Kael barely had time to process the monstrous creature before it charged, its piercing screech reverberating in his bones. Its six legs pounded the ground, each step shaking the jagged rocks beneath them. The beast's glowing green eyes locked onto Kael, and its writhing tendrils snapped toward him like serpents.
"Stay behind me!" Varyn barked, stepping forward with his blade drawn.
Kael's hands trembled as he gripped his makeshift weapon. The Veil's energy pulsed within him, the crimson mark on his hand burning hotter with every second. It pushed at the edges of his control, urging him to act, but he hesitated.
The Riftbeast lunged, its massive claws slashing through the air. Varyn sidestepped with practiced precision, his sword flashing as he struck at the creature's flank. The blade cut deep, black ichor spilling from the wound, but the Riftbeast barely flinched.
"Damn thing's armored," Varyn muttered, dodging another swipe. "Kael, focus! Use the Veil!"
Kael swallowed hard, his heart hammering in his chest. The mark on his hand flared brighter, responding to his fear and adrenaline. He clenched his fist, drawing on the energy as Varyn had taught him. A faint crimson aura enveloped him, and he felt the Veil's power surging through his veins.
The Riftbeast turned toward him, its glowing eyes narrowing. It roared, the sound rattling Kael's teeth, and charged.
Kael barely had time to react. He threw himself to the side, rolling across the rocky ground as the creature's claws slashed through the space where he'd stood moments before. The Veil's energy coursed through him, dulling the pain from the scrapes and bruises.
"Get up!" Varyn shouted, fending off the beast's next attack. "If you don't fight, we're both dead!"
Kael forced himself to his feet, the mark on his hand pulsing in time with his racing heart. He focused on the Riftbeast, his fear giving way to a steely determination.
The creature turned toward him again, its tendrils writhing as it prepared to strike. This time, Kael didn't hesitate. He extended his hand, channeling the Veil's energy into a concentrated burst. A crimson beam shot from his palm, striking the Riftbeast square in the chest.
The beast let out a deafening roar, stumbling back as the energy seared through its armored hide. Kael staggered, the effort leaving him breathless, but he didn't stop. He channeled another burst, this one aimed at the creature's head.
The Riftbeast recoiled, ichor dripping from its scorched face. Varyn seized the opportunity, darting in with his blade. He struck at the creature's exposed neck, his sword biting deep. The Riftbeast thrashed violently, its claws raking across Varyn's arm as it let out a final, guttural roar.
Then, with a heavy thud, it collapsed.
Kael sank to his knees, his chest heaving as he struggled to catch his breath. The mark on his hand dimmed, the crimson glow fading to a faint ember.
Varyn stood over the fallen beast, his blade slick with black ichor. He wiped his brow with his uninjured arm, glancing down at Kael.
"Not bad," he said, his tone grudgingly approving. "You've got a long way to go, but that wasn't terrible for your first real fight."
Kael looked up at him, his face pale. "That thing… what was it?"
"A Riftbeast," Varyn replied, sheathing his sword. "One of the Riftlands' many predators. They're drawn to the Veil's energy, just like the wraiths. The stronger you get, the more of them you'll attract."
Kael's stomach churned at the thought. "So this is my life now? Fighting off monsters that want to kill me because of this mark?"
"Pretty much," Varyn said, shrugging. "But you're not alone. You've got me—for now."
Kael frowned, catching the unspoken implication. "For now?"
Varyn's expression darkened. "The Riftlands don't allow for attachments, kid. I'll get you to the Shattered Spire, but after that, you're on your own."
Kael felt a pang of frustration. "Why? Why are you even helping me if you're just going to leave?"
Varyn sighed, his gaze distant. "Because someone helped me once. And because... I've got my reasons. But don't expect a happy ending, Kael. The Riftlands don't work that way."
Kael clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Then I'll make my own ending."
Varyn chuckled, though there was no humor in it. "We'll see."
They spent the rest of the day patching up their wounds and recovering their strength. Varyn used strips of cloth to bind the claw marks on his arm, while Kael tended to his scrapes and bruises.
"You did well back there," Varyn said as they sat by the fire that evening. "But don't let it go to your head. The Riftbeast was just the beginning. The closer we get to the Spire, the worse it'll get."
Kael nodded, the weight of the warning settling on him. He stared at the mark on his hand, its faint glow casting shadows in the dim firelight.
"What happens when we reach the Spire?" he asked.
Varyn's expression was unreadable. "We'll find out."
That night, Kael dreamed of the Riftbeast. He saw its glowing eyes, felt its claws slicing through the air. But this time, when he raised his hand to defend himself, the Veil's energy didn't answer.
He woke with a start, his heart racing. The mark on his hand was cold, its glow extinguished.
"Bad dreams?" Varyn asked, his voice cutting through the darkness.
Kael nodded, rubbing his temples. "It's the mark. It feels... different."
Varyn frowned. "The Veil is unpredictable. The more you use it, the more it changes you. You need to be careful, Kael. Power always comes with a price."
Kael didn't reply. He stared into the fire, his mind racing with questions. He didn't know what the price of his power would be, but one thing was certain: there was no turning back.