The warm summer breeze swept through the small village of Greystone, carrying with it the scent of wildflowers and freshly tilled soil. The sound of children laughing echoed from the cobblestone streets as they chased one another through the marketplace. For Kael, it was another ordinary day, one he believed would pass like countless others before it.
The young farmhand trudged up the dirt path leading to the fields, his straw hat shielding his face from the sun. He wiped the sweat from his brow, resting his hoe against the fence. Despite his tired muscles, there was something comforting in the simplicity of the routine. Life in Greystone was predictable, safe—a far cry from the grand tales of adventure and heroism told by wandering bards.
Kael paused, leaning against the fence to gaze out over the horizon. The mountains loomed in the distance, their peaks shrouded in mist. Beyond them lay the unknown, a world he'd only ever imagined through the stories of others.
He didn't hear the footsteps approaching until a voice broke his reverie.
"Dreaming of running away again?"
Kael turned to see Erynn, her auburn hair catching the sunlight like flames. She carried a basket of herbs and flowers, her green dress swaying in the breeze. Her teasing smile lit up her freckled face, and Kael's heart skipped a beat.
"Not running," he replied, grinning. "Just… wondering what's out there."
Erynn raised an eyebrow. "The same thing that's always out there. Trouble."
Kael laughed. "Maybe. But wouldn't it be worth seeing for yourself? Just once?"
She sighed, setting the basket down on the fence. "You've always had your head in the clouds, Kael. One of these days, you'll wander too far and forget how to find your way back."
"And you'll still be here to remind me," he said softly.
Erynn's teasing smile faltered for a moment, and a blush crept up her cheeks. She quickly looked away, pretending to busy herself with the flowers in her basket.
Kael leaned closer, lowering his voice. "You'd miss me if I were gone."
Erynn glanced at him, her expression a mix of exasperation and affection. "Don't flatter yourself, farm boy. Who else would help Merrick fix the fences?"
Kael chuckled, but before he could reply, a low rumble echoed in the distance. He froze, his grin fading. The sound wasn't thunder—it was deeper, more menacing, like the growl of some enormous beast.
"What was that?" he muttered.
Erynn's brow furrowed. "It sounded… wrong."
The rumble came again, louder this time. Birds took flight from the trees, their panicked cries filling the air. Kael felt a chill creep down his spine. Something wasn't right.
Moments later, the villagers began to gather in the marketplace, murmurs of unease spreading like wildfire. Kael and Erynn exchanged a glance before hurrying to join the crowd.
At the center of the commotion stood a rider, his horse lathered with sweat and foam. The man's face was pale, his eyes wide with terror.
"Monsters!" he gasped. "Coming from the north… entire villages… gone!"
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
"What kind of monsters?" someone shouted.
"Shadows," the rider said, his voice trembling. "Darkness given form. They move like a plague, devouring everything in their path."
Kael's stomach churned. He glanced at Erynn, whose eyes were wide with fear.
"Everyone, back to your homes!" barked Old Merrick, the farm's overseer. "Gather what you can and prepare to flee if needed."
The villagers scattered, panic taking hold. Kael and Erynn stood rooted in place, their hands brushing against each other.
"What do we do?" Erynn whispered.
Kael took a deep breath, trying to steady his racing heart. "We stick together. No matter what."
She nodded, gripping his hand tightly. "Promise me, Kael. No matter what happens, we won't leave each other behind."
"I promise," he said, his voice firm.
That night, as the village prepared for the worst, Kael and Erynn sat by the fire in his small cottage. The small room was cluttered with old tools and keepsakes from his parents, who had passed years ago. Erynn clutched the locket her mother had given her, her fingers tracing the intricate carvings on its surface.
Kael stared into the flames, his mind racing with questions. "What if the shadows come here?"
"Then we'll fight," Erynn said, her voice trembling but resolute.
Kael shook his head. "You don't understand. If these things are as terrible as the rider said… we can't fight them. We'd have to run."
Erynn's gaze hardened. "I'm not running. This is my home, Kael. If we don't stand our ground, what's the point of anything?"
Her words stirred something in him. He admired her courage, but the thought of losing her filled him with dread. "I won't let anything happen to you," he said quietly.
Erynn looked at him, her green eyes shimmering with unshed tears. "You don't have to protect me, Kael. I'm not some helpless damsel."
"I know," he said with a small smile. "But I'll still try."
A faint smile tugged at her lips, and for a moment, the fear seemed to melt away. She rested her head on his shoulder, and Kael felt a surge of determination. Whatever the shadows were, whatever lay ahead, he wouldn't let them take her.
Outside, the wind howled, carrying with it the faint sound of distant screams.
The shadows were coming.