---
Chapter 10:
The journey out of the Forbidden Forest was uneventful, but Kieran couldn't shake the lingering presence of Malgrave and his beast. Their encounter had left more questions than answers, and the weight of the dragon scale in his pack was a constant reminder of the responsibility he now carried.
Nyx walked close to him, her keen eyes scanning their surroundings. The bond between them felt stronger than ever, and Kieran could sense her thoughts more clearly—a blend of curiosity and caution.
"We need answers, Nyx," Kieran said, breaking the silence. "About Malgrave, the scale, and… what my father was really trying to do."
Nyx growled softly, as if agreeing. Together, they made their way to the nearest settlement: Eldenhold, a small village known for its ancient library and connections to the Order of Tamers.
---
### **The Library of Eldenhold**
Eldenhold was quiet when they arrived, its cobblestone streets bathed in the golden light of dusk. Kieran pulled his hood up, wary of drawing attention. His name—and his connection to the rifts—was no longer a secret, and he couldn't risk being recognized.
The library stood at the heart of the village, an imposing structure of stone and glass. Inside, the air was thick with the scent of parchment and ink. Rows of shelves stretched into the shadows, holding centuries of knowledge about beasts, tamers, and the rifts.
Kieran approached the librarian, an elderly woman with sharp eyes and a calm demeanor. "I'm looking for information about the rifts," he said cautiously. "And the Guardians."
The woman studied him for a moment before nodding. "Follow me."
She led him to a secluded corner of the library, where ancient tomes and scrolls were kept under lock and key. "The Guardians were protectors of balance," she explained as she unlocked a glass case. "They understood the power of the rifts and sought to preserve it. But their order fell apart decades ago. Too much power… too much corruption."
Kieran listened intently, his heart racing as she handed him an old, leather-bound book. "This contains what little remains of their knowledge," she said. "But be warned—the truth is not always easy to bear."
---
### **Revelations**
As Kieran pored over the book, pieces of the puzzle began to fall into place. The rifts were gateways between realms, created by ancient beasts to maintain the balance between worlds. The dragon scale he carried was one of five artifacts tied to the rifts, each holding immense power.
His father, a former Guardian, had sought to protect these artifacts from falling into the wrong hands. But the book also mentioned a prophecy: *"When the Keeper awakens, the rifts shall tremble, and the shadow shall rise."*
Kieran's stomach churned. Was he the Keeper of legend? And if so, was he destined to restore balance or bring destruction?
Before he could dwell on the thought, the air around him grew cold. Nyx growled, her fur bristling. A faint, echoing sound filled the library, like the whisper of wind through a hollow space.
"Kieran…" a voice called, soft and haunting. He froze, recognizing it instantly. It was his father's voice.
---
### **The Vision**
The world around Kieran shifted. The library dissolved into a swirl of light and shadow, and he found himself standing in a vast, empty space. Nyx was by his side, her presence grounding him as he faced the figure that materialized before them.
It was his father, or at least a shadowy version of him. His features were blurred, his form flickering like a flame. "Kieran," the figure said, its voice filled with both sorrow and urgency. "You must listen."
"I've been trying to find you," Kieran said, his voice shaking. "What happened to you? Why did you leave?"
"There's no time for that," the figure replied. "The rifts are destabilizing, and Malgrave is only the beginning. He serves a greater force, one that seeks to use the rifts to consume both realms."
Kieran clenched his fists. "What am I supposed to do? How do I stop this?"
The figure reached out, placing a shadowy hand on Kieran's shoulder. "The artifacts are the key. You must find them before it's too late. But beware—every step you take will bring you closer to the shadow."
The vision began to fade, and Kieran's father's voice echoed one last time: *"Trust in Nyx. She is your strength. And remember—you are not alone."*
---
### **The Next Step**
Kieran snapped back to reality, the library reappearing around him. Nyx nudged his hand, her golden eyes filled with concern. The dragon scale in his pack pulsed faintly, as if reacting to his father's words.
The librarian returned, a look of concern on her face. "Are you all right?" she asked.
Kieran nodded, though his mind was racing. He now had a goal: to find the remaining artifacts and protect the rifts. But the path ahead was fraught with danger, and Malgrave was only one of many enemies who would stand in his way.
As he and Nyx left the library, the village seemed darker, the air heavier. Kieran tightened his grip on the strap of his pack, determination burning in his chest.
"Come on, Nyx," he said. "We've got work to do."
Together, they set off into the night, ready to face whatever challenges awaited them.
---