow lowered his gaze, breathing deeply.
Shadow: "Elyria, you are not just a tool. Your intelligence… your pure and kind heart… I must admit, they make my work easier. But remember this, Elyria… duty comes before everything. Now let's keep searching for clues."
A gentle smile appeared on Elyria's face.
Elyria: "I understand… Yet still… I am glad I can help you. Without you… I wouldn't be here with you."
Shadow remained silent for a moment. Then he turned toward the entrance of the mines. Along the way they met a few elves and workers; Elyria translated, while Shadow observed quietly, focused on the mission.
Elyria spoke again:
Elyria: "My lord… Some elves want to approach you, but they're afraid. Maybe you could speak to them—just with your words. To gain their trust."
Shadow nodded slightly.
Shadow: "I will. But my priority is finding the one responsible. Luckily, I have you. With your intelligence and help… this job becomes easier."
The day slowly went on. They inspected the mines, spoke to workers, Elyria translated every word, and Shadow scrutinized every detail. The silence felt like the harbinger of looming danger.
---
At that moment, a massive explosion echoed from the mine entrance. A chain reaction of bombs struck the Duke of Iron's technological devices. The ground shook, metal shards flew through the air, and screams rose from the depths of the mine.
Shadow was dragged back into memories of old battles… the scent of chaos and death igniting his blood.
Shadow: "Elyria! Get behind me!"
Elyria dropped her lantern and cast a healing spell. The cuts on Shadow's body closed instantly. Shadow looked at her in shock.
Shadow: "You… did that?"
Elyria: "My lord, I had no other choice! But now I must heal the others!"
They rushed inside the mine. Elyria tended to the wounded with her magic, while elven healers and human doctors helped beside her. But the number of injured and dead was terrifying.
When Shadow reached the entrance, elves and humans worked together to pry open the shattered doors. Thousands were being evacuated to safer areas.
Shadow felt a surge of helplessness, but he could never show it. Everyone there was under his protection.
Minutes later, the Duke of Iron entered the mines with healers and doctors. His gaze toward Shadow was cold—filled with disappointment.
Elyria quietly approached Shadow, taking his hand, her eyes firm with determination.
Elyria: "My lord… I still trust you. But this is not the best time to hesitate."
Shadow gave her a faint nod. Silent yet deep… this bond had become a source of light in the midst of chaos.
Shadow looked toward the horizon, his thoughts drifting further away. One day, he would not merely be a man of duty; he would establish his own order, declare his own dominion. But until that day came, Elyria and these people would remain safe under his shadow.
And in the dark, grief-stricken depths of the mine, two orphaned souls carried a light of survival and hope—bound together by a connection neither intended.
Amid the chaos caused by the explosion, the Duke of Iron strode toward Shadow. His eyes burned with fury and disappointment. Shadow faced him, as cold and resolute as ever, though a silent tension lingered beneath.
Duke of Iron: "Shadow, what is the meaning of this? This explosion put thousands of lives at risk! Who caused this, and who is responsible?"
Shadow stayed silent, his eyes drifting toward the smoking remains of the mine entrance.
The Duke didn't break eye contact.
Duke of Iron: "And who is this elf girl? What is she to you? You will explain this to me!"
Shadow looked toward Elyria. She stood firm, despite the fear trembling behind her eyes.
Shadow: "My lord, this girl… Elyria. She is only my translator and companion. She helps me manage the situation here."
The Duke pressed his lips tightly and stepped closer.
Duke of Iron: "You act like a man of duty… yet you have lost control here. What caused the explosion?"
Shadow took a deep breath, fighting to maintain his composure.
Shadow: "My lord… I do not yet know the source of the blast. But I did everything in my power to protect the elves and the workers. I take full responsibility. This happened because of my lack of vigilance."
The Duke nodded sharply. In Shadow's eyes, he saw an unwavering resolve.
Duke of Iron: "Shadow, I will not let this go unanswered."
Shadow remained silent, but inside, this confrontation only strengthened his determination. Elyria stayed beside him, watching the exchange without a word.
Shadow was no longer satisfied with being just a man following orders. This incident pushed him toward greater responsibility—for both his goals and the people he was now bound to protect.
CHAPTER 6 – End