The dark chamber where Marcus awaited them felt colder than the night forest. The stone walls seemed to absorb the heat, leaving only an oppressive chill. The faint glow of candlelight flickered across Marcus's sharp features as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers steepled before him. His eyes, like twin voids, bore into Kael as the trio entered.
The extracted target, still bound and gagged, was thrown to the floor by Zephyr with little regard. The man whimpered, his muffled cries echoing in the silence. Marcus's gaze barely flicked toward him, his attention fixed on Kael.
"You returned," Marcus said, his voice smooth and deliberate. "And without any… glaring mistakes."
Kael stood tall, meeting Marcus's eyes. Despite the thinly veiled critique, he knew it was as close to a compliment as the man ever gave.
"The mission was completed successfully," Kael replied. "No witnesses. The outpost is in ruins."
"And the target?" Marcus gestured lazily to the cowering man. "Intact, I see."
Zephyr stepped forward, his usual smirk in place. "Intact, yes. Annoyingly heavy, too, I might add."
"Your theatrics with the fire were unnecessary," Lyra interjected, her tone clipped. "You could've compromised the mission."
Zephyr shrugged, unbothered. "A little chaos keeps things interesting."
"Enough," Marcus said, his voice cutting through their bickering like a blade. He rose from his seat, his imposing figure casting a long shadow across the room. "Kael."
Kael straightened, feeling the weight of Marcus's gaze. He had faced death, fought against skilled opponents, and walked through fire without flinching. Yet standing before Marcus always made him feel as though he were back on the precipice of despair, just before Marcus had found him.
"Tell me," Marcus continued, his tone soft but laced with danger. "How did it feel?"
Kael hesitated. "The mission?"
Marcus's lips curled into a faint smile, one that didn't reach his eyes. "No. The kill. The power you unleashed."
Kael clenched his fists, the memory of the fight flashing through his mind—the surge of energy, the shadows moving as if they had a will of their own. "Controlled. Focused."
"Good," Marcus said, stepping closer. "But control is only the first step. True power lies in understanding its purpose." He leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Do you understand your purpose, Kael?"
Kael met Marcus's gaze, the storm of emotions churning beneath his calm exterior. "To become stronger. To take back what was taken from me."
Marcus studied him for a moment before nodding. "A worthy goal. But strength alone is not enough. You must learn to wield fear, to make it your ally. Only then will you command true power."
The bound man whimpered again, drawing Marcus's attention. With a wave of his hand, Marcus dismissed Zephyr and Lyra, leaving Kael alone with him.
"Prove to me that you're ready," Marcus said, his voice like silk over steel. "Show me that you can harness the shadows without hesitation."
Kael felt the weight of the command settle over him. He stepped forward, the shadows coiling around his feet like obedient serpents. The target's muffled cries grew louder, his terror palpable. Kael hesitated, a flicker of doubt crossing his mind.
"Do it," Marcus said, his tone devoid of empathy. "This man was a traitor. A weak link. He would've sold out his comrades for a handful of gold. He doesn't deserve mercy."
Kael's heart pounded in his chest as he raised his hand. The shadows writhed, eager, hungry. The man's eyes were wide, tears streaming down his face as he shook his head, pleading for his life.
For a moment, Kael saw himself in the man's place—helpless, broken, and at the mercy of someone stronger. His fingers trembled as he fought to push the memory aside.
Marcus stepped closer, his voice a low murmur. "Hesitation is a flaw, Kael. Either you kill him, or you fail me."
The words struck like a dagger. Kael's jaw tightened, his hand steadying. With a surge of power, the shadows lashed out, enveloping the man in a suffocating embrace. His cries were silenced in an instant, the life draining from his eyes.
When it was done, Kael stepped back, his chest heaving. The room was silent, save for the faint hiss of dissipating energy. Marcus smiled, a cold, satisfied expression.
"Well done," he said. "You've taken another step toward becoming what you were meant to be."
Kael met his gaze, the weight of his actions settling heavy on his shoulders. But beneath the guilt, a flicker of something darker stirred—a sense of accomplishment, of power.
"Remember this feeling," Marcus said. "It's what will carry you to greatness."
Kael nodded, his expression unreadable. As Marcus turned and walked away, Kael stood alone in the chamber, the shadows still swirling faintly at his feet.