---
The forest had grown eerily quiet in the aftermath of the battle. The scent of burnt wood and disturbed earth lingered in the air, a stark reminder of Kael's outburst. He sat slumped against a tree, his breathing shallow and labored. His hands were trembling, the faint flicker of shadows still dancing across his fingertips like ghostly embers.
Caden crouched in front of him, his sharp features etched with concern. His sword rested across his knees, the blade still faintly glowing with the energy of his last strike.
"You're a danger to yourself, Kael," Caden said after a long silence. "And to me."
Kael's eyes flickered to Caden's, guilt weighing heavily in his chest. "I didn't mean for that to happen."
"That's the problem," Caden replied, his voice colder now. "The shadows don't care about your intentions. They care about survival, domination. If you don't get ahead of this, you'll become just like the Disciples—or worse, a pawn of the Voidmaster."
Kael looked down at his hands. He could still feel the overwhelming power coursing through him, seductive and consuming. It had felt right in the moment, like a solution to everything—until the aftermath left him hollow.
"How do I stop it?" he asked, his voice barely above a whisper.
Caden sighed, running a hand through his hair. "The Order of Lumina is your best hope. Their teachings are said to balance the light and the shadows. If anyone can help you gain control, it's them."
"And if they won't help?"
"Then we'll find another way," Caden said, though the uncertainty in his tone was unmistakable.
---
The First Trial
By midday, the two had pressed deeper into the forest. The towering trees gave way to rocky terrain, their gnarled roots snaking across the ground like veins. The mist grew thicker, curling around their legs and shrouding the path ahead.
Kael's unease grew with every step. The shadows around him felt restless, tugging at his consciousness like a persistent whisper.
"It's too quiet," he muttered.
Caden grunted in agreement. "Stay sharp. This area is notorious for—"
A low growl cut him off.
From the mist emerged a creature unlike anything Kael had ever seen. It stood on four limbs, its body covered in matted fur that seemed to writhe unnaturally. Its eyes glowed with a sickly green light, and its jagged teeth dripped with black ichor.
"A Mist Stalker," Caden said, drawing his sword. "Stay back."
The creature lunged without warning, its movements unnaturally fast. Caden met it head-on, his blade flashing in the dim light. The creature snarled, its claws raking across the steel as it tried to overpower him.
Kael instinctively reached for his blade, but the shadows surged at the edges of his vision, whispering their temptation.
Let us handle this, they seemed to say. We can end it with a single strike.
"No," Kael hissed, shaking his head violently. He forced his hand away from the darkness, gripping his sword instead.
The Mist Stalker turned its glowing eyes toward him, its lips curling back in a snarl. It broke away from Caden, leaping toward Kael with claws outstretched.
Kael ducked and rolled, narrowly avoiding the attack. He swung his sword in an arc, managing to graze the creature's side. It howled in rage, its body twisting unnaturally as it turned on him again.
"Kael!" Caden shouted. "Focus!"
Kael gritted his teeth, pushing down the whispers that clawed at his mind. He met the creature's next charge head-on, his blade flashing as he struck its leg. The Mist Stalker stumbled, giving Caden the opening he needed.
With a swift, decisive strike, Caden's sword cleaved through the creature's neck. Its body crumpled to the ground, dissolving into a pool of black ichor that seeped into the earth.
Kael leaned against a nearby rock, his chest heaving.
"You hesitated," Caden said, sheathing his sword.
"I didn't want to lose control again," Kael admitted.
Caden nodded, his expression softening slightly. "That's good. But hesitation can kill you, too. You'll need to find a balance, Kael—quickly."
---
The Temple Beckons
The sun was beginning to set by the time they reached the foothills of the mountains. The mist thinned, revealing a narrow path that wound upward into the jagged peaks.
"There," Caden said, pointing to a faint glow in the distance. "That's the first ward. If we're lucky, the Order will find us before anything else does."
Kael followed his gaze, his eyes narrowing. "And if they don't?"
Caden smirked grimly. "Then we fight."
The path was steep and treacherous, the rocks slick with moisture. As they climbed, Kael couldn't shake the feeling that they were being watched.
"Caden," he said quietly, "do you feel that?"
Caden's hand went to his sword. "Yes. Keep moving."
The glow of the ward grew brighter as they approached, its golden light cutting through the darkness like a beacon. But just as they reached the edge of the ward's protective circle, the air grew heavy.
A figure stepped out from the shadows, its form cloaked in black robes. Unlike the Disciples, this figure's presence was cold and calculating, its aura radiating an unnatural calm.
"Kael of the Eclipse Chain," the figure said, its voice smooth and emotionless. "You seek the Order of Lumina, but you bring the stench of the Void with you. Why should we allow you to pass?"
Kael hesitated, his hand tightening on his sword. "I came to learn control. To stop the Voidmaster."
The figure tilted its head, as if considering his words. "And yet, the darkness clings to you like a second skin. Convince me, shadow-bearer. Show me you are worthy of the Order's teachings."
Before Kael could respond, the figure raised its hand. The air shimmered, and suddenly, Kael was surrounded by shadowy forms, each one a mirror image of himself.
"Prove your resolve," the figure said. "Or be consumed."
---
To Be Continued...