Episode 3: The Bond of Light
The days following Kael's appearance were tense. Liora doubled her efforts in training, but fear gnawed at her heart. What if she wasn't strong enough? What if Kael returned and she failed to protect the village?
One morning, as she gathered herbs near the glade, she heard a soft whimpering sound. Following the noise, she discovered a small, injured fox lying beneath a tree. Its leg was caught in a trap, and its fur was matted with blood.
Liora knelt beside it, her staff glowing faintly. "It's okay," she whispered, placing her hand gently on the fox. Warmth spread from her palm, and the fox's wounds began to heal. The animal's amber eyes met hers, and she felt an instant connection.
The fox stood, its leg fully healed, and rubbed against her leg affectionately. Liora smiled. "I'll call you Ember," she said. The fox yipped in agreement, its tail wagging.
---
That night, as Liora practiced a new spell, Ember sat by her side, watching intently. The bond between them seemed to grow stronger with every passing moment. When Liora cast a protective shield, Ember's eyes glowed faintly, and the shield expanded larger than before.
Alma noticed this and smiled. "The fox is no ordinary creature," she said. "Ember is a spirit companion, drawn to your light. Together, you are stronger than you are apart."
---
The next day, Kael struck again. This time, he sent shadowy creatures to attack the village directly. Liora and Ember rushed to the scene, finding the villagers huddled in fear as the beasts rampaged.
Liora raised her staff, summoning a barrier to protect the people. Ember leapt into action, weaving between the creatures and striking them with bursts of golden energy. Together, they drove the shadows back.
As the last creature vanished, the villagers erupted in cheers. But Liora's heart was heavy. She knew this was only a small victory. Kael's power was growing, and she had yet to face him directly.
As the sun set, Liora stood at the edge of the forest with Ember by her side. The pendant around her neck glowed faintly, and she felt a sense of determination rise within her.
"I'm not afraid of you, Kael," she whispered into the wind. "I'll protect my home, no matter what."
To be continued...