A Journey That Changed The World.

Chapter 1515: Iʼm Not That Kid Anymore!

Archer stepped into the secret chamber only for his Shadow Princeʼs powers to erupt, and it tried to cover his body. When this happened, he remembered Freyaʼs warning prompting him to push it down.

ʼʼAre you okay, Arch?ʼʼ 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 figureʼs lips curled into a mocking smile. ʼʼDidnʼt heed your daughterʼs warning, did you, Arch?ʼʼ

Its taunt cut deeper, each syllable a blade twisting in his chest, churning a storm of dread and guilt. Ayrennʼs hand clamped onto his arm, her purple eyes wide. ʼʼArch, do you know this thing?ʼʼ she worriedly asked.

Archerʼs face hardened, his tone flat. ʼʼGo back to the palace.ʼʼ

Before she could protest, he pushed the High Elf through a shimmering portal, her startled cry fading as it closed behind her. His gaze snapped back to the shadow, its red eyes gleaming delightfully.

ʼʼIʼll never use it again,ʼʼ Archer growled in defiance. ʼʼHer warning stopped me. Thatʼs the reason Iʼm not touching that book.ʼʼ

Moments later, the shadowʼs lips curled into a venomous smile, its voice a low, insidious whisper that clawed at his mind. ʼʼYou think you escaped them?ʼʼ

It sneered, circling him like a predator. ʼʼThose bruises your parents left, on your skin, in your soul, they never faded. Youʼre still that scared boy, cowering, worthless. No one could love something as broken as you.ʼʼ

His fists clenched as memories flooded back, harsh words, cruel hands, nights spent choking on silent tears. The shadowʼs words sank deeper, each one a splinter in his mind as he tried to ignore it.

ʼʼThe women in your life, Ella, the others, they donʼt love you. Theyʼre terrified of you. They stay because they fear what youʼll become if they leave. Youʼre a monster, Arch, and they know it,ʼʼ it revealed.

His knees buckled, the weight of the words crushing him. He wanted to scream, to deny it, but doubt gnawed at his core. Hadnʼt he seen the flickers of fear in their eyes? The shadow leaned closer. ʼʼAnd the book? You thought you were safe because you didnʼt touch it? Fool. Your mana was enough. You woke me, Arch. You birthed me.ʼʼ

ʼʼYouʼre unlovable,ʼʼ it said, its tone a sickening blend of pity and scorn. ʼʼYour parents saw it, why else would they beat you bloody? You were nothing to them, a mistake they couldnʼt wait to break. And now? Youʼre a walking curse. Everyone you touch, your so-called lovers, theyʼll run. Youʼll drive them away, just like you always do. Youʼre poison, and deep down, you know it.ʼʼ

Archerʼs breath ragged as the shadowʼs words tore open old wounds. The memories surged, his fatherʼs belt cracking against his back, his motherʼs cold indifference, and the suffocating loneliness that followed him like a ghost.

The shadow leaned in and spoke in a vicious whisper. ʼʼYouʼll die alone, Arch. No one stays for a monster. Youʼll push them all away, just like you pushed away any chance of being whole.ʼʼ

Something snapped inside. He blazed thanks to the raw fury and erupted in a guttural roar. ʼʼShut up!ʼʼ

He lunged forward, mana crackling wildly around his fists, the air trembling. ʼʼYou donʼt know me! Iʼm not that kid anymore! I fought for them, for her, and Iʼll be damned if I let you tear that apart!ʼʼ

The shadowʼs venomous words hung in the air, its eyes gleaming as it pressed closer, savoring Archerʼs unraveling. As he went to swing again, a radiant figure materialized between them.

Agrippina, his Elemental wife, her presence a blaze of light. Her white hair whipped in an unseen wind as she raised her hands, arcane sigils flaring around her as her aura exploded all over.

She unleashed a spell, a torrent of shimmering energy that slammed into the shadow, forcing it back. Archer staggered, his head throbbing as if split by a blade. The Shadow Princeʼs voice slithered through his mind, cold and mocking. ʼʼIʼm not done messing with you yet.ʼʼ

Archerʼs pain sharpened, his vision swimming, but he clung to Agrippinaʼs silhouette, her light anchoring him. The shadow recoiled, its form fraying at the edges as it drifted toward the shattered window.

ʼʼGoodbye for now,ʼʼ it taunted, a fading echo as it dissolved into the night, leaving only a chill in its wake.

He clutched his head, Agrippinaʼs gentle hand on his shoulder the only thing keeping him from collapsing entirely. ʼʼCome on, my love. Letʼs return to the palace and rest as the storm gets worse.ʼʼ

Without a word, he summoned a portal and stepped through into the familiar warmth of Draconia. Before he could catch his breath, a wave of affection engulfed him. Ella, Nefertiti, Mary, and Teuila surged forward, their voices overlapping in a chorus of relief and joy.

Ellaʼs arms wrapped tightly around his waist, her golden hair tickling his chin. Nefertitiʼs elegant fingers squeezed his shoulders, her dark eyes searching his face for signs of distress.

Maryʼs embrace was fierce, her strength grounding him, while Teuilaʼs warm laugh brushed against his ear as she hugged him close. Ayrenn stood apart, her gaze soft but guarded, a flicker of worry creasing her brow as she watched the reunion.

Archer froze for a moment, overwhelmed by the love, his heart caught between gratitude and the lingering poison of the shadowʼs words. Slowly, he returned each embrace, his hands gentle as he held them, one by one as if anchoring himself to their warmth.

Ellaʼs hug was eager, Nefertitiʼs fierce, Maryʼs unyielding, and Teuilaʼs brimming with quiet strength. Archer managed a faint smile, but the weight of his encounter clung to him like damp fog.

Stepping back, he spoke low and rough, barely above a whisper. ʼʼI need… some time alone. Iʼll be back in a few hours.ʼʼ

His words hung heavy, and the women exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of concern and understanding. He turned toward the window, its stained glass casting light across the stone floor, ready to slip away into the night air.

As he took another step, the heavy oak doors burst open, and Hecate stumbled in, her silver hair disheveled, her Moon Elf features exhausted. In her arms, the twins wailed, their tiny faces red, their cries piercing the hall.

Hecateʼs red eyes met his, a silent plea shimmering. Without hesitation, Archer crossed the room, his turmoil momentarily forgotten. ʼʼIʼve got them,ʼʼ he said softly, his voice steady despite the ache in his chest.

He gently took the squirming twins into his arms, Kelaʼs tiny fists grabbing at his cloak while Neomaʼs cries softened against his shoulder. ʼʼRest, Hecate. Iʼll take care of them.ʼʼ

Hecate nodded, her shoulders sagging thanks to the relief as she murmured a quiet ʼʼThank you.ʼʼ

Archer cradled the twins, their warmth a small balm against the storm raging inside him as he stepped onto the balcony. Their eyes followed him as he carried Kela and Neoma toward the window.

The biting Draconian wind surged toward Archer as he stepped out onto the balcony, but his Cosmic Shield flared to life, which deflected the chill. He settled onto the cold stone bench, the twins cradled gently in his arms, their small bodies warm against his chest.

Kelaʼs tiny fingers curled into his cloak, while Neomaʼs soft coos quieted as she nestled closer. He gazed down at them, Kelaʼs a deep amethyst, Neomaʼs a glowing crimson, meeting his that stole his breath.

In those eyes, he saw no trace of fear, no shadow of the doubts that gnawed at him. There was only love, pure and unwavering, a beacon in the storm of his fractured mind. The Shadow Princeʼs venomous words faded.

Archerʼs throat tightened, his heart aching, and threatened to unravel him. He brushed a thumb gently across Neomaʼs cheek, then Kelaʼs, their soft skin grounding him in this fleeting sanctuary of quiet love amidst the chaos.

He shifted gently, adjusting his hold to let the twins rest more comfortably against him. With a flicker of thought, he summoned tiny orbs of soft, twinkling light that danced above their heads like miniature stars.

Kelaʼs eyes widened, her little hands reaching up, fingers wiggling as she tried to catch the glowing specks. Neoma giggled, a high, bubbling sound that broke the nightʼs silence, her crimson eyes sparkling.

A smile appeared when they heard their laughter. ʼʼLook at you two,ʼʼ he murmured.

He conjured another orb, this one pulsing with a gentle warmth, and let it bob just out of Kelaʼs reach. She squealed, her laughter mingling alongside Neomaʼs as they swatted playfully at the lights, their joy infectious.

Archerʼs chest loosened, the weight of his earlier torment easing. He leaned down, pressing a soft kiss to each of their foreheads, his heart swelling as their giggles grew louder.