Chapter 2: Shadows of the Past
The crackling of the fire was the only sound in the small clearing where Elysia sat, staring into the flames. Her knees were drawn to her chest, her mind replaying Kael's parting words.
"If they take you, they take me too."
What did he mean? Why did the Vampire, of all people, care about her fate?
She rubbed her temples, frustration mingling with unease. Across from her, Alaric paced, the firelight gleaming off his armor as he muttered curses under his breath.
"That... creature had no business being here," Alaric said finally, his voice sharp.
"Kael isn't just a creature," Elysia replied, tired of the argument they'd been having since Kael disappeared into the woods.
Alaric stopped mid-step, his hazel eyes narrowing. "He's a Vampire, Elysia. That makes him dangerous by default."
"And yet he warned us. He didn't attack, didn't demand anything. Doesn't that tell you something?"
"It tells me he's playing some kind of game," Alaric snapped. "They always are. You can't trust him."
Elysia sighed, leaning her head against her knees. She wanted to believe Alaric, but something deep inside her pushed back. Kael's presence stirred a mix of emotions she couldn't quite name—fear, intrigue, and something dangerously close to longing.
The silence stretched between them until Alaric finally sat down beside her. His voice softened. "I know you think you see something good in him, but he's not like us, Elysia. He's... darkness."
Elysia turned to look at him, her silver-blue eyes searching his face. "And what am I, Alaric? Half-Fae, half-human. A healer with magic no one understands. Am I like you?"
His expression tightened, pain flickering in his eyes. "You're... you're good, Elysia. Better than anyone I've ever known."
She smiled faintly, though it didn't reach her eyes. "I wish I could believe that."
Before Alaric could respond, the sound of snapping branches jolted them both to their feet. Elysia's dagger was in her hand in an instant, and Alaric's sword gleamed in the firelight.
A figure stepped into the clearing, cloaked in black. It wasn't Kael this time, but a tall woman with sharp features and piercing violet eyes. Her dark hair was tied back, revealing the intricate silver tattoos that curled up her neck and onto her face.
"Elysia Winterborn," the woman said, her voice smooth and cold as ice. "I've been looking for you."
Alaric moved in front of Elysia, his sword raised. "Who are you? What do you want?"
The woman's lips curved into a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "I am Isolde Blackthorn, and what I want is not for you to decide, Knight."
Elysia stepped out from behind Alaric, ignoring his sharp intake of breath. "What do you want with me?" she asked, her voice steady despite the unease curling in her stomach.
Isolde's gaze shifted to Elysia, assessing her like a predator sizing up prey. "I'm here to deliver a message, little healer. Kael Draven is not your ally. Whatever lies he's told you, remember this: he belongs to me."
Elysia's heart skipped a beat. "Belongs to you? What are you talking about?"
Isolde's smile widened, revealing the faintest hint of fangs. "He didn't tell you, did he? How sweet. Let me make it simple: Kael is bound to me, by blood and by oath. If you think you can pull him into your little drama, you're mistaken."
Alaric bristled, his sword inching closer. "You have no power here, Vampire. Leave, or I'll make you."
Isolde laughed, the sound low and dangerous. "Oh, little knight, you're brave. Foolish, but brave. I'm not here to fight. Not yet, anyway."
Her gaze returned to Elysia, her violet eyes gleaming. "Consider this a warning, Winterborn. Whatever destiny you think awaits you, know this: Kael Draven will never be yours. And if you interfere with what's mine, I will destroy you."
Before Elysia could respond, Isolde stepped back into the shadows, her form dissolving into mist.
Alaric cursed, his sword still raised as he scanned the clearing. "Coward," he muttered, lowering his blade.
Elysia stood frozen, her heart racing. Isolde's words echoed in her mind, stirring a storm of questions. What was Kael hiding? And why did she feel like her life was no longer her own?
Alaric placed a hand on her shoulder, his touch grounding her. "We should move," he said, his voice firm. "If she found us, others will too."
Elysia nodded numbly, tucking her dagger back into its sheath. As they packed their camp, she couldn't shake the feeling that the shadows closing in around her were more than just a warning.
They were a promise.