Chapter 129: Queen of Shadows
More and more soul shadows rose from the puddle beneath her feet. They came silently, their shapes distorting and twisting, shifting between formless smoke and something half-alive.
Liora’s eyes widened as she slowly began to recognize them.
Hornets. Bees. Mosquitoes. Even a mantis. A few spiders too.
Their bodies were made of black shadows, constantly rippling and bending out of shape the moment they touched anything. Their outlines shimmered and glitched like broken reflections in water, yet their presence was undeniable. But they were powerful and creepy.
Liora’s heart beat faster—not from fear, but from wonder.
She counted them slowly. One by one. Then more. And more. Until she realized that over twenty souls had responded to her call. Not just responded—they had come out willingly. They were not in confusion, and intelligence showed in their eyes and willingness.
The black insects, their bodies flickering between form and fog, stood in a neat line in front of her like an army waiting for their queen’s command.
Liora couldn’t help but smile.
She whispered, "Help me."
And the shadows moved instantly.
As if they understood her completely, they surged forward like a wave. Silent and weightless, yet with terrifying speed. They surrounded her protectively, spreading wide, blocking the path between her and the massive beast that stood at the center of the clearing.