With the immediate danger gone, I knew I had to find a place to rest and recover. Dragging my weak body through the forest, I searched for a safe haven. My vision blurred, and every step felt like a monumental effort, but I refused to give up.
After what felt like an eternity, I stumbled upon a small cave hidden behind a thick curtain of vines. I crawled inside, the cool darkness providing a welcome respite from the chaos outside. As I lay there, exhausted and battered, I made a silent promise to myself: I would grow stronger. I would master my newfound magic and return to the manor. And when I did, I would make Cedric pay for his betrayal.
"Ahh I really Wish I could heal myself," I muttered in a whisper. The pain was overwhelming, and I knew that without help my chances of survival were slim.
Despite my determination, I could feel my consciousness slipping away. My vision darkened, and the world around me faded into a blur. With one last, desperate thought of survival, I succumbed to the pain and lost consciousness.
Cedric's mind raced as he tried to remember the path they had taken. The forest was a labyrinth of trees and underbrush, and every direction looked the same. He cursed himself for not paying more attention to the map the servants had drawn.
As he stumbled through the undergrowth, Cedric's thoughts turned to Arin. He had left him behind to face the Storm Griffin alone. The image of Arin's terrified face haunted him, but he couldn't afford to dwell on it now. Survival was all that mattered.
After what felt like hours of running, Cedric finally saw a break in the trees ahead. He pushed through the dense foliage and emerged onto a narrow path. Relief washed over him as he recognized the trail that led back to the manor.
Cedric followed the path, his steps growing steadier as he neared familiar territory. The manor's towering walls came into view, and he quickened his pace, eager to reach the safety of home.
As Cedric approached the manor gates, the guards on duty recognized him and rushed to open the gates. Their expressions were a mix of surprise and concern as they took in Cedric's disheveled appearance.
"Master Cedric, are you okay?" one of the guards asked, his voice filled with worry.
Cedric's anger flared, and he snapped back, "Do I look okay? We were attacked by a Storm Griffin! The guards... they didn't make it. I barely escaped."
The guards exchanged worried glances before one of them spoke up. "We need to inform Lord Darian immediately."
Cedric was escorted to the manor's grand hall, where his father, Lord Darian, awaited. The lord's cold eyes assessed his son as Cedric recounted the events of the day. Cedric's voice wavered as he spoke of the guards' sacrifice and Arin's fate.
Lord Darian's expression remained impassive as he listened. When Cedric finished, there was a long silence before his father spoke.
"You survived, and that is what matters," Lord Darian said, his tone devoid of emotion. "Strength is forged through adversity. This experience will make you stronger."
Cedric nodded, though his heart was heavy with guilt and regret. He knew he had to live up to his father's expectations, but the weight of his actions weighed heavily on his conscience.
As Cedric left the grand hall, he couldn't shake the image of Arin's terrified face. He knew he had to become stronger, not just for himself, but to honor the sacrifices made that day. Cedric vowed to train harder, to master his magic, and to never let fear dictate his actions again.
Arin's eyes fluttered open, and he was immediately greeted by a wave of pain that coursed through his body. Every muscle ached, and his head throbbed with a dull, persistent ache. He groaned softly, trying to make sense of his surroundings.
The cave was dimly lit, with only a few rays of sunlight filtering through the curtain of vines at the entrance. The air was cool and damp, and the earthy scent of the forest filled his nostrils. Arin struggled to sit up, his movements slow and labored.
Where Am I?
"Where am I?" Arin muttered to himself, his voice barely a whisper. He looked around the cave, trying to piece together the events that had led him here. The last thing he remembered was the fierce battle with the Storm Griffin and the overwhelming pain that had consumed him.
He glanced down at his body, noting the numerous cuts and bruises that marred his skin. His clothes were torn and bloodstained, and he could feel the sting of his injuries with every breath he took. Arin's mind raced as he tried to recall how long he had been unconscious.
"How long has it been?" he wondered aloud, his voice tinged with desperation. The passage of time was a blur, and he had no way of knowing how long he had been lying in the cave. The pain and exhaustion had taken their toll, and he felt weak and disoriented.
Arin's thoughts turned to Cedric and the others. Had they made it back to the manor safely? Did anyone even know he was missing? The uncertainty gnawed at him, but he knew he couldn't afford to dwell on it now. Survival was his top priority.
Despite the pain, Arin knew he had to find a way to tend to his injuries and regain his strength. He couldn't rely on wishes alone; he needed to take action. With great effort, he managed to stand, using the cave wall for support.
"I need to find help," he muttered, his resolve strengthening. "I can't stay here and wait for death."
Arin took a few unsteady steps toward the cave entrance, his body protesting with every movement. He knew the forest was dangerous, but he had no other choice. He had to find a way to survive it.