Okay, I assumed the second shadow was still with him at that point, that's why it didn't occur to me.

The shade is about power and authority, which is why Noel gains one at the end -- he's stood up to darkness and been willing to face it, which gives him power from inner strength.

And that's brilliant--it makes perfect sense now that you've explained it. I didn't make the link naturally in this draft, but if you can strengthen that a little, that makes me feel much better about Noel, too. :-)