Archer stepped into the secret chamber only for his Shadow Prince's powers to erupt, and it tried to cover his body. When this happened, he remembered Freya's warning prompting him to push it down.
''Are you okay, Arch?'' Ayrenn questioned.
Just then, something drew their attention toward a corner where a book sat, but once they stepped closer, his attention snapped toward a small figure that appeared in front of it, but this sent a chill down his spine.
His heart seized a chill coursing through his veins as he locked eyes, a twisted mirror of himself, a younger version, cloaked in writhing shadows. The figure's lips curled into a mocking smile. ''Didn't heed your daughter's warning, did you, Arch?''
Its taunt cut deeper, each syllable a blade twisting in his chest, churning a storm of dread and guilt. Ayrenn's hand clamped onto his arm, her purple eyes wide. ''Arch, do you know this thing?'' she worriedly asked.
Archer's face hardened, his tone flat. ''Go back to the palace.''
