Kael spent the rest of the day tending to Thane's wounds and preparing for what was to come. Shadowfang recovered quickly, but Thane remained pale and sluggish, his strength clearly sapped by his encounter with Merrik. The phoenix chick, meanwhile, seemed to grow more vibrant with every passing hour. Its golden feathers gleamed in the sunlight filtering through the grove, and its fiery aura warmed the air around it.
"Bonding is more than just instinct," Thane said that evening as Kael sat beside him. "You'll need to earn the phoenix's trust, show it that you're capable of protecting it and worthy of its power. And it's not just about protecting—you'll need to let it protect you, too."
Kael nodded, glancing at the phoenix perched on his arm. "How do I start?"
Thane smirked faintly. "Trial by fire, kid. Quite literally."
---
The First Lesson
Thane led Kael and the phoenix chick to a small clearing near the grove. Shadowfang trailed behind, its sharp eyes scanning the surroundings for threats. The little Ætherborn had vanished, but its presence still lingered faintly, as though it was watching from the shadows.
"The bond mark is your key," Thane explained, gesturing to Kael's palm. "Through it, you'll be able to communicate with your phoenix—not in words, but in feelings, instincts, and intent. Start small. Focus on connecting with it."
Kael swallowed hard and held out his hand. The phoenix chick cocked its head, studying him with its fiery gaze. He closed his eyes and concentrated, focusing on the warmth of the bond. The mark on his palm pulsed faintly, and he felt a flicker of energy pass between them.
A sensation of curiosity and trust blossomed in his mind, mingled with a faint sense of caution. Kael smiled. "It's listening."
"Good," Thane said. "Now ask it to do something simple. Show it what you want, but let it decide to follow through."
Kael hesitated, then pointed to a small pile of dry leaves nearby. He focused on the image of the leaves catching fire, willing the phoenix to understand. The chick tilted its head, its feathers glowing brighter. Then, with a soft trill, it hopped down from his arm and spread its tiny wings.
A small burst of flame erupted from its body, igniting the leaves in an instant. Kael's heart leapt with excitement as the chick chirped triumphantly, its flames flickering in the twilight.
"Well done," Thane said, his tone approving. "But that's just the beginning. You'll need to practice control—not just over the phoenix, but over yourself. The stronger your bond, the more power you'll be able to channel. And with that power comes responsibility."
Kael nodded, determination hardening in his chest. He had already come so far, but he knew there was still much to learn.
---
The Hunter's Warning
As night fell, Kael and Thane returned to the grove. The phoenix chick curled up beside Kael, its warmth driving away the chill of the evening. Shadowfang kept watch at the edge of the clearing, its growls low and constant.
Thane leaned against a tree, his gaze distant. "Merrik won't wait forever," he said quietly. "He's probably regrouping, gathering reinforcements. We've got maybe a day, two at most, before he comes for us."
Kael frowned. "Why does he want the phoenix so badly?"
Thane's expression darkened. "Because phoenixes aren't just rare—they're powerful. A fully bonded phoenix can reshape entire landscapes, incinerate armies, even cheat death. There's a reason they're hunted, Kael. People like Merrik see them as tools, not companions."
Kael's grip tightened on the chick, his resolve hardening. "He won't take it. I won't let him."
Thane studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Good. Because when Merrik comes, you'll need every ounce of that resolve."
---
The Bond Deepens
Kael spent the following day training with the phoenix chick. Thane guided him through exercises to strengthen their connection, from simple tasks like lighting fires to more complex maneuvers like creating protective barriers of flame. The bond mark on Kael's palm grew warmer with each success, and he began to feel a sense of unity with the phoenix that was unlike anything he had ever experienced.
The chick, too, seemed to grow stronger and more confident. Its flames burned brighter, and its movements became more fluid and graceful. Kael could sense its emotions clearly now—its joy at their successes, its frustration at their failures, and its unwavering trust in him.
By the time the sun began to set, Kael felt a spark of hope. He wasn't the same frightened boy who had fled Ashenrest. He was a tamer, bonded to one of the rarest and most powerful creatures in existence. And he was ready to fight for their survival.
---
The Hunter Returns
As the stars began to emerge, Shadowfang let out a low, guttural growl. Thane immediately straightened, his hand going to the hilt of his dagger.
"He's here," Thane said grimly.
Kael's stomach dropped. He scooped up the phoenix chick, its flames flaring as if sensing the danger. The bond mark on his palm tingled, a warning pulse that sent shivers down his spine.
From the shadows of the forest, Merrik emerged. He was alone this time, but his presence was no less menacing. His glowing eyes locked onto Kael and the phoenix, and a cold smile spread across his face.
"Found you," Merrik said, his voice a dangerous purr. "Did you really think you could hide from me?"
Kael stepped forward, his heart pounding. "I'm not afraid of you."
Merrik chuckled darkly. "Brave words, little fledgling. Let's see if your phoenix can back them up."