The storm outside raged, thunder reverberating through the cavern walls as rain poured relentlessly. Willie and Ghoida sat by the faint glow of the crystal, its pulsing light casting eerie shadows.


    “We’ll have to wait it out,” Ghoida said, crossing her arms. Her sword rested at her side, its blade still streaked with the blood of the Sky Rippers.


    Willie nodded, his attention fixed on the crystal. “It’s strange, isn’t it? The way this thing reacts to everything around us.”


    “Strange is one word for it,” Ghoida muttered. She shifted her gaze to Willie. “You’ve been staring at it non-stop. Does it… speak to you or something?”


    Willie hesitated. “Not exactly. It’s more like… impressions. Fragments of thoughts or feelings. I can’t explain it, but it’s almost like it’s alive.”


    “That’s comforting,” Ghoida said dryly. “An alive, glowing rock that calls monsters to us. What could possibly go wrong?”


    A sudden gust of wind rushed into the cave, carrying with it a faint growl. Both of them tensed, reaching for their weapons.


    “Please tell me that was just the wind,” Ghoida said, her voice low.


    Willie shook his head, gripping his dagger. “It’s not the wind.”


    From the cave entrance emerged a figure, shrouded in shadow. Its eyes glowed faintly in the same hue as the crystal, and its movements were unnaturally fluid. As it stepped closer, the light revealed a humanoid form, its features twisted and monstrous.


    “A Wraithborn,” Willie whispered, his blood running cold.


    “What’s a Wraithborn?” Ghoida asked, her sword at the ready.


    “A creature born of corrupted energy. They’re rare, but dangerous. They can manipulate shadows and use them to attack,” Willie explained, his voice trembling slightly.


    “Fantastic,” Ghoida said, gripping her sword tightly. “Let’s see how dangerous it is when it’s missing a head.”Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on the original website.


    The Wraithborn lunged, its movements quick and unpredictable. Ghoida met its attack head-on, her blade clashing against its claws. Sparks flew as the two engaged in a fierce battle, their silhouettes illuminated by the crystal’s glow.


    Willie tried to assist, throwing a rock at the creature to distract it. Unfortunately, his aim was off, and the rock hit Ghoida square in the back.


    “Willie!” Ghoida yelled, momentarily distracted.


    “Sorry!” Willie shouted, wincing as the Wraithborn took advantage of the opening, slashing at Ghoida’s arm.


    She gritted her teeth, ignoring the pain as she countered with a swift strike to the creature’s torso. The Wraithborn let out an inhuman shriek, retreating momentarily.


    “Stay back!” Ghoida ordered, her eyes never leaving the creature.


    Willie nodded, clutching the crystal tightly. An idea began to form in his mind as he observed the creature’s movements.


    “Ghoida, I think it’s reacting to the crystal!” he called out.


    “No kidding!” she snapped, dodging another attack. “What do you want me to do? Hand it over?”


    “Not exactly,” Willie said, his voice steady despite his fear. He placed the crystal on the ground and began to etch markings around it using a piece of chalk from his satchel.


    “What are you doing?” Ghoida demanded, glancing back at him briefly.


    “Just keep it busy!” Willie replied, his hands working quickly.


    The Wraithborn seemed to sense what he was doing, its focus shifting to Willie. It moved toward him, but Ghoida intercepted, slashing at its legs to slow it down.


    “Hurry up, genius!” she shouted.


    “Almost there!” Willie said, finishing the last symbol. He grabbed the crystal and placed it in the center of the markings. The symbols began to glow, forming a barrier around the crystal.


    The Wraithborn let out a furious roar, its body dissolving into shadows as it tried to break through the barrier. But the energy from the markings repelled it, forcing it to retreat further into the cave.


    “It worked!” Willie exclaimed, his face lighting up with relief.


    Ghoida, breathing heavily, glared at him. “Next time, lead with the plan instead of throwing rocks at me.”


    Willie gave her a sheepish smile. “Noted.”


    The Wraithborn’s presence faded completely, leaving the cave eerily silent. Ghoida lowered her sword, inspecting the wound on her arm.


    “We need to find a healer,” Willie said, his tone serious.


    “I’ll live,” Ghoida replied, though her expression softened. “You did good, Willie. Just… work on your aim.”


    Willie laughed nervously, packing the crystal back into his satchel. “I’ll practice.”


    As the storm outside began to subside, the two prepared to leave the cave, their bond strengthened by the battle. Though the dangers of Ventosca were far from over, they knew they could face whatever came next—together.