Shadows Over Arcadia Chapter 42: 42. Revenge Is A Gift

Read chapter 42 of Shadows Over Arcadia by Zacheas on NovelPedia.

42. Revenge Is A Gift I am Maribel Holloway, rogue adventurer and today is my 16th birthday. https://shadowsoverarcadia.com/api/storage/objects/uploads/3436dbb7-6e63-4972-b7d2-a17b68e373de I stand in front of the mirror hanging on the wall of my room at the Rabbit’s Paw Inn. Dressed in my form-fitting black suit, a belt snug at my waist, a bandolier of crossbow bolts across my chest, and a black cowl draped over my shoulders, I barely recognize the person staring back at me. I’ve come a long way. I’m bigger now—stronger, more confident, more capable than I was a year ago. I almost don’t see that sad, broken girl I used to be. I adjust my gauntlets, tightening them against my forearms. These—along with the customized daggers at my hips—are equipment I never could’ve dreamed of affording back then. Now, I’m well-equipped, and my magical bag of holding is stocked with potions, the tools of my trade, and more gold than I currently need. As of today, I’ve been alive for sixteen years. For the last four of them, I’ve struggled—every day, scraping by, surviving. That all changed when I met Shadow. Because of Shadow. Having someone strong and reliable by my side—someone I can trust—has allowed me to grow. To blossom into someone I never thought I could be. He said he needed me, and maybe that’s true. But I suspect the real reason he offered to work with me in the beginning was to make sure I’d protect his secret. Whatever his original reason, it doesn’t matter now. Since then, he’s proven to be the kindest, most generous, and considerate person I’ve ever known. Back then, I was pathetic. He didn’t need me—I know that. That’s why I’ve worked so hard every day since, to become someone worthy of being his partner. Over time, Shadow and I have become close. He’s a great friend—always there when I need him. But because I care about him, I’ve made it my goal to become someone he can rely on too. A true partner. Not just someone leaning on him as a crutch. Today is important for another reason. Today, I finally take my revenge on the creature that killed my parents. Four years ago, they—both experienced B-rank adventurers—accepted a quest to hunt a monster known as a nightshade. It’s a deadly, plant-type creature that uses illusion and deception to lure in prey. It ambushes with venomous, spined tendrils and waits in hiding for its victims to die before devouring them. My parents escaped the initial attack… but not the poison. They died anyway. I turn away from the mirror as I hear heavy footsteps ascending the stairs just outside my room. I recognize them instantly—the distinct, rhythmic clank of my metal friend approaching. Over the past year, it’s become our routine: Shadow meets me each morning, and we head to the guild together to pick up our quests for the day. I glance out the window and let out a quiet, resigned sigh. Sorry, Shadow. Not today. Before he reaches the door, I focus my mana and silently cast a portal just large enough to fit myself. It opens beneath my feet—and I drop through it without hesitation. I emerge six feet above the ground, dropping from the second portal into a narrow alleyway two buildings away. I land with practiced ease, knees bending to absorb the impact. A sharp gust of cold air stings my cheeks, a sudden contrast to the cozy warmth I left behind in the inn. From this spot, I can still see the window of my room. One year ago, I never could’ve made that jump in a single portal. I glance back toward the inn, heart tugging with guilt. Shadow might be knocking on my door right now—or, more likely, given his incredible perception, he already knows I’m gone. The thought of him worrying, not knowing why I’ve gone, gnaws at me. But I can’t let him follow me today. Turning away, I stride briskly toward the north gate. I need to move quickly—before Shadow finds me. Because if he does, he’ll want to know where I’m going. And if I tell him… he’ll insist on coming with me. But this is something I have to do alone. Thi