Chapter 1

The day was bleak and desolate, matching the sorrow and despair that lingered in the air. It was the day they buried their beloved leader, a man who had been a master in his craft, a father of two sons, and a mentor to countless others. As the funeral procession made its way to the cemetery, the grey clouds overhead seemed to mirror the heavy hearts of those who followed behind.

As they gathered around the grave, the somber scene was made even more heartbreaking by the absence of one of the leader's sons. Only one of them was present, standing solemnly and staring down at the casket that held his father's remains. It was clear from the way he carried himself that he was trying to keep his composure, but the pain and grief were etched deeply into his features.

The turnout for the funeral was small, and understandably so. Many of the members of their group had perished during the brutal war that had ravaged their community. Those who had survived were still reeling from the aftermath and struggling to pick up the pieces of their shattered lives. Some were still recovering from injuries sustained in the conflict, while others were simply too overcome with grief to attend.

Despite the small number of mourners, the sense of loss was palpable. The leader had been a guiding light to so many, a wise and compassionate mentor who had touched the lives of everyone he met. His legacy would live on through the work of his surviving son and the memories of those who had been lucky enough to know him.

Could it be that his departure is my fault? Is it possible that leaving him was my punishment? I chose not to engage in the Shadow wars, and I wonder if that's why he was taken away from me. Was it my reluctance to fight that caused his loss?

"Kurtis," interrupted a woman behind him, pulling him out of his thoughts. He realized that the ceremony had ended, and everyone had left. "I'm sorry."

Kurtis turned to face her. She had brown hair, green eyes, and a fit physique. She could also pack a punch if necessary. Kurtis could tell that something was bothering her, but she didn't say anything.

She walked past him to the headstone, where bouquets of flowers had been placed out of respect for his father. The cemetery was filled with fallen knights from the Shadow War, including many from their order.

"Eckhardt is on the hunt," Steph said, tapping Kurtis on the shoulder. "Your mother couldn't make it, so she sent these."

She handed Kurtis two spearhead-shaped crystalline shards, known as the periapt shards. "Eckhardt has the other shard hidden in his lab."

Kurtis pocketed the shards. "I'll find it and destroy him."

Steph also gave him a Chirugai, a meteorite alloy. He clipped it onto his belt and clenched his fist. "Eckhardt will die."

A tear rolled down his cheek as he heard his father's voice in his head, telling him to stay focused.

"Your mother is safe with her people," Steph said, glancing at the headstones. "But I want to fight with you. I'm a good fighter, even though I don't have powers."

Kurtis grabbed her wrist. "I can't risk your life like that."

Steph, I wish I could express just how much you mean to me and my desire to safeguard you and ensure your safety.

"But Kurtis-"

"No, I won't let you get hurt," Kurtis said, pulling her closer. "I need to find my brother. Any ideas where he is?"

Steph sighed, slipping her wrist out of his grip. "We haven't been able to locate him. He's always on the move and disappears from the radar."

"I'll find him," Kurtis said. "And I'll take down the Cabal. It's a Lux Oath."

Winston was taken aback when he saw Lara walking through the doorway after being missing for two years in Egypt. He flinched and quickly turned his gaze toward the entrance. In his moment of shock, he dropped the tray he was holding, causing it to shatter into countless pieces, producing a loud sound that pierced Lara's eardrums. As she made her way toward him, he remained motionless, and she had to walk past the broken cups on the ground. Winston, the old butler, eventually composed himself, placing a hand on his chest, likely attempting to calm his racing heart. It seemed as though he had been on his way to deliver tea to Zip and Alister when he encountered Lara unexpectedly.

Winston's eyes widened as he grabbed Lara and pulled her into a tight embrace. She gasped for air as his fruity cologne wafted up to her nose, and hot tea seeped through his damp shirt and into her chest. "You're squeezing the life out of me," she whispered in his ear, struggling to breathe.

"I'm sorry, Lara but..." Winston paused, looking at her with a mixture of shock and joy.

"It's okay, it's in the past," Lara said as they finally broke the hug. However, she quickly noticed the broken tea cups on the ground and bent down to pick up the shattered pieces. Winston tried to stop her, but she insisted, "This is my fault. Let me."

Winston frowned, not wanting her to dirty her hands. Nevertheless, Lara crouched down, her fingers carefully brushing the shards of glass.

"Milady, I can't let you do this," Winston protested, bending down to help her.

"Don't call me that," Lara replied firmly, continuing to pick up the pieces.

As they gathered the shards, they headed into the kitchen to dispose of them in the dustbin. Lara leaned against the counter, asking Winston what had happened in her absence.

He switched on the kettle, the sound of steam humming in her ears. "Your Uncle Errol tried to take over the manor. But we couldn't let him. Not until your body's been found."

Lara chuckled, tapping the side of her thigh. "Even now, huh?"

Winston nodded, a smile spreading across his face. "He even tried to bribe Zip and Alister. Fortunately, they're loyal to you."

"I'll have to give them a raise," Lara said, nodding. She smiled to herself, pleased to hear that her friends had remained steadfast.

Winston informed her that Zip was in the tech room and Alister was in the library, ensuring that her "tomb-raiding" career remained safe. The kettle whistled, and Lara reached for the cupboard, pulling out four cups – one for Winston, one for herself, and two for her friends.

"Just bring me my tea," she said, heading towards the stairs. "Tell them I don't want to be bothered."

Winston poured out the tea, and the liquid sloshed in her ears as she left. "Yes, milady. I'm sure they'll understand."

Lara gave a heavy sigh as she walked into her room, taking in the familiar surroundings. Everything was just as she remembered it, a sense of comfort washing over her. Winston had done an excellent job of maintaining the room as if he had been waiting for her return every day for the past two years.

But as she placed her bag on the bed, a wave of uncertainty washed over her. What was next for her? Tomb raiding was no longer an option, not after what had happened in Egypt. The thought of going back to that life filled her with apprehension.

Lara walked out onto the balcony, gazing out at the sunset and inhaling the crisp evening air. The sky was awash with pink and orange hues, the birds soaring freely through the clouds.

As the moon rose on the other side of the sky, Lara couldn't help but wonder what else was out there for her. What other adventures or challenges lay ahead, beyond the comfort of her familiar life at the manor?

She stood there for a few more moments, lost in thought, before finally turning back to her room. Perhaps it was time to explore other options, to find a new purpose beyond her tomb-raiding days. But for now, she would simply rest and reflect on what the future held.