Shadows of Tomorrow ( Complete 10 Part )

The First Lesson

The roar of engines grew louder, echoing off the narrow streets. Reina's shadows stretched instinctively, coiling around her feet, ready to strike, but Kael's grip on her shoulder kept her rooted.

"They're close," Kael muttered, teeth clenched. "Stay sharp."

The silver-eyed man stepped forward, his presence unsettlingly calm. "You can fight," he said, "but fighting without understanding is like stepping into fire blindfolded. Tonight, you'll take the first lesson."

Reina's eyes narrowed. "Lesson? What do you mean?"

Before he could answer, the masked figures from before appeared at the far end of the street, dozens of them this time, their weapons gleaming in the dim light. The van was back, larger now, with reinforced plating and more men emerging.

Kael growled. "They've come prepared. This isn't a chase anymore—it's a hunt."

The silver-eyed man smiled faintly, stepping between Reina and the attackers. "Then consider this your test. Control them... or the shadows will control you."

Reina felt her chest tighten. The shadows responded to her fear and anger, lashing outward in wild bursts. One masked figure screamed as tendrils wrapped around his legs, pulling him off balance. Others fired their weapons, but the bullets dissolved into darkness before they could reach her.

"Focus!" Kael shouted. "Your power obeys your mind, not your panic!"

Her vision blurred, fragments of possible futures flashing again: falling, losing Kael, being trapped under the van. But this time, she forced herself to look past the fear. Slowly, the shadows obeyed—not striking wildly, but moving with precision, forming walls, strikes, and bindings.

The silver-eyed man nodded, approving. "Better. But it's only the beginning."

The attackers hesitated, clearly unprepared for her growing control. Reina's confidence surged, and she realized something terrifying—and exhilarating: she could fight, she could protect, she could shape the outcome.

The roar of the van grew louder. One of the masked men lunged forward, faster than the others. Reina's shadows reacted instantly, wrapping around his arms and yanking him back. He crashed to the ground, groaning, as the rest of the attackers faltered.

Kael's eyes met hers. "You're learning. Keep it up!"

Reina's pulse raced. She had tasted control—and it was intoxicating. But she also knew this was just the start. There would be more—stronger, smarter, more dangerous enemies waiting for her.

And somewhere in the distance, beyond the roar of engines and shattered asphalt, the real game was beginning.

The night stretched ahead, dark and endless, and Reina felt a thrill she hadn't felt before: this was her power. Her choice. Her war.