The City of Shadows

Episode 10: The Ritual of Awakening

The next morning, Emma, William, and Professor Whitman gathered at the professor’s office, their spirits bolstered by the successful retrieval of the crystal vial. The early rays of sunlight streamed through the windows, casting a warm glow over the ancient scrolls and artifacts spread across the table.

“We have everything we need for the final ritual,” Professor Whitman said, carefully placing the vial next to the amulet and other artifacts. “But we must be precise. Any mistake could have catastrophic consequences.”

Emma nodded, her determination unwavering. “Where do we need to perform the ritual?”

“The ancient texts mention a sacred site in Riverton, a place where the energies of the earth and the stars converge,” Professor Whitman explained. “The location corresponds to the old town square, where the original settlers built a monument to commemorate the founding of the city.”

William unrolled the map, tracing a path with his finger. “It’s not far from here. We should go now, while the streets are still quiet.”

As they made their way to the town square, the early morning air was cool and crisp. The town was just beginning to wake, with a few early risers going about their business. The monument in the center of the…