Kael awoke before dawn to the sound of Shadowfang's growl. The campfire had long since burned down to embers, and the first rays of sunlight barely pierced the thick canopy above. Thane was already awake, crouched near the edge of the camp with a sharp-eyed intensity that immediately put Kael on edge.
"What is it?" Kael whispered, instinctively pulling the phoenix egg closer.
Thane held up a hand for silence. Shadowfang's growl deepened, its obsidian fur bristling as it sniffed the air. The beast's glowing eyes fixed on the darkness beyond the clearing, and a low, ominous rumble rolled through its throat.
Kael strained his ears, and then he heard it: a faint rustling sound, too deliberate to be the wind. It was accompanied by the occasional snap of twigs, as though something—or someone—was moving through the underbrush.
"Stay low and keep quiet," Thane murmured, his voice barely audible. He drew a shortbow from beneath his cloak, nocking an arrow with practiced ease. "We're being followed."
Kael's stomach tightened. "By what?"
Thane's jaw tightened. "If we're lucky, just a scavenger. If not…" He didn't finish the thought, but his grim tone spoke volumes.
Kael crouched beside the egg, his heart hammering. The bond mark on his palm tingled faintly, as if responding to the growing tension. He focused on the connection, willing the phoenix's presence to guide him.
The rustling grew louder, closer, until a figure emerged from the shadows.
---
The Pursuer
At first glance, it looked human—a tall figure cloaked in patchwork leather armor, with a hood drawn low over their face. But as the stranger stepped into the dim light of the clearing, Kael noticed the unnatural gleam of their eyes: a pale, silvery glow that sent a chill down his spine.
"Thane," the stranger said, their voice raspy and hollow. "Still skulking in the Wilds, I see."
Thane didn't lower his bow. "I could say the same for you, Merrik. What do you want?"
The stranger—Merrik—tilted his head, his glowing eyes fixing on Kael and the egg. A slow, predatory smile spread across his face. "I smelled the phoenix before I saw the fire. Rare, isn't it? A bond like that. Valuable."
Kael's pulse quickened. He tightened his grip on the egg, instinctively stepping back.
"You're not getting it," Thane said coldly, drawing the bowstring tighter. "Leave now, Merrik, or you'll regret it."
Merrik chuckled, a dry, grating sound. "Always so protective. But this isn't about you, Thane. It's about the boy." His gaze shifted to Kael. "Tell me, little fledgling, do you even know what you're carrying? Or has Thane filled your head with half-truths and promises?"
Kael felt the mark on his palm flare, a warning pulse of heat. "Stay away."
Merrik raised his hands, feigning innocence. "Now, now, no need to be hostile. I'm just offering some advice: that bond of yours will bring you nothing but pain. If you hand over the egg, I can rid you of the burden."
Kael's jaw tightened. "No."
The predatory smile vanished. "Pity."
---
The Ambush
Without warning, Merrik lunged, his movements impossibly fast. Thane loosed an arrow, but Merrik dodged it with ease, closing the distance in a heartbeat. Shadowfang roared and leapt to intercept, its massive claws swiping at Merrik, but the stranger moved with inhuman agility, evading the attack.
Kael scrambled back, clutching the egg as Merrik's attention shifted to him. The mark on Kael's palm burned, and he felt a surge of heat and light erupt from within him. A golden barrier flared to life between him and Merrik, forcing the attacker to retreat.
Merrik hissed, his glowing eyes narrowing. "So, the bond's already awakening. Interesting."
Thane seized the moment, drawing a pair of daggers from his belt and charging at Merrik. The two clashed in a flurry of blades and strikes, their movements a deadly dance of skill and precision. Shadowfang circled, waiting for an opening, while Kael stood frozen, unsure of what to do.
"Kael!" Thane shouted, his voice sharp. "Get out of here! Now!"
Kael hesitated, his gaze darting between Thane and the phoenix egg. He didn't want to abandon Thane, but he also knew the egg couldn't fall into Merrik's hands. The mark on his palm pulsed again, as if urging him to act.
Summoning his courage, Kael turned and ran, cradling the egg against his chest. The forest blurred around him as he sprinted through the underbrush, the sounds of the battle fading behind him. He didn't stop until his legs gave out, and even then, he forced himself to keep moving, driven by the instinct to protect the egg.
---
A Moment's Rest
Kael finally collapsed beside a fallen log, his chest heaving as he tried to catch his breath. The egg glowed softly, its warmth a small comfort in the cold, dark forest.
"Thane…" he whispered, guilt gnawing at him. He hated the thought of leaving the man who had saved him, but he knew he couldn't have stayed. Merrik was too strong, too dangerous.
As Kael sat there, the mark on his palm began to glow faintly. He felt a flicker of warmth in his mind, like a distant voice whispering encouragement. The bond wasn't just a burden—it was a strength, one he would have to learn to wield if he wanted to survive.
The rustling of leaves nearby snapped Kael out of his thoughts. He tensed, clutching the egg tightly, but this time, it wasn't Merrik or another predator.
A small, feathered creature emerged from the shadows—a birdlike Ætherborn with iridescent plumage and curious, intelligent eyes. It chirped softly, tilting its head as it regarded Kael and the egg.
Kael hesitated, then extended a hand. The creature hopped closer, its bright eyes fixed on the mark on his palm. It chirped again, and Kael felt a faint sense of calm wash over him, as if the little creature was offering its reassurance.
For the first time since fleeing Ashenrest, Kael allowed himself to hope. The Wilds were full of dangers, but they were also full of allies—if he was brave enough to find them.