A sudden quiet had fallen over the jungle. The hum of the insects and the far off call of animals had died out to leave Micheal, Selene, and Kai draped in a dead silence.
"We're not alone,"Selene whispered, her voice barely audible. She held her twin daggers tightly, her eyes scanning the dense foliage around them.
Kai frowned, gripping his sword. "The silence is unnatural. Something's coming."
Micheal felt a chill run down his spine. Ever since their trial at Heartfall Lake, his connection to the jungle had deepened, and now it buzzed with warning. The air carried a sense of hostility, an almost tangible resentment that prickled at his skin.
"Keep moving," Micheal said, his voice steady despite the unease tormenting at him. "Whatever it is, we'll face it together."
The group pressed on, careful but purposeful. The Veralune Staff glimmered faintly, casting light on a narrow path ahead. The jungle's shadows seemed to twist and wiggle, as if alive with hostile intent.
Then, without warning, the shadows merge into a figure.
A man emerged from the darkness in black armor, his eyes glowing a sickly green. His presence radiated an aura of power and malice that made the group instinctively take a step back. Micheal's heart sank as he recognized the figure.
"Vaelor," Micheal whispered, tightening his grip on the staff.
Selene's eyes widened. "You know him?"
Micheal nodded, his expression grim. "He was once a Guardian, like my father. He betrayed the Order and allied with the Shadow Lords. I didn't think he'd still be alive."
Vaelor smirked, the tone of his voice dripping with dissaproval. "Ah, Micheal. The boy who dreams of saving a world he barely understands. How touching."
Kai stepped forward, his sword at the ready. "You know this guy?"
"Unfortunately," Micheal answered. "He's dangerous. Don't underestimate him."
Vaelor chuckled, his voice echoing unnaturally through the jungle. "Flattering, Micheal, but you should save your warnings. I'm not here to fight yet. I'm here to deliver a message."
Selene narrowed her eyes, her daggers glinting in the faint light. "We're not interested in whatever lies you have to spew."
"Lies?" Vaelor tilted his head; his smirk widened. "Perhaps. But you should hear me out, little assassin. The Shadow Lords know what you've done. Destroying the crystal at the temple was a bold move, but it has consequences. You've made yourselves targets."
"We already know that," Kai growled, stepping closer. "If you're here to scare us, you're wasting your breath.
Vaelor's smile faded, replaced by a look of cold seriousness. "Oh, I'm not here to scare you. I'm here to warn you. The Shadow Lords are gathering their forces. They're preparing for a war that will drown this jungle and the entire world in darkness. And when that war comes, your precious unity won't be enough."
Micheal took a deep breath as his mind raced. "Why are you telling us this? What do you gain?"
Vaelor's glowing eyes locked onto Micheal. "Because I want to see if you're worthy of the power you claim to wield. The Shadow Lords believe in brute strength and control, but I've always valued cunning. If you survive what's coming, perhaps we'll meet again.
Until then…"Enjoy the jungle's hospitality."
But before they could move, Vaelor disappeared into darkness. The oppressive stillness lifted as the jungle returned to the familiar hum of life.
Selene was the first to speak, her tone sharp. "We can't trust a word he says. He's trying to manipulate us."
Kai nodded in agreement. "Probably. But we'd be fools to ignore the part about the Shadow Lords preparing for war."
Micheal glared into the area where Vaelor disappeared, his mind fuzzy from suspicion. "He is dangerous yet calculated. He would have tried to kill us had that been the case. His warning serves more than intimidation from him."
Selene folded her arms as she spoke thoughtfully, "What should we do then? Press onward and just hope no other tricks are set?"
No," Micheal said firmly. "We prepare. If the Shadow Lords are mobilizing, we need to be ready. Heartfall Lake gave us power, but we need allies. The jungle has other guardians, other forces we can rally."
Kai raised an eyebrow. "And where do we find these so called allies? It's not like they're just waiting for us to show up."
Micheal met his gaze, determination ablaze in his eyes. "We start with the Whispering Glade. My father once spoke of an ancient spirit there,one that could command the jungle itself. If it still exists, it could turn the tide in our favor."
Selene nodded slowly. "It's a long shot, but it's better than wandering aimlessly. The Shadow Lords won't wait for us to get our act together.
Kai covered his sword, his face set. "Then let's not waste any more time. If it's a possibility there's more strength to be had in Gathering, we take the opportunity."
The group set off once more, the Veralune Staff's glow much stronger now, as if it sensed their new resolve.
A spark of hope lit up inside Micheal as they were perhaps being guided by the jungle itself.
Umbra moved ahead, its ears perked and tail swishing with purpose. Micheal couldn't help but feel a sense of comfort in the creature's presence. It had been with him through every trial, a silent but steadfast companion.
As they walked, Micheal couldn't shake the lingering unease from Vaelor's appearance. His words echoed in his mind, a dark reminder of the challenges ahead.
The Shadow Lords were no longer a distant threat. they were preparing to strike, and Micheal knew their time was running out.
"We'll face them," Selene said quietly, as though reading his thoughts. "Whatever comes, we'll face it together."
Micheal looked at her, grateful for her unwavering confidence. "Together," he echoed.
Kai smirked, his usual bravado returning. "Let them come. We'll show them what real strength looks like."
The trio pressed on, their steps steady and their resolve unshaken. The path to the Whispering Glade lay ahead, filled with unknown dangers and the promise of potential allies. Micheal felt a spark of hope amid the growing darkness.
The jungle had chosen him, and he wouldn't let it down.