Anise's success at placing the Runes of Light on the gryphon knights raised her spirits slightly, but even so she knew this next task would be a greater challenge than anything else she had faced before. The Forest's current monarch: the Lord of Shadow held terrifying power. She had an idea of how to deal with the upcoming situation peacefully, but only if she had a chance to speak. She noticed how unimpressed the elder was at her display, and she had a feeling it was possible she could do more, but first she had to learn and experience it. She doubted the Dragon would just tell her what she could do although she instinctively knew what the Eggs were capable of her own capabilities without them were a mystery to her.

They took off silently as she led them to the cavern. When she landed at it she could feel the difference in temperature and it gave her goosebumps. She stood still trying to decide the instructions to give the riders. She closed her eyes and took a few breaths while deciding. Then she turned to face them. "I do no expect you to face the Lord of Shadow that responsibility is mine. However, do everything you can to rescue Peck as soon as you see a chance. I imagine this place is where the Shadow is the strongest, so be wary he may have some traps prepared for those that carelessly try to rescue Peck. I will try to reason with him, but be prepared for the worst. Thank you for taking this risk to follow me. I will do everything in my power to make sure you return home safely."

She turned and entered the mouth of the cavern and the frigid cold nearly made her shudder. She could barely see a few feet forward with how the darkness consumed her light. As they went deeper into the cave she could hear a heartbeat. She gestured at the riders to wait as she wanted to investigate without risking them too much. Anise stepped up to a wall and saw a fearsome sight. The leviathan took her breath away for a brief moment as she stared at the utter size of it. The oozing black heart looked like something corrupted and evil. Could this be the Lord of Shadow's heart?

She then saw Peck appear and again her spirits rose slightly. She saw the fear on his face, but the fact that he was alive made all the difference. She looked to the shadows. "I am here. Let Peck go home with his people and we can be alone as you requested. He has no need to die today; none of them do. You can wait for their proper time. Is there any need to force it?"