The massive iron door groaned as it swung open, revealing a long, narrow bring suspended over a sea of swirling mist. Standing at the far end was the tall, hooded figure Dua had seen in the shop. The silver medallion around his neck pulsed in sync with the Golden key.
"You are late, huli, " The man said, his voice echoing through the vast space. He pulled back his hood, revealing sharp, handsome features and dark, messy hair that fell over his intense eyes.
"We were delayed by the Shadow seekers, Zian, " Huli replied, her silver tails twitching. "But the gril.... She used the Key's power . She destroyed one of them. "
Zian's gaze shifted to Dua, his eyes narrowing. He walked toward her with the grace of a predator. Dua stood her ground, though her hands were still shaking from the encounter in the chamber.
"Using the light is one thing, " Zian said, stopping just inches away from her. " Controlling it is another. Do you have any idea what you are holding, Dua? This isn't just a key to a door. It is the heart of the ancient city. If the shadows take it from you, the world you know will be consumed by the same darkness that took this chamber a thousand years ago. "
Dua looked at the Golden key, then back at zian. " I didn't ask for this. I was just closing my shop! "
" The key doesn't ask for permission, " Zian replied coldly, thought his expression softened for a brief second. " It chooses. And it chose you. Now, you have a choice to make: either you stay here and let the shadows find you, or you come with me and learn to be the Guardian Shanghai needs. "
Before Dua could answer, a loud crack echoed from the bridge behind them. The mist below behag yo rise, turning into dark, claw like hands reaching for the stone.