Chapter 7: The Order's Pursuit
The chaos of the auction house had turned into a full-blown battle. Mercenaries from the Eclipsed Order surged forward, their glowing eyes locked on Zara as they realized what had just happened. She had done the unthinkable—merged with the Shard of Aether, the very power they had sought to control for centuries.
But Zara wasn't going to let them take her down without a fight.
With a single gesture, she summoned the shadows around her, shaping them into a swirling vortex of darkness. The mercenaries hesitated, unsure of how to approach her now that she wielded the full power of the Shard. But hesitation wasn't something Zara could afford.
She lashed out, the shadows moving with a will of their own, striking down the first wave of attackers. The air crackled with energy as she sent blast afterdon't trust outsiders, especially ones with ties to the Order, even if they're on the run. They'll want to know what you bring to the table."
Zara took the napkin, her mind already racing through the possibilities. "I'll take my chances."
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