33 Days Until Total Darkness

I didn't need light to see.

Neither did Troy.

But the rest of the world did.

And it was my job to keep it from disappearing completely, especially since the looming darkness was my fault.

After leaving the gargoyle realm, it only took us a few days to find the third piece of the crown created - and then hidden - by elves a long time ago.

According to Laeddin, only I could wield the powers contained within.

If I collected all the pieces in time, then I would possess the magic necessary to destroy Sharra and save the world.

I hoped he was right. Part of me even believed it, especially since each time I found a piece, it embedded itself in my forehead.

The rest of me wasn't sure I could stop the Darkness or the Akuma, and specifically not Sharra. The prospect terrified me.

But I had to try.

"Stand back, Troy." I glanced up at his handsomely rugged face. He had smudges of dirt on his chin and nose, which somehow made him even more gorgeous, if that were possible.

"I'm against the