The teenager trudged through the rain-soaked path, his clothes drenched and clinging to his shivering frame.
The autumn downpour had caught him by surprise, adding to his already frustrated and despondent state. His brown hair was plastered to his forehead, and raindrops trickled down his face, mixing with his tears.
In his sling bag sat Rhen, the small white puppy who had been his companion. The little canine looked up at the teenager with sympathetic eyes, seemingly sensing his distress.
An hour ago, before the rain, Armel had been the victim of a robbery on his way to another city. It had been days since he left Gerhard. The experience had left him feeling violated and helpless. He longed to return to the safety of Mistdale, regretting his decision to venture out alone against his brother's warnings.
Armel's steps became heavier as time passed by. His soaked shoes sloshing through puddles. The gloomy skies mirrored the storm within his heart.
