Chapter 21 – The Dust of Shadows
Chris sat alone in his chambers, the mysterious letter resting gently in his hands.The silver seal had already been broken. Now, his eyes scanned the parchment for the second time.
"Nothing… It's just formal, vague words and old poetry,"he murmured.
But something still felt off. He couldn't explain it—just a nagging itch at the back of his mind.
That's when a flicker of red light emerged beside him.Igeris, the little fire spirit, popped into view mid-air.
"Wait! That letter—don't toss it yet."
Chris blinked.
"Why?"
Igeris hovered closer, his ember-like eyes narrowing as he sniffed the parchment.
"There's a scent. Spirit Dust."
Chris stood up instantly, alert.
"Spirit Dust? What's that?"
Igeris frowned.
"It's a fine magical powder. Found only in the Spirit Realm. Invisible to the human eye, undetectable by most magic. Only spirits or certain ancient techniques can sense it."
Chris's expression hardened.
"So it's not just a letter. It's a tracking tool."
Igeris nodded.
"I don't know much, but I know someone who does. I'll go ask."
Without waiting for a response, Igeris vanished, slipping back into the Spirit Realm in a puff of embers.
Chris was left in deep thought, the letter now lying on the desk like a puzzle piece from a much larger game.
'Spirit Dust… This isn't just politics. Someone dangerous is watching me.'
Hours passed.
Just as the moon rose above the horizon, Igeris returned. But he wasn't alone.
Beside him floated a graceful blue spirit, her form elegant and fluid, like a figure made of mist and moonlight. Her aura pulsed with calm authority.
"Chris," Igeris introduced proudly, "this is Elera. She's a wind and water-aligned spirit, and a scholar of spirit-world materials."
Chris bowed respectfully.
"Thank you for coming."
Elera offered a small, graceful nod.
"Igeris speaks highly of you. I usually avoid interacting with humans, but this… concerns us as well."
Chris handed her the letter. She waved a translucent hand over it, summoning a soft breeze that shimmered faintly in the moonlight.
"Yes… The Spirit Dust is old, but active. Someone used this letter to mark you. The dust records the scent and mana resonance of anyone who touches it."
Chris's eyes narrowed.
"Even my father didn't sense anything. So that's why…"
Elera continued, her voice calm but serious.
"It's a perfect tracker. Invisible. Silent. And lethal, if used well. Whoever sent this wants to know exactly where you are, and perhaps… where you go."
Chris felt a chill crawl down his spine.
"Can it be removed?"
Elera nodded.
"Yes. But I'll need a few common ingredients from your realm—nothing rare, but very specific. Once I create the neutralizing breeze, it'll erase the dust's trace."
Chris didn't hesitate.
"I'll get you everything you need."
She gave a rare smile.
"Then we have a deal."
As the spirits faded once again into their world, Chris stared at the letter lying on his desk.
What was once just paper now felt like a threat—a whisper from the shadows.
'Whoever sent this… knows me. And now they can find me.'
But Chris wasn't afraid.
He had spirit allies now. Rune magic. And something even more dangerous—purpose.