The renowned shadow...

Chapter 23: The Shadow in the Night

Emma stood on the rooftop, gazing out over the city she had sworn to protect. Her followers, a mix of humans and supernatural creatures, stood guard below, ever vigilant.

But Emma's thoughts were elsewhere. She couldn't shake the feeling that something was watching her, waiting for its moment to strike.

And then, without warning, a figure emerged from the shadows.

Emma's instincts kicked in, her powers surging to the surface. But as she looked into the eyes of the newcomer, she saw something unexpected:

Familiarity.

"Who are you?" Emma demanded, her voice firm but wary.

The figure smiled, its eyes glinting with amusement.

"I'm someone you used to know," it said, its voice dripping with sarcasm. "Or at least, someone you thought you knew."

Emma's mind reeled as she tried to place the stranger. And then, in a flash of insight, she remembered:

It was Alex.