Disclaimer: I don't own Narnia or any characters you may recognize from the books or the movies, I wish I did but I don't... I also don't own the Narnian Calendar. It belongs to Elecktrum who was kind enough to let me borrow it for my story. Her own stories are awesome and you should go read them too.

Summary: In the aftermath of rescuing Queen Lucy from an evil sorcerer, Katerina Alambiel struggles to find her place while some of the Narnians closest to the Pevensies still question her motives. And, finding herself in the middle of an assassination plot against the High King himself doesn't exactly help her to fit in.

Warning: There will be mentions of torture, murder, and some scary moments. So, this is a mid to high T.

What's Gone on Before

Shot entering a courthouse in our world, a stranger comes to Narnia one year into the Pevensies' reign. This stranger, Katerina Alambiel, gains the trust of young Queen Lucy even though others suspect she might be a witch. Still, she is allowed to remain in Cair Paravel as a guest. Oreius begins to earn her trust as she earns his. When the evil sorcerer, Jannes, takes Lucy, Katerina Alambiel is accused of being an accomplice even as she crafts a plan to rescue the Valiant Queen. Infiltrating the sorcerer's lair, Katerina Alambiel leaves a trail for Oreius and the Kings allowing them to rescue Lucy. Katerina Alambiel pursues and kills Jannes with Oreius' aid (Full story: Awakening).

A Light in the Darkness: Shadowed

Prologue: Clouds on the Horizon

Narnia

12 Twirleaf 1001

Two cloaked and hooded figures faced each other across a room lit only by flickering purple and black flames. The larger of the two spoke first. "Jannes has fallen."

His smaller companion shrugged and nonchalantly waved a hand at the unlit torches. "This we knew since his torches went out yesterday, besides Jannes was a fool to think his plan would work."

"But, his plan did work...until the end."

"The only part of his plan that worked, brother, was where he successfully maneuvered for the return of that girl. Then, the fool decided to steal the youngest royal and use her as bait to destroy the other children. I am not surprised Jannes died before he could accomplish anything other than irritating those children, the Centaur, and even his precious Katerina Alambiel. The fool was never the same after that Esti and Kyros debacle. His focus was tainted. Now we need a new plan for taking back Narnia before those brats reach their potential and before the Lion returns for a visit."

The larger figure chuckled. "You are a cold woman, sister. But, you should be pleased that I have already come up with a plan for destroying the children that is foolproof."

The cloaked woman turned to him and her skepticism nearly dripped off her words. "Oh really? And, just what is this grand plan of yours, Jambres? I hope it's better than using Werewolves because obviously that doesn't work very well."

Jambres loomed over his smaller companion and a menacing tone entered his deep voice. "Do not underestimate me, Medea. Jannes' plan didn't work because he attacked the youngest child, the most protected of them all. My plan will work because the protector of the royals will be killed and, as far as Narnia is concerned, it will be Katerina Alambiel who's the guilty party."

Medea looked up at Jambres then turned away to ring a small bell. She looked over her shoulder at Jambres. "I hope you know a good assassin if you truly plan on killing the High King and making it look like Jannes' rebellious little pet was the culprit."

Jambres straightened to his full height of six feet and seven inches. "I know more than one. They will be perfectly capable of taking care of it."

Medea raised a cautioning hand, "Just remember that we need Katerina Alambiel back under our control, not dead. Make sure your assassins know."

"I know how to carry out my own plan, Medea. But, how exactly do you intend to contribute to this mission?"

A side door opened and two Werewolves walked into the room. Medea never turned away from Jambres as she addressed the Fell Beasts. "Isak, Brutus, you know what to do." The two Werewolves bowed first to Medea then to Jambres before they ran from the room.

Jambres barked a laugh as he realized the meaning of her actions. "That is your plan, Medea? Well, at least it will provide a good distraction for my plan to be carried out to perfection. I say the High King will be on his deathbed by the time your plan even comes into play. But, either way Narnia will be ours by the New Year."

"Yes, and not even the Lion will be able to stop us this time. Narnia will be ours by Mayblossom or even Quickening."

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A/N: And, I'm back! So, this story won't be as consistently dark as the last one, but there will be angst especially for Katerina. I hope this story will live up to your expectations and maybe even surprise you a bit. Click the little review button below and let me know if you are intrigued and what y'all think is going to happen next.