*Chapter 2: The Midnight Visitor*
Kaelin sat at his desk, pouring over dusty tomes and scattered notes, searching for any mention of Zha'thik or the Shadow Walkers. The fire crackled, casting flickering shadows on the walls as the night wore on.
Suddenly, a knock at the door broke the silence. Kaelin's instincts prickled; who would visit at this hour? He cautiously approached the door, staff at the ready.
When he opened it, the mysterious woman from the town square stood before him. Her piercing green eyes sparkled in the moonlight.
"May I come in?" she asked, her voice low and husky.
Kaelin hesitated, unsure what to make of her sudden appearance. But something about her gaze put him at ease. He stepped aside, allowing her to enter.
As she moved past him, Kaelin caught a whiff of her scent – a mix of lavender and something else, something earthy and mysterious. He closed the door, his curiosity piqued.
"Who are you?" he asked, turning to face her.
"My name is Lyra," she replied, her eyes scanning the room. "I've been searching for you, Kaelin Darkhaven. You see, I think we have a common interest – uncovering the truth behind the disappearances."
Kaelin's grip on his staff tightened. What did she know? And why was she so interested in his investigation?
"Tell me, Lyra," he said, his voice firm but cautious. "What do you know about the Shadow Walkers?"
Lyra's smile was enigmatic. "I know enough to know that we're running out of time. The Shadow Walkers are just the beginning. Zha'thik's power grows stronger by the day, and if we don't stop him, Eldoria will be consumed by darkness."
Kaelin's determination hardened. He would uncover the truth, no matter the cost. And with Lyra's help, he might just have a chance to stop Zha'thik and save Eldoria. But could he trust her? Only time would tell.