Kael didn't rest for long. The forest seemed to close in around him, the shadows deepening as the sun rose higher. He knew he couldn't stay in one place—not with Merrik possibly tracking him. The small birdlike Ætherborn fluttered to a low branch nearby, chirping softly, as though urging him forward.
"You want me to follow you?" Kael asked, his voice uncertain.
The creature cocked its head, then darted off into the trees. Kael hesitated only a moment before following. The egg in his arms pulsed warmly, its glow steady despite the turmoil swirling in Kael's mind.
---
A Refuge of Sorts
The little Ætherborn led him deeper into the forest, through a maze of towering roots and dense thickets. Kael's legs ached, and his thoughts were heavy with worry for Thane and Shadowfang. What if Merrik had defeated them? What if he was the one being hunted now?
He shook the thoughts away, focusing on the creature's iridescent feathers as it flitted ahead. Eventually, it led him to a secluded grove where sunlight filtered through the canopy, illuminating a small spring. The air here felt different—calmer, charged with a faint hum of magic that Kael could feel through his bond.
The Ætherborn chirped and landed beside the water, motioning with its beak. Kael approached cautiously, lowering the phoenix egg to the soft moss. The grove's tranquility seemed to soothe him, and for the first time since he had fled the clearing, he allowed himself to breathe deeply.
"Why did you bring me here?" he murmured, gazing at the little creature.
The Ætherborn hopped closer, pecking gently at the mark on his palm. As it did, Kael felt a faint spark of connection, similar to what he had experienced during his bond training with the mossfang. Images flickered in his mind—images of the spring, the grove, and a feeling of safety.
"A sanctuary," Kael whispered, piecing the sensations together.
The creature chirped again, hopping back as the egg began to glow brighter. Kael's attention snapped to the egg as its light intensified, filling the grove with golden radiance. The warmth of the bond surged through him, stronger than ever before, and he felt the phoenix's presence in his mind—closer, clearer.
The egg trembled, and Kael's heart raced. "Is it... hatching?"
---
The Phoenix Emerges
The shell of the egg began to crack, fine golden lines spreading across its surface. Kael's breath caught as the light grew almost blinding. The little Ætherborn chirped excitedly, hopping in circles as the egg shook.
Then, with a final burst of energy, the shell shattered.
The light subsided, revealing a small phoenix chick nestled in the fragments. Its feathers shimmered like molten gold, and its eyes burned with a flickering inner fire. Despite its diminutive size, it radiated a presence that made Kael feel both awestruck and humbled.
"Hello," Kael said softly, reaching out a trembling hand.
The chick tilted its head, its gaze locking onto Kael's. He felt the bond between them solidify in that moment, a flood of emotions and instincts pouring into his mind. The phoenix was more than a creature—it was a partner, a part of him.
The chick chirped, a high, musical sound, and hopped into his palm. The warmth of its tiny body was comforting, and Kael couldn't help but smile despite the weight of the dangers still looming over him.
"Looks like we're in this together," he said.
---
The First Test
Kael's brief moment of peace was interrupted by the sound of rustling leaves. He tensed, clutching the phoenix chick protectively. The little Ætherborn let out a warning trill and darted into the trees.
A familiar figure emerged from the shadows. Kael's heart leaped as Thane stumbled into the grove, blood streaking his face and his cloak torn. Shadowfang limped beside him, growling softly.
"Thane!" Kael cried, rushing to help him.
Thane waved him off, his movements sluggish but determined. "I'm fine," he rasped, though his pale complexion told a different story. He glanced at the chick in Kael's hands and let out a low chuckle. "Well, that's something, isn't it?"
"What happened?" Kael asked, his voice tight with worry.
"Merrik," Thane said grimly, sinking down onto the moss. "He's not just some scavenger. He's a hunter—a damned good one. We managed to shake him, but not for long."
Kael's chest tightened. "Then we need to leave."
Thane shook his head. "No. Not yet. The phoenix is too young to travel far. You need to strengthen the bond first, or it won't survive the journey."
Kael glanced down at the chick, which was nuzzling his palm. "How do I do that?"
"By trusting it," Thane said, his voice firm despite his exhaustion. "And letting it trust you. The bond isn't just about power, Kael. It's about partnership. You've got to learn to work together—fast."
Kael nodded, determination hardening in his chest. The phoenix chick chirped softly, its flames flickering brighter as if sensing his resolve.
---
The Hunter Draws Near
As Kael tended to Thane's wounds, the older man's gaze remained fixed on the shadows beyond the grove. "Merrik won't give up," Thane warned. "He's after the phoenix—and you. He'll come at us with everything he's got."
Kael's jaw tightened. He wasn't the frightened boy who had fled Ashenrest anymore. The bond with the phoenix had changed him, and he could feel its strength coursing through him.
"We'll be ready," he said.
Thane raised an eyebrow, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Bold words. Let's hope you can back them up."
Kael glanced at the little phoenix, its fiery gaze meeting his own. For the first time, he felt a flicker of confidence. He wasn't alone in this fight. Together, they would face whatever the Wilds—and Merrik—threw at them.
And they would survive.