Page 144 of The Lycan King's Secret Child

From within the chasm, shadowy figures began to materialize—forms that defied clear description, shifting and writhing as if composed of darkness itself.

Elder Magnus arrived beside them, his voice barely above a whisper.

Elder Magnus: "I've never seen anything like this."

Seraphine joined them, her face pale.

Seraphine: "These are the Umbral Wraiths—beings of pure shadow mentioned only in the oldest of texts."

Amelia felt a knot tighten in her stomach.

Amelia: "What do they want?"

Before anyone could answer, the largest of the wraiths extended an amorphous limb toward the sky, and a voice echoed in their minds—a cold, hollow sound that sent shivers down their spines.

Umbral Wraith Leader (telepathically): "Mortals, your tampering with forces beyond your ken has awakened us. The balance must be restored."

Liam stepped forward instinctively, his aura glowing faintly.

Liam: "We didn't mean to disturb you. Please, let us make this right."

The wraith's gaze—or what passed for one—seemed to settle on him.

Umbral Wraith Leader: "The cycle cannot be halted. Darkness will reclaim what is owed."

Amelia pulled Liam back gently.

Amelia: "We need to regroup and find a way to communicate with them."

Elder Dorian shook his head.

Elder Dorian: "I fear diplomacy may not be possible."

The ground trembled again as more wraiths emerged, their numbers increasing rapidly.

Xander's expression hardened.

Xander: "We need to evacuate the Sanctuary. Our people can't withstand an assault from these creatures."

Elder Magnus nodded reluctantly.

Elder Magnus: "Agreed. We'll organize the evacuation immediately."

As they turned to leave, the Umbral Wraith Leader's voice echoed once more.

Umbral Wraith Leader: "There is no escape. The shadow consumes all."

Back at the Sanctuary, chaos ensued as families gathered what they could carry. Amelia and Xander coordinated with the guardians to lead groups toward safer grounds.

Liam helped where he could, his young face set with resolve.

Liam: "We can't let fear overtake us. We have to stay strong."

Amelia paused amidst the frenzy, looking at her son with a mix of pride and worry.

Amelia: "You're right. We'll get through this."

As night fell, the first of the wraiths reached the outskirts of the Sanctuary. Defensive spells slowed them but did little to stop their advance.

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