The air grew thinner as Kael, the beast, and their new companion ascended the jagged mountain path. The woman, who had introduced herself as Elira, moved with a quiet confidence, her golden aura faintly illuminating the path ahead. Kael's muscles ached with every step, the weight of the bond and the battles they'd fought bearing down on him.
The beast stayed close to Kael's side, its silver fur gleaming in the dim light. Though it didn't seem to fully trust Elira, it hadn't shown open hostility toward her, which Kael took as a small blessing.
"We're close," Elira said, her voice steady. "The trials await at the summit. If you survive them, the bond will be complete."
Kael frowned. "And if I don't?"
Elira paused, her gaze meeting his. "Then the bond will destroy you. And the beast."
A chill ran down Kael's spine, but he nodded. There was no turning back now.
As they climbed higher, the wind howled around them, carrying whispers that Kael couldn't quite make out. The path narrowed, forcing them to move in single file. The beast growled softly, its ears flicking back and forth as though it, too, could hear the voices.
"Don't listen to them," Elira said, her tone firm. "The whispers are meant to break your spirit. Focus on the bond. Trust it."
Kael clenched his jaw, gripping his spear tightly. He couldn't let doubt creep in now.
The path finally opened into a wide plateau, and Kael stopped in his tracks. At the center of the plateau stood three massive stone arches, each carved with intricate runes that pulsed with an otherworldly light. Beyond the arches, the sky seemed to ripple, as though reality itself was bending.
Elira turned to Kael, her expression serious. "These are the Trials of the Bond. Each arch represents a test—of mind, of body, and of spirit. You must pass all three to solidify the bond."
Kael swallowed hard, his heart pounding. "And if I fail?"
Elira's gaze softened. "Then the bond will unravel, and the beast will be lost. You'll lose everything."
The beast rumbled low in its throat, its glowing eyes fixed on Kael. There was no anger or impatience in its gaze—only trust.
Kael took a deep breath, steeling himself. "All right. Let's do this."
Elira stepped aside, gesturing toward the first arch. "The Trial of the Mind is first. You'll face illusions meant to confuse and mislead you. Trust your instincts—and the bond."
Kael nodded and stepped forward, his legs trembling slightly. As he passed through the arch, the world around him shifted.
---
The Trial of the Mind
Kael found himself standing in the middle of his village. The air was warm, filled with the familiar scents of cooking fires and wildflowers. Laughter echoed around him, and he saw familiar faces—his family, his friends, all smiling and carefree.
But something was wrong.
The villagers didn't seem to notice him, their gazes passing over him as though he wasn't there. Kael called out, but his voice seemed to disappear into the air.
"Kael."
The voice was soft, barely more than a whisper. He turned to see his mother standing at the edge of the village square, her arms outstretched.
"Come home, Kael," she said, her voice full of warmth. "You've done enough. Let it go. Stay here with us."
Kael's heart ached at the sight of her, the longing to be with his family nearly overwhelming. But he knew it wasn't real. His mother was gone, lost to the same sickness that had claimed so many in the village.
"This isn't real," he said, his voice trembling. "You're not real."
His mother's expression faltered, her warm smile twisting into something cruel. The village around him began to warp, the laughter turning into harsh, mocking cackles.
"You think you're strong enough for the bond?" the voice sneered, now coming from all directions. "You'll fail