The city of Tharien's Gate rose like a jewel at the base of the mountain range, its towering walls glinting in the late afternoon sun. Kaelron guided Ignis toward the gates, the gryphon's golden feathers catching the light as she padded gracefully beside him. The bustling sounds of a trade hub drifted through the air—merchants shouting, carts creaking, and the hum of a crowd moving through the streets.
"It's bigger than I thought," Eryk muttered, his hand resting on Frostfang's back. The wolf prowled silently beside him, his nose twitching at the scents of the city.
"Trade cities like this attract all kinds," Nyx said, her sharp gaze sweeping over the guards posted at the gates. "Not all of them friendly. Stay alert."
Kaelron nodded, adjusting the strap of his satchel. The fragment inside pulsed faintly, its energy subdued for now, but he could feel its tension building. He exchanged a glance with Ignis, who let out a soft trill.
"Let's not linger longer than we need to," Kaelron said.
---
The streets were a chaotic mix of noise and motion. Vendors called out from their stalls, offering everything from exotic fruits to weapons forged in distant lands. Children darted through the crowd, chasing each other with laughter, while travelers haggled with merchants over supplies.
Despite the lively atmosphere, Kaelron felt a strange unease. Shadows lingered in alleyways, and the gazes of certain passersby seemed to linger on them a little too long.
Nyx seemed to notice it too. Her hand rested lightly on the hilt of her dagger as her panther padded silently beside her. "This place feels... off," she murmured.
"It's probably nothing," Eryk said, though his hand didn't stray far from his sword. "Cities like this always have an edge."
As they made their way through the market district, Kaelron's attention was drawn to whispers among the merchants. Phrases like "shadow beasts," "attacks in the jungle," and "cursed relics" floated through the air.
"Ignis," Kaelron said softly, and the gryphon let out a low trill. He placed a hand on her neck, using their bond to scan the area. The fragment pulsed again, stronger this time, and Kaelron felt a faint tug toward the western part of the city.
"There's something here," he said, his voice quiet. "Something connected to the fragment."
---
The group stopped at a small tavern tucked away in a quieter corner of the city. The dimly lit room smelled of roasted meat and ale, and a low murmur of conversation filled the air. Kaelron chose a table near the back, where they could talk without drawing too much attention.
Nyx leaned forward, her voice low. "We need information. If the jungle shrine is already under threat, we need to know what we're walking into."
Eryk nodded, his gaze scanning the room. "I'll listen around. People talk when they drink."
"I'll ask directly," Nyx said, her tone sharp. "Guild contacts pass through places like this. Someone might know something useful."
Kaelron hesitated, glancing at the satchel where the fragment rested. "I'll stay here with Ignis. I don't want to risk drawing attention to the fragment."
Nyx nodded, rising from her seat. "Stay alert."
Eryk followed her, leaving Kaelron alone at the table. He stroked Ignis's feathers absently, his thoughts swirling. The fragment's pulsing had grown more insistent, like a heartbeat syncing with his own.
---
Half an hour passed before Eryk returned, his expression grim.
"There's talk of a gang operating out of the western district," he said, lowering his voice. "They've been hitting merchants and travelers, but the way people describe it..." He shook his head. "They're using shadow beasts."
Kaelron's chest tightened. "The Maw's corruption?"
"Most likely," Eryk said. "It gets worse. They're rumored to be led by someone called the Shadow Tamer—someone who's merged with the corruption."
Nyx returned shortly after, her panther stalking beside her. "I spoke to a contact. The jungle shrine is in serious danger. Shadow beasts have already begun targeting the area, and the protector is holding them off alone. If the Shadow Tamer is involved, they might already be working to corrupt the fragment."
Kaelron's fists clenched. "Then we don't have time to waste. We need to stop the Shadow Tamer before they spread more corruption."
Eryk frowned. "We're in no shape for a fight. Our supplies are running low, and we don't know how powerful this tamer is."
Nyx nodded reluctantly. "He's right. We'll resupply here first and gather more information. If we charge in blind, we'll lose."
---
As the group left the tavern, Kaelron felt the fragment pull harder toward the western district. Each step they took seemed to amplify the tension in his chest.
"Ignis," he murmured, placing a hand on her neck. The gryphon let out a soft growl, her feathers ruffling uneasily.
Nyx noticed his unease. "What's wrong?"
"The fragment," Kaelron said. "It's pulling me toward something. It's stronger now."
Eryk frowned. "We can't let it control us. That's what the Maw wants."
Kaelron shook his head. "This isn't the Maw. It's... something else."
Reluctantly, the group followed the pull toward the western district. The lively atmosphere of the market faded as they entered a darker part of the city. The streets were quieter, the shadows deeper, and the people fewer.
---
The pull led them to a narrow alley where a man waited, his back to the wall. He was cloaked in tattered robes, his face obscured by a hood.
"You're the one carrying it," the man said, his voice raspy.
Kaelron tensed, his grip tightening on his staff. "Carrying what?"
"The fragment," the man hissed, his voice laced with malice. He lifted his head, revealing eyes glowing with violet light. "You're leading the Maw right to us."
The fragment pulsed violently, and Kaelron staggered under the force of it. Ignis growled, her wings flaring as the man stepped forward.
"You should give it to me," the man said, his voice twisting. "You don't know what it's capable of. But I do."
Nyx drew her daggers, her panther growling low. "Step back, or you'll regret it."
The man let out a hollow laugh. "You think you can stop it? You're nothing but dust under the Maw's gaze."
Suddenly, shadow beasts burst from the alley, their forms twisting and writhing as they lunged for the group.
---
Kaelron merged partially with Ignis, golden flames erupting around him as he fought back the shadow beasts. His staff became an extension of their bond, slashing through the creatures with blazing precision.
Nyx and her panther darted through the fray, their movements fluid and deadly. Eryk swung his greatsword in powerful arcs, carving through the beasts with Frostfang at his side.
The man watched from the shadows, his laughter echoing through the alley. "You can't win! The Maw's power is endless!"
Kaelron's flames burned brighter as he pushed forward, striking down one beast after another. "Ignis, full merge!"
Their bond surged to life, and Kaelron became one with the gryphon once more. With his enhanced strength and speed, he tore through the remaining beasts, their forms disintegrating into ash.
The man growled in frustration, retreating into the shadows. "You'll regret this. The Maw is coming for you."
As the battle ended, Kaelron separated from Ignis, panting heavily. The alley was quiet again, but the man's warning lingered in the air.
---
Nyx sheathed her daggers, her expression grim. "That was too close. The Maw's corruption is spreading faster than we thought."
Eryk nodded. "If the Shadow Tamer is involved, we're running out of time."
Kaelron placed a hand on Ignis's neck, her warmth steadying him. "We'll stop them. We have to."
Nyx glanced toward the darkened alley. "First, we need supplies and rest. Then we deal with the Shadow Tamer."
The group turned back toward the city's main streets, the weight of their mission heavier than ever. Tharien's Gate was only the beginning—the jungle shrine awaited, and the Maw's shadow loomed closer with every step.