Kael sighed as he sat by the riverbank, skipping stones across the shimmering surface. His dark hair fell into his eyes, and his clothes were worn from too many days of adventure in the woods. At thirteen, Kael had always been the restless one, craving a life beyond Ravenwood's borders. He glanced at his reflection in the water, where he saw not just a boy but a spark of something waiting to awaken.
"Still daydreaming, Kael?" came a teasing voice.
Kael turned to see Eryn, his childhood friend, approaching with a lopsided grin. Eryn's bright green eyes shone with mischief, and his fiery red hair made him stand out in their quiet village. In his hands, he carried a bundle of herbs — probably another errand for the village healer.
"You're always off in your own world," Eryn continued, plopping down beside him. "Let me guess: you're imagining yourself as some grand hero?"
Kael smirked. "Maybe. Or maybe I'm imagining a way out of this place. Don't you ever wonder what's beyond the forest?"
Eryn shrugged. "Sure, but someone's gotta keep you grounded. If you run off, who's going to bail you out when you get into trouble?"
Before Kael could respond, a soft voice interrupted them.
"You two should come inside. The mist is thickening."
Standing a few feet away was Lyria, the quiet and enigmatic girl who had moved to Ravenwood a year ago. Her silver hair and pale blue eyes gave her an otherworldly appearance, and the villagers often whispered that she came from a far-off land. Lyria carried herself with grace, but there was a sadness about her that Kael couldn't ignore.
Kael stood and brushed the dirt off his trousers. "What's the rush? It's not like anything ever happens here."
Lyria's gaze lingered on the forest. "You're wrong. Things are stirring. The forest isn't as quiet as it seems."
Eryn raised an eyebrow. "You're always so mysterious. What are you hiding, Lyria?"
She didn't answer, instead turning and walking back toward the village. Kael exchanged a glance with Eryn, who shrugged.
"Let's follow her," Kael said. "She knows something."
Eryn groaned. "Here we go again. Another one of your adventures?"
As the trio walked back, the mist thickened, and the villagers hurried indoors, locking their doors and lighting their lanterns. Kael's heart quickened. Something about the air felt different—charged, as if the forest itself was alive and watching.
By the time they reached the village square, the sun had dipped below the horizon. The old oak tree at the center of the square loomed in the dim light, its gnarled roots twisting into the earth. That was when Kael noticed it—a faint glow emanating from beneath the tree.
"Do you see that?" he whispered.
Lyria's eyes widened. "No... it's too soon."
"Too soon for what?" Kael asked, stepping closer to the tree.
Lyria grabbed his arm, her voice urgent. "Don't. Some things are better left untouched."
But it was too late. Kael's curiosity got the better of him. He knelt by the tree, brushing away the dirt to reveal a small, glowing artifact nestled among the roots. It pulsed with a strange energy that seemed to hum in harmony with his heartbeat.
As his fingers grazed the surface, a surge of light erupted, blinding them all. When the glow faded, the village square was silent, save for the rustling of leaves in the breeze. Kael stood, clutching the artifact in his hand, and stared at Lyria.
"What just happened?" he asked.
Lyria's voice trembled. "You've awakened it. The relic of the Shadow King."
Kael's stomach churned as he realized this wasn't just another idle daydream. This was the start of something far bigger than himself.