The crimson sky cast a haunting glow over the desolate village once again, bathing the charred remains in an eerie light as another cycle had passed. Today was the day—the day when the flux would stir the ancient forest. Kaelen stood at the edge of the village, with his armor and his robe once again fitted to his body, and his sword resting at his waist.
He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of the moment. He muttered to himself with a low voice:
"Guess this is it..."
He glanced above, where Kali was perched silently on a gnarled tree near him, watching him with her sharp and glinting eyes. The crow had become a constant presence in his life, a silent companion bound to him in ways he didn't fully understand. Kaelen called out to the crow softly, and without hesitation, Kali spread her black wings and glided to his shoulder, landing with a familiar and gentle weight.
"So... you ready?"
