Chapter 5: The Awakening The creature loomed over the city, its form shifting like living smoke, its burning eyes fixed on Amara. The streets were in chaos—people ran in every direction, trying to escape the beast’s wrath. Amara felt her heartbeat thunder in her chest. This wasn’t possible. She had been on her way home from work just yesterday, worrying about deadlines and coffee stains on her blouse. And now she was in a different world, facing down a monster. The woman with the glowing sword—who still hadn’t introduced herself—grabbed Amara’s arm. “We don’t have time for shock. Can you fight?” Amara swallowed hard. “I—I’ve taken a few self-defense classes, but nothing like—” “Then stay behind me.” The woman dashed forward with supernatural speed, her sword slicing through the air. The creature shrieked as the glowing blade cut into it, but instead of falling, it recoiled and grew larger, its smoke-like body expanding. “Not good,” the woman muttered. Amara took a step back, her fingers brushing against the brass key in her pocket. The moment she touched it, a strange warmth spread through her palm. Suddenly, symbols flickered to life around her, glowing faintly in the air. The creature’s burning gaze snapped to her. “What the—?” Amara gasped. The woman’s eyes widened. “You’re the Keybearer.” “What does that mean?!” Before she got an answer, the creature lunged. On instinct, Amara threw up her hands, expecting to be crushed— Instead, a shockwave of golden energy blasted out from her body, sending the creature flying backward. It roared in pain before dissolving into black smoke. The street fell silent. People peeked out from hiding places. The woman sheathed her sword and gave Amara a long, unreadable look. “Well,” she said, breathing hard, “looks like you’re not as ordinary as you thought.” Chapter 6: A New Reality Amara sat in a dimly lit tavern, trying to process what had just happened. The woman—who introduced herself as Lyra—had led her here after the battle, explaining that it was safer than staying out in the open. “So,” Amara said, still gripping the brass key. “Are you going to explain what just happened?” Lyra leaned back in her chair, watching Amara with sharp, calculating eyes. “You’re not the first person to stumble through the Keygate,” she said. “But you might be the most important.” “Why?” Lyra gestured at the key. “That’s not just a key. It’s a relic of the old world—one of the few objects that can open the barriers between realms. The fact that it found you means you’re connected to it.” Amara frowned. “I didn’t find it. It was just... left at my door.” “Which means someone wanted you to have it.” A chill ran down Amara’s spine. “Who?” Lyra hesitated, then finally said, “The Order of Shadows.” Amara’s stomach twisted. That did not sound good. “And who are they?” “They’re the reason our world is in chaos,” Lyra said, lowering her voice. “They’ve been searching for the last Keybearer for years. If they find out it’s you, they’ll come for you. And they won’t ask nicely.” Amara exhaled slowly. “Okay. Cool. So I’ve been thrown into a magic war, I have powers I don’t understand, and a shadowy cult wants me dead. Did I miss anything?” Lyra smirked. “Nope. That about covers it.” Amara groaned. “I just wanted to go home, you know? Maybe get a promotion. Not... this.” “Well, you can’t go home. At least, not yet,” Lyra said. “But if you help us, we can protect you. And maybe even figure out why you were chosen.” Amara was quiet for a long moment. She thought of her old life—the predictability, the safety. Then she thought of the power she had felt earlier, the golden energy surging through her veins. She wasn’t sure she could go back, even if she wanted to. Finally, she looked up. “Where do we start?” Lyra grinned. “That’s the spirit.” But before she could say more, the tavern doors burst open. A tall figure, cloaked in black, stepped inside. Their glowing red eyes locked onto Amara. “There you are,” they said.
