Malrik removed the eyepatch, revealing a glowing, crimson eye. The air around him crackled with energy, and the villagers gasped as an oppressive wave of power swept over them.
"Remember this moment," Malrik said softly, his voice reverberating unnaturally. "The calm before the storm."
The monstrous cow roared, and Revenant howled, their cries echoing through the night as Malrik disappeared into the shadows, leaving the terrified villagers trembling in his wake.
Malrik's glowing red eye lingered in their minds, its ominous light burning into the darkness. Little did they know, his return marked the beginning of a storm that would shake the Wildlands to its core.
///
"A kingdom is not built on stone alone, but on the strength of its people and the bonds they share."
///
Back at the Beastlord's Castle, life moved at a steady pace despite its lord's absence. Dozens of people lived within its walls—guards, caretakers, cooks, and beast handlers—each working to maintain the stronghold that had stood as a symbol of power for generations.
One of the castle servants, a wiry young man named Orin, was carrying a basket of raw meat toward the massive stables. The low growls and occasional roars of the beasts within echoed across the stone corridors.
"Alright, alright, don't get your claws in a twist," Orin muttered as he approached. He pushed the heavy wooden door open, revealing an assortment of beasts behind iron bars—hulking dire wolves, saber-toothed cats, and even a serpentine creature coiled in one corner.
"Dinner time," Orin called, tossing chunks of meat into their enclosures. The beasts lunged at their meals, their fierce eyes glinting with hunger. Despite their wild nature, they remained oddly calm, as though they could sense the lingering influence of the Beastlord even in his absence.
"You lot are lucky," Orin grumbled. "Living better than some of us."
The castle bustled with life, but there was an air of unease. With Kael gone, the castle's inhabitants felt untethered, uncertain of what the future held.
By midday, the castle gates swung open with a deep creak, announcing the return of Kael and Evanna. A pack of beasts accompanied them—Glow, Hoppe, and a few others who had grown loyal to Evanna during their time in the Wildlands.
The castle's inhabitants gathered in the courtyard, their curiosity piqued by the unusual entourage.
"Lord Kael!" Orin called, running out from the stables. "You're back!"
Kael dismounted his horse, his golden eyes scanning the familiar walls of his ancestral home. "It's good to be back," he said, though his tone carried a hint of hesitation. His gaze lingered on Evanna, who was busy stroking Glow's fur.
"Welcome back, Lady Evanna," one of the guards said, bowing slightly. The title still felt strange to her, but she managed a polite nod.
Glow growled softly, his ears twitching.
"Oh, hush," Evanna murmured, scratching behind his ears. "They're being nice."
The crowd of castle residents whispered among themselves, their attention split between their lord's bride and the beasts she seemed to command with such ease.
Kael raised a hand, silencing the murmurs. "We'll talk later. For now, see to the beasts and prepare the hall for a feast. It's been a long journey."
The great hall of the castle buzzed with activity as tables were laden with food and drink. Evanna sat beside Kael at the head of the table, her gaze wandering across the room. She noticed how the people here carried themselves—disciplined and alert, yet there was a warmth to their camaraderie.
"I didn't realize so many people lived here," Evanna said, turning to Kael.
"Fifty, give or take," Kael replied. "They've been here since before my mother's time. Most of them are the children of those who served her."
Evanna tilted her head. "They seem loyal."
"They are," Kael said. "But loyalty can waver if not nurtured. That's why I want to bring some of them to Evanna."
She blinked. "You mean the village?"
"Yes," Kael said, leaning forward slightly. "The castle is well-guarded, but the village needs people. Builders, farmers, guards—it has potential, but it won't thrive without more hands."
Evanna considered his words. "You're asking them to leave their home."
"I'm giving them a choice," Kael corrected. "Some may want a new start. Others may prefer to stay here. Either way, the village will grow, and the castle will remain strong."
As he spoke, Hoppe hopped across the table, sniffing at a bowl of fruit. Evanna laughed, gently nudging him back toward her lap.
Kael smiled faintly. "What do you think?"
"I think it's a good idea," she said. "But you'll need to convince them."
Kael chuckled. "Leave that to me."
Later That Evening
After the feast, Kael gathered the castle's residents in the courtyard. The torches flickered in the cool night air as he addressed them.
"You've served this castle well," Kael began, his voice carrying across the crowd. "And I am grateful for your loyalty. But the Wildlands are changing. The village we've built—Evanna—is the start of something new. A place where people can live, grow, and rebuild what was lost."
The crowd murmured among themselves, exchanging curious glances.
"I won't demand anything of you," Kael continued. "But if any of you wish to join us in the village, you will be welcomed. We need builders, farmers, guards—people who are willing to shape the future of the Wildlands."
Orin stepped forward, his expression thoughtful. "You mean… leave the castle?"
Kael nodded. "Not everyone. The castle will remain a stronghold, and those who wish to stay will continue to protect it. But the village needs people. It needs life."
A woman in the crowd raised her hand. "And what of the beasts?"
"They will remain under my command," Kael said firmly. "And Evanna's."
At this, the crowd turned to Evanna, who shifted uncomfortably under their gaze. Glow, sensing her unease, nuzzled her side.
Kael placed a hand on her shoulder. "She's proven herself more capable than anyone I've ever known. With her help, we can create something truly great."