The sky deepened into hues of amber and crimson as the sun began its descent, casting long shadows over the forest path Dani and Selene walked. The quiet rustling of leaves and the occasional caw of a distant bird were the only sounds accompanying them. Yet, the silence between the two travelers carried its own tension.
Selene finally broke the silence, her voice calm but curious. "You've got questions. I can see it in your eyes. So, ask."
Dani glanced at her, still wary despite her earlier assistance. "Why are you so interested in me? You could have walked away after watching me in the forest. Instead, you're here. Why?"
Selene smirked but didn't answer immediately. She took a moment to survey their surroundings, as though scanning for hidden eyes or ears. "Let's just say I've got my reasons. The gauntlet you wear isn't just a relic; it's a key. And keys are only useful when they're in the right hands. You seem to have potential, Dani, even if you don't see it yourself yet."
Dani frowned, his hand brushing against the gauntlet almost instinctively. He could feel the faint hum of its power beneath his fingers, as though it were alive. "A key to what?"
Selene's violet eyes gleamed in the fading light. "Power. Knowledge. Maybe even salvation. But that's not something I can explain in one sitting. For now, let's focus on keeping you alive long enough to find out for yourself."
Their conversation was interrupted by a rustling in the underbrush ahead. Both of them froze, Dani instinctively reaching for his sword while Selene gripped her spear. The air grew tense as the rustling grew louder, and a moment later, a figure emerged from the shadows.
It was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, with a rugged appearance and a pair of dual axes strapped to his back. His dark green cloak was frayed at the edges, and his sharp eyes took in Dani and Selene with a calculating gaze. "Well, well," he said, his voice a low rumble. "What do we have here? A couple of strays lost in the woods?"
Selene relaxed slightly but didn't lower her spear. "Name yourself, or we'll assume you're an enemy."
The man raised an eyebrow, a hint of amusement crossing his face. "Easy there, little warrior. Name's Garrick. I'm a mercenary… of sorts. And you?"
"None of your concern," Selene shot back. "What do you want?"
Garrick chuckled, crossing his arms. "Relax. I'm not here to pick a fight. I've been tracking something dangerous that's been prowling these woods. Judging by the mess I found back there, I'd say you two ran into it already."
Dani stepped forward, his curiosity outweighing his caution. "You mean the creature I fought? What do you know about it?"
Garrick studied him for a moment before answering. "Enough to know it's not something you'd find in these parts naturally. That beast was sent here. Someone's hunting you."
Dani felt a chill run down his spine. "Hunting me? Why?"
"The gauntlet," Selene answered grimly. "It's a beacon. Whoever sent that creature knows you have it, and they won't stop until they get their hands on it."
Garrick nodded. "She's right. Which is why you're going to need help. Luckily for you, I'm in the business of helping people… for the right price."
Selene's eyes narrowed. "We don't have time for mercenary games. Dani needs allies, not opportunists."
Garrick's expression darkened slightly, but he held his ground. "Call it what you want, but I know these woods better than anyone. Without me, you'll be sitting ducks when the next wave comes."
Dani hesitated, torn between Selene's skepticism and Garrick's offer. He didn't fully trust either of them, but the reality of his situation was clear: he couldn't survive this alone.
"Fine," Dani said finally, his voice steady. "You can join us. But if you betray us—"
"You'll kill me," Garrick finished with a grin. "Fair enough, kid. Let's just hope it doesn't come to that."
As the three of them set off together, the forest seemed to grow darker, the weight of the unknown pressing heavily on their shoulders. Somewhere far away, a pair of crimson eyes watched their movements through a pool of shimmering water. The figure's lips curled into a cruel smile.
"Let them gather their allies," the figure murmured. "It will make their fall all the more satisfying."
Unaware of the danger looming ahead, Dani took a deep breath, his resolve hardening. He didn't know where the path would lead, but with each step, he felt himself growing stronger—and more determined to uncover the truth.