"What you choose to protect defines who you are. But what you're willing to sacrifice… that's what makes you a ruler."
Kael stared down at Evanna, her defiance a flame burning in her eyes. For a moment, he said nothing, his jaw tightening as if weighing whether or not to speak the truth. Then, with a sharp breath, he stepped back.
"You want to understand? Fine," he said, his voice edged with frustration. "But don't say I didn't warn you."
Evanna crossed her arms. "I'm listening."
Kael gestured for her to follow, leading her toward the edge of the village where the dense forest loomed. Glow followed closely, growling softly as if sensing Kael's tension. Shadow trailed behind, silent and watchful.
As they walked, Kael spoke, his tone somber. "The Wildlands weren't always like this. Once, it was a kingdom—vast, powerful, united. My mother, Queen Lyara, ruled with wisdom and strength. She had a bond with the beasts unlike anyone else. They didn't just obey her—they trusted her."
Evanna glanced at the pendant around her neck, its soft glow illuminating their path. "And the pendant?"
Kael's eyes flicked to it, his expression unreadable. "It was a symbol of her bond. A fragment of the Wildlands' heart. With it, she could calm even the most dangerous creatures, bring peace where there was chaos."
"What happened?"
Kael's steps faltered for a moment before he continued. "Betrayal. My mother's closest advisor turned against her, driven by greed and a lust for power. He unleashed a beast no one could tame, not even her. The kingdom fell, my people scattered, and the Wildlands became what you see now—wild, untamed, broken."
They stopped at a clearing overlooking a vast valley. In the distance, ruins of a grand city lay shrouded in mist, barely visible beneath the overgrowth.
"That was our capital," Kael said quietly. "I vowed to rebuild it, to restore what was lost. But I can't do it alone."
Evanna frowned. "And you think I'm supposed to help you? I didn't ask for this, Kael. I didn't choose to be part of your kingdom or your plans."
Kael turned to face her, his golden eyes piercing. "You didn't choose the Wildlands, but the Wildlands chose you. That pendant—my mother's pendant—found its way to you. The beasts follow you. The land responds to you. Do you really think that's a coincidence?"
Evanna hesitated, her hand brushing against the pendant. "Even if that's true, why should I leave this village? These animals? They need me."
Kael's expression hardened. "And what happens when the Wildlands' true enemy returns? When the one who destroyed my kingdom comes for you? Do you think this village will survive? Do you think you will survive?"
Evanna's breath caught, and for the first time, doubt crept into her mind.
Back in the village, Evanna sat by the fire, the weight of Kael's words pressing down on her. Glow curled up beside her, his warm presence comforting, while Shadow prowled the outskirts of the camp, ever vigilant.
Kael stood a short distance away, watching her with an unreadable expression. Finally, he spoke, his tone softer than before. "You have a gift, Evanna. A connection to this land that even I don't fully understand. But gifts like yours come with responsibility. You can stay here, pretend none of this matters, but the Wildlands won't wait forever."
Evanna looked up at him, her eyes narrowing. "You talk about responsibility like it's a choice I already made. But what about my choice? What if I don't want to be your queen or your savior?"
Kael crouched down beside her, his voice low. "What if the Wildlands don't give you a choice?"
The fire crackled between them, the only sound in the still night. Evanna clutched the pendant, its faint glow reflecting in her eyes. She opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, a sudden roar shattered the quiet.
Glow bolted to his feet, barking furiously, while Shadow let out a deep, warning growl.
Kael's hand went to his sword, his gaze snapping to the edge of the village. "Stay here," he ordered, his voice sharp.
But Evanna was already standing, her heart racing. "What is it?"