The next morning, Kairon woke with a decision weighing heavily on his chest. The village could no longer be his home. Not now. Not with the threat of enemies that might come searching for the power inside him.
He found Marik by the remains of his old cabin, sorting through the rubble for anything salvageable.
"Marik," Kairon said, his voice low.
The old man looked up. "You're leaving, aren't you?"
Kairon nodded. "I have to. It's not safe for the village with me here. I don't fully understand what's happening, but that stranger... he warned me that more danger is coming."
Marik sighed, looking weary. "The world has always been full of danger, lad. But I won't stop you. You've been chosen for something greater, whether you want it or not."
Kairon swallowed hard. "Will you... will you watch over them?"
"I will," Marik said gently. "This place has stood through worse."
Kairon nodded, feeling a lump form in his throat. He didn't want to leave. But deep down, he knew he couldn't stay.