The village was bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun as Elara made her way toward its familiar paths. After a week in the forest training under Lucian's watchful gaze, her return felt surreal.
She had changed, profoundly so, and with each step toward the village, the weight of her newfound powers seemed to press heavier on her heart.
The Shadow Manipulation she had begun to master was like a second shadow, following her every move. Lucian had drilled into her the basics, and though she had made remarkable progress, there was a lurking fear she couldn't shake.
The blood pact was binding, her soul now entwined with an ancient devil, but more than that, she had tasted the addictive power of the darkness. It scared her. It thrilled her.
As Elara approached the edge of the village, she saw a figure pacing nervously by the entrance of the forest. Her heart quickened. She recognized him—it was Kael.
She hadn't known him long, but their brief interaction in the forest had left an impression. He was quiet, with a strong sense of caution. He had helped her during the chase, and they had been separated when they both fled in different directions.
The fact that he was there now, waiting, sent a flicker of warmth through her chest.
Kael spotted her immediately. His eyes widened with relief as he strode quickly toward her, though his face still carried a mix of frustration and concern.
"There you are," he said, his voice a bit gruff but laced with relief. "I was starting to think you had vanished for good."
Elara forced a small smile, though the week's events weighed on her. "I didn't mean to disappear like that."
Kael frowned slightly, crossing his arms. "You've been gone for a week. I've heard The Order sent someone to check on you—they were wondering why you hadn't shown up for their sermons. People in the village were starting to talk."
Elara's chest tightened at the mention ofThe Order. Of course, they would be concerned. It wasn't like her to miss a single day, let alone an entire week. But how could she explain? The truth was far too dangerous.
"I just... needed some time away," she said carefully, trying to keep her voice steady. "I didn't realize so much time had passed."
Kael eyed her, as though trying to gauge if she was telling the truth. "You look different," he said, his tone softening slightly. "The forest isn't kind to people, but you don't seem worse for wear. If anything, you seem... stronger."
Elara flinched inwardly. Stronger? Did he sense the power within her? The dark magic that now pulsed beneath her skin, waiting to be called upon?
She shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "I suppose I've learned a few things about survival."
He nodded slowly, but his eyes remained skeptical. "Well, whatever you've been up to, you should know that The Order is watching the faithful tightly. They sent one of their priestesses to check your house. They're worried your faith is wavering."
Elara clenched her jaw. The last thing she needed was The Order's attention. If they suspected anything beyond her absence, it would spell trouble—not just for her but for everything she had begun to uncover about them. She needed to stay under their radar.
"I'll go to the temple tomorrow," she said, trying to sound nonchalant. "Tell them I'm fine. It was just... a personal matter."
Kael raised an eyebrow, still skeptical, but he didn't push. "I've been waiting here every couple of days, hoping you'd come back. You shouldn't be wandering alone in that forest."
Elara blinked, feeling a strange warmth at his concern. They barely knew each other, yet he had waited for her? Why? She wanted to ask but decided against it. She had too much on her mind to dive into questions she wasn't ready for.
"I'll be more careful," she said, grateful for the warning. "Thank you for waiting."
Kael gave a half-shrug, glancing back toward the village. "Just make sure you show your face at the temple soon. People are already talking. You don't want them thinking you've... strayed."
Elara nodded, forcing a smile. "I won't give them any reason to."
With that, Kael turned to leave, casting one last glance at her before heading back to the village. As his figure disappeared into the distance, Elara let out a long, slow breath.
Her return to the village had brought more complications than she anticipated. The Order was watching, and now, more than ever, she had to play her part carefully. The week she had spent training in the depths of the forest had given her power, but it had also painted a target on her back.
Elara looked up at the darkening sky, her mind swirling with thoughts of the week to come. She would need to keep up appearances, continue acting as the devoted follower she had always been, all while hiding the growing darkness within her.
For now, her secret was safe.