The forest felt different as they pressed on. The sun hung low in the sky, casting long shadows that twisted and danced across the ground. Azure, Demi, and Kael walked in tense silence, their eyes darting to the shifting foliage around them.
Azure adjusted the rusty sword strapped to his side, the weight unfamiliar but comforting. It was the only weapon he had, and though its edge was dull and its surface marred with age, it was better than nothing.
Kael moved with a quiet confidence, his amber eyes scanning the trees. Demi, by contrast, kept her bow drawn, her knuckles white against the wood. Azure followed between them, his unease tempered by the strange camaraderie that had already formed between the three.
"Kael," Azure whispered, breaking the silence. "What do you think it is?"
Kael glanced at him, his expression unreadable. "Could be a wild animal. Could be something worse."
"Worse?" Demi hissed. "What's worse than a wolf?"
Kael didn't answer, his gaze fixed ahead.
The Ambush
The attack came without warning.
A blur of motion burst from the underbrush, barreling toward Azure with terrifying speed. He barely had time to draw the rusty sword as claws raked through the air where he'd been standing.
"Move!" Kael barked, drawing his dagger in a single fluid motion.
Demi loosed an arrow, the projectile sinking into the creature's shoulder with a sickening thud. It was a hulking beast, its fur a matted black, its eyes glowing like embers. It let out a guttural snarl, snapping the arrow shaft with a jerk of its head.
Azure stumbled back, clutching the sword tightly. The beast's eyes locked onto him, and for a brief moment, he froze.
"Use that thing!" Demi shouted, snapping him out of his trance.
The beast lunged again, its claws aiming for Azure's throat. He swung the rusty blade with all his might, the metal glinting weakly in the fading light. The sword connected, deflecting the creature's attack and leaving a shallow gash across its snout.
The beast recoiled, snarling in pain, and Azure felt a surge of adrenaline.
Kael's Resolve
"Don't hesitate," Kael said, his voice calm despite the chaos. "They'll kill you if you do."
Azure swallowed hard, his hands trembling around the hilt of the sword.
Demi loosed another arrow, striking one of the beasts in the leg. It stumbled but recovered quickly, its growl deepening into a roar.
"They're not normal wolves," Demi said through gritted teeth.
Kael nodded. "Corrupted Beasts. They're stronger, faster, and meaner. But they bleed like anything else."
Azure's mind raced. Corrupted Beasts. He'd heard of them in stories—animals twisted by dark magic, driven to madness. But he'd never thought he'd see one in his lifetime.
"Azure," Kael said, his gaze sharp. "When I give the signal, run."
"What? No!" Demi snapped. "We're not leaving anyone behind."
Kael smirked. "Relax. I'll catch up. But we can't take them head-on, not like this."
A Risky Plan
Kael moved first, darting toward one of the beasts with an agility that defied logic. His dagger flashed, slashing at its legs and forcing it back. The second beast lunged toward Demi, but she was ready, driving an arrow into its chest at close range.
Azure clutched the sword tightly, his knuckles white against the worn hilt. When the second beast turned on him, he raised the blade defensively. The creature's claws scraped against the metal, sending vibrations up his arm.
"Now!" Kael shouted.
Azure hesitated for a heartbeat before grabbing Demi's arm and pulling her into the trees. She resisted at first, but the sound of the beasts' snarls convinced her to follow.
They ran, the forest a blur around them. Azure's breath came in ragged gasps, his legs burning with the effort. Behind them, the sounds of battle faded, replaced by the pounding of his own heartbeat.
A Moment's Respite
When they finally stopped, Azure collapsed against a tree, the rusty sword still in his hand. His chest heaved as he stared at the blade, its edge nicked and stained with dark ichor.
Demi paced nearby, her bow still in hand, her face pale but determined.
"Where's Kael?" she asked, her voice tight.
Azure shook his head, too winded to speak.
A moment later, Kael emerged from the shadows, his clothes torn and bloodied but otherwise unharmed. He carried a grim expression, his dagger still dripping with dark ichor.
"Both dead," he said simply.
Demi let out a shaky breath, lowering her bow. "You're insane."
Kael shrugged, wiping his blade clean. "Maybe. But we're alive."
Azure looked at him, a new respect forming in his eyes. He tightened his grip on the sword. "Thank you," he said quietly.
Kael smirked, sheathing his dagger. "Don't thank me yet. That was just the beginning."
A New Resolve
As the trio sat in the quiet aftermath, the reality of their journey began to sink in.
"This isn't going to be easy," Demi said, breaking the silence. "If those things are out here, who knows what else is waiting for us?"
Kael nodded. "The world's a dangerous place. But danger's what makes it worth exploring."
Azure stared at the rusty sword in his hands, his heart heavy but determined. He thought of Bramm Village, of the quiet life he'd left behind.
And then he thought of the mountains, of the faint, flickering call that had drawn him here.
"I'm not going back," he said firmly.
Demi glanced at him, her expression softening. "Neither am I."
Kael grinned. "Good. Because we've got a long way to go."
The three stood, their resolve hardened by the trial they'd just faced. Together, they stepped back onto the path, their journey far from over.
The forest seemed quieter now, the shadows less oppressive. But the weight of their dreams pressed heavier than ever.
For better or worse, they were committed to the road ahead.