When we arrived, the amphitheater was already filling with representatives from each tribe. On stage, Director Umbra stood resplendent in his ceremonial robes, his face a mask of benevolent authority.
"We're too late to change positions," Seris muttered. "I'll signal the others."
He disappeared into the crowd as Aya and I found places at the edge of the gathering. I scanned for our allies, relieved to see most had adjusted to the change in plans. Elder Morokh hoverednear a cluster of shadow faction representatives. Lyra and three of her pack positioned themselves at different exits.
The ceremonial horns sounded, and Umbra stepped forward to address the crowd. His voice boomed across the amphitheater.
"Welcome, friends from all tribes and colonies! Today we celebrate another successful year of the Integration Program..."
As he spoke, I felt Aya tense beside me. Following her gaze, I spotted guards quietly positioning themselves around the perimeter.
"We need to move now," I whispered to her. "Before they lock down completely."
She nodded, determination in her eyes. We began edging toward the stage, staying within the shadows cast by the setting sun.
Umbra's speech continued, full of platitudes about harmony and cooperation that now rang hollow to my ears. I signaled to Elder Morokh across the crowd. He nodded almost imperceptibly and began drifting closer to the stage.
We were halfway there when a commotion erupted near the exit. Lyra was being restrained by Umbra's guards, her pack members similarly surrounded.
"A diversion," I realized too late. "It's a trap."
Before I could react, guards materialized from the surrounding crowd. I pulled Aya behind me, letting my human facade drop as shadows exploded from my body in deadly tendrils.
"Run!" I shouted to her as I engaged the first guard, shadows piercing through his defenses.
But more guards were coming from all directions. I fought furiously, shadows lashing out to protect Aya as she tried to break through their circle. The crowd scattered in panic, screams filling the air.
On stage, Umbra's voice cut through the chaos. "Seize the traitors! They plot against the peace we've built!"
I caught glimpses of our other allies engaged in similar battles throughout the amphitheater. Elder Morokh's shadows battled three guards at once. The Void Walkers were disappearing with wounded allies, trying to get them to safety.
A piercing scream cut through my focus. I turned to see Aya being dragged away by two guards, a third pressing something to her neck as a sedative injector.
"Varkolak!" she cried out, struggling against their grip.
Rage like I'd never known surged through me. My shadows exploded outward in a lethal wave, cutting down the guards surrounding me. I lunged toward her, but more guards blocked my path.
Through a gap in the fighting, I saw Umbra himself approaching Aya, a satisfied smile on his face.
"The human who would undo decades of my work," he said loudly enough for me to hear. "How interesting that your blood sample shows such unique properties."
Aya's struggles were weakening as the sedative took effect. Her eyes sought mine across the chaos, wide with fear but still defiant.
One of my shadows reached her, wrapping protectively around her wrist. I felt her pulse through that connection, slowing dangerously.
"Choose, shadow walker," Umbra called to me, his voice carrying over the noise of battle. In his hand, he held up a data crystal, the evidence we'd gathered against him. "Save your human pet or expose your precious conspiracy. You can't do both."
With a gesture, his remaining guards began retreating, taking Aya with them toward waiting transport. Other guards pressed forward against me, preventing pursuit.
At the same moment, Elder Morokh appeared at my side, his form wavering from exertion.
"The stage is clear," he said urgently. "We can still reveal the truth. All the tribal leaders are watching."
I stood frozen between two impossible choices: the woman who had awakened my soul or the justice thousands deserved.
Through our shadow connection, I felt Aya's consciousness fading. The fear that I might lose her forever clawed at my chest.
In that moment, I thought of the ancient carvings, of what Morokh had told me. About embracing both sides of my nature. About being something neither shadow nor human alone could be.
