Merrik's presence felt like a storm cloud descending over the grove. His glowing eyes fixed on Kael and the phoenix, and the cold smile on his lips chilled Kael to the bone. Yet, Kael stood firm, the warmth of the phoenix in his arms igniting his resolve.
Thane moved to Kael's side, his blade glinting faintly in the moonlight. Shadowfang growled low, its fur bristling as it circled their foe.
"You should've stayed hidden, Merrik," Thane said, his voice like steel. "You won't walk away from this."
Merrik's smile widened. "And here I thought you'd be grateful for my mercy. I could've killed you last time, Thane. I just didn't feel like it."
Thane's grip on his dagger tightened, but it was Kael who stepped forward, clutching the phoenix chick. "You're not taking it," he said, his voice trembling but firm.
Merrik tilted his head, amusement gleaming in his unnatural eyes. "Oh, you've grown a spine. How delightful. But you still don't understand what you're dealing with, boy. That creature isn't your friend. It's a weapon—a weapon I intend to claim."
---
The First Strike
Without warning, Merrik moved. One moment, he was standing still; the next, he was a blur of motion, closing the distance with impossible speed. Shadowfang lunged to intercept him, its claws slicing through the air, but Merrik twisted out of reach, his movements unnervingly fluid.
Thane leapt into action, driving his blade toward Merrik's chest. The hunter caught it with a gauntleted hand, twisting sharply and forcing Thane to stumble back. Merrik's other hand shot out, a blade glinting in the moonlight as it slashed toward Kael.
Kael's instincts kicked in. He raised his free hand, the mark on his palm flaring with heat. A barrier of golden flames erupted between him and Merrik, forcing the hunter to retreat with a snarl.
"Well, well," Merrik said, shaking soot from his gauntlet. "You're not entirely useless after all."
The phoenix chick chirped defiantly, flames licking along its tiny wings. Kael felt its emotions surging through the bond—a fierce determination that mirrored his own.
"We can do this," Kael murmured, focusing on the connection. "Let's show him what we're made of."
---
Bond in Action
Merrik advanced again, but this time Kael was ready. The phoenix's flames flared brighter, wrapping around Kael like a protective aura. He raised his hand, and a stream of fire shot toward Merrik, forcing the hunter to dodge.
Thane took advantage of the opening, darting in with his blade. Merrik blocked the strike, but Shadowfang was already behind him, its claws raking across his back. The hunter hissed in pain, spinning to slash at the wolf, but Shadowfang darted away with feline grace.
Kael pressed the attack, his heart pounding as he directed the phoenix's flames. Each burst of fire grew stronger, more precise, as the bond between him and the chick deepened. He could feel the phoenix's instincts guiding him, its fiery spirit merging with his own.
Merrik snarled, his glowing eyes narrowing. "Enough!" he roared, slamming a fist into the ground.
A shockwave of dark energy rippled outward, snuffing out the flames and sending Kael sprawling. Thane grunted as he hit the ground, and Shadowfang yelped, its legs buckling under the force.
Kael struggled to his feet, his vision swimming. Merrik loomed over him, his blade gleaming as he raised it for the final blow.
---
The Phoenix Awakens
A piercing cry shattered the night, stopping Merrik in his tracks. The phoenix chick flared with golden light, its tiny body engulfed in flames. Kael felt a surge of power through the bond, a blazing inferno that filled him with both awe and terror.
The chick leapt from Kael's arms, its wings spreading wide. Its flames roared to life, forming a radiant barrier between Kael and Merrik. The hunter shielded his eyes, cursing as the intense heat forced him to retreat.
Kael felt the bond deepen further, the phoenix's presence blazing in his mind like a second heartbeat. He raised his hand, and the flames obeyed, twisting and coiling into a fiery spear. With a cry of defiance, Kael hurled the spear toward Merrik.
The hunter barely dodged in time. The spear exploded against a tree, reducing it to ash in an instant. Merrik's glowing eyes narrowed, and for the first time, Kael saw uncertainty flicker across his face.
"This isn't over," Merrik snarled, backing into the shadows. "You've only delayed the inevitable."
With that, he vanished, his dark presence dissipating into the night.
---
Aftermath
Kael collapsed to his knees, the adrenaline draining from his body. The phoenix chick landed beside him, its flames dimming to a soft glow. It nuzzled his hand, a wave of reassurance flowing through the bond.
Thane approached, limping but alive. "That was... impressive," he said, his voice rough. "You held your own."
Kael managed a weak smile. "Thanks. But he'll be back, won't he?"
Thane nodded grimly. "Merrik doesn't give up easily. And now that he's seen what the phoenix can do, he'll be even more determined."
Kael looked at the chick, its golden eyes gazing up at him with unwavering trust. "Then we'll be ready. Whatever it takes."
Thane clapped a hand on Kael's shoulder, his expression hard but approving. "You're stronger than you think, kid. And you're not alone in this fight."
As the stars glittered above and the phoenix's soft light bathed the grove, Kael felt a spark of hope. He had survived his first true battle, and though the road ahead was uncertain, he knew one thing for sure:
He would protect the phoenix—and their bond—no matter the cost.