The once-lively square of Lyris was now a battlefield of shattered stalls, spilled goods, and frightened villagers. The echoes of screams faded into an uneasy silence as the shadow creatures disappeared into the darkened forest. Smoke from the bonfire curled into the night sky, but its warm glow seemed dimmer, as if the attack had drained its light.
Kael stood frozen in the center of the square, still trying to process what had just happened. His hands, which moments ago had erupted in a burst of radiant energy, trembled at his sides. Around him, the villagers began to gather, their faces a mixture of fear and suspicion.
"What just happened?" whispered a woman near the bonfire, clutching her child tightly.
"That light… it came from him," muttered a farmer, pointing a calloused finger at Kael.
"Is he the reason those creatures attacked?" asked another, her voice sharp with accusation.
Kael opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. How could he explain something he didn't understand himself? His eyes darted to Mara, who stood at the edge of the crowd, her expression unreadable.
Before anyone could press further, the armored stranger stepped forward. Ardyn, he had called himself. His imposing figure and commanding presence silenced the murmurs. He raised a gloved hand, his voice calm but firm.
"Enough," he said, his deep voice carrying over the crowd. "This boy is not your enemy. Those creatures were drawn here by forces far beyond your understanding."
The villagers hesitated, their fear now mingled with curiosity. "And who are you?" someone demanded. "What do you know about this?"
Ardyn's gaze swept over the crowd before returning to Kael. "I am a seeker of the ancient ways, a guardian of truths long forgotten. And this boy—Kael—is connected to those truths. The light you saw within him is a gift, one that can protect this village from the darkness that threatens us all."
The crowd murmured again, this time with less hostility. Mara stepped forward, her voice steady despite the tension. "If what you say is true, then why has this 'gift' never shown itself before? Kael has lived here his whole life. Why now?"
Ardyn paused, as if choosing his words carefully. "Some gifts remain dormant until the right moment. Tonight, the darkness forced his power to awaken. But this is only the beginning. If Kael remains here, the shadows will return—stronger, and in greater numbers."
Kael's chest tightened at the implication. He looked at Mara, hoping for reassurance, but her expression was one of quiet resignation. "So what do you suggest?" she asked, her voice heavy.
Ardyn turned to Kael, his piercing gaze meeting the boy's mismatched eyes. "He must come with me."
The words hit Kael like a physical blow. "What?" he blurted. "No! I can't just leave. This is my home!"
"And it will cease to be a home if the darkness consumes it," Ardyn replied, his tone unyielding. "You've seen what they can do. They won't stop until they've destroyed everything—and everyone—you care about."
Kael's mind raced. He had no desire to leave Lyris, no desire to follow this stranger who spoke of ancient powers and shadowy threats. But the memory of the creatures, of their claws and glowing eyes, made his stomach churn. He glanced at Mara again, desperate for guidance.
The elder sighed, stepping closer to him. "Kael," she said softly, placing a hand on his shoulder. "This village has been your safe haven for sixteen years. But perhaps it's time to face what lies beyond. If Ardyn speaks the truth, your power could save not just Lyris, but many others as well."
"But… what if I fail?" Kael whispered, his voice barely audible. "What if I make things worse?"
Mara's eyes softened. "Every great journey begins with uncertainty. The question isn't whether you'll fail—it's whether you'll find the courage to try."
Kael swallowed hard, his thoughts a whirlwind of doubt and fear. Finally, he turned to Ardyn. "If I go with you… what happens next?"
Ardyn's lips curved into a faint smile, though his eyes remained serious. "We begin a journey to uncover who you truly are—and what you're capable of. But make no mistake, Kael. This path will not be easy. The darkness we face is unlike anything you've ever known."
Kael hesitated, his gaze shifting back to the villagers. Their expressions ranged from wary to hopeful, as if they, too, were waiting for his decision. Finally, he nodded, his voice steady despite the turmoil within him.
"Alright," he said. "I'll go."
The crowd murmured again, this time with a mix of relief and trepidation. Mara pulled him into a brief, tight embrace, whispering, "Stay safe, my boy. And trust in your strength."
As Kael turned to follow Ardyn out of the village, the weight of the decision settled heavily on his shoulders. He didn't know what lay ahead, but one thing was certain: his life in Lyris was over. The world beyond awaited, full of dangers and mysteries he couldn't yet comprehend.
And deep down, despite his fear, a small spark of determination flickered to life.