53. Haunting Shadows

He hadn’t spoken a word yet, but there was something about the oppressive presence of this shadow that made his throat tighten, his words caught in his chest. "No! Not that one! I’m talking about what you’ve done! The harm you’ve caused!" Swapper’s voice was a venomous whisper, sliding into his ear like a snake’s hiss. Jayden froze, feeling the weight of those words sink into his skin, the sharp sting of guilt running through him. A cold, twisted smile crept across Swapper’s face. "Let me show you exactly what will happen if you keep silent," it murmured, its hand twisting unnaturally. In that instant, the ground beneath them seemed to buckle and break, and both Emric and Swan began sinking into the earth. “Stop! Please!” Jayden’s voice cracked as he begged, desperation flooding his every word. But Swapper didn’t even blink. The ground continued to pull Emric and Swan down, deeper and deeper, until they were swallowed up to their bellies. Still, they sank, helpless, as the weight of th