The shadow had grown stronger since their last encounter.
Its smoky tendrils now twisted like serpents, filling the path with darkness.
The forest itself seemed to bend to its will, making every step forward a fight against unseen forces.
Sade's heart pounded.
Fear tried to seep in, but she gritted her teeth.
She wouldn't back down—not now.
Not after everything she had endured.
Tunde stepped beside her, his glow steady, unwavering.
"Stay close," he said.
"No matter what happens, we face this together."
Sade nodded.
The warmth from his aura filled her chest, bolstering her courage.
The shadow roared, a sound that shook the ground beneath them.
It lunged forward with unimaginable speed, surrounding them.
Sade's light flared, Tunde's aura merging with hers.
They pushed back, their energy forming a protective barrier.
But the shadow was relentless.
Its claws tore at the air, its eyes burning with hunger.
It wanted her—her soul, her power, everything she carried.
Sade's voice rang out:
"I am not yours!"
The shadow hissed in response, voice echoing inside her mind:
"You belong to me. You always have."
Tunde gripped her hand.
"Fight it with me! Don't let it take you!"
Sade focused on her inner strength—the power Tunde had helped her unlock.
Her light pulsed, bright, steady, unyielding.
The shadow recoiled, shrieking in fury.
They stood side by side, their lights merging into a brilliant glow.
The shadow shrieked, smoke twisting violently, trying to escape their radiance.
Sade realized the truth:
It wasn't just her courage that could defeat the shadow.
It was the bond she shared with Tunde—the trust, the connection, the love forming between them.
Together, they pushed forward, stepping into the heart of the shadow.
It lashed, it shrieked, but it could not break their unity.
And then… a final surge.
Their light exploded outward, engulfing the shadow completely.
It screamed, dissolving into nothingness, leaving only silence and stillness.
Sade fell to her knees, breathing heavily.
Tunde crouched beside her, his aura dimming but still warm.
"It's over," she whispered.
"I… I did it."
Tunde smiled faintly.
"For now," he said.
"The shadow may return, but you are stronger than it—and stronger than you know."
Sade looked up, tears in her eyes.
"Thank you… for being here."
Tunde reached out, brushing her cheek gently.
"You're never alone, Sade."
The realm began to shift, glowing softly, peaceful for the first time.
Sade realized the journey wasn't just about defeating the shadow—it was about discovering herself, her power, and the bond that would guide her across worlds.