Kael stood at the edge of the ruined altar, the final remnant of his trial still glowing faintly beneath his feet. The energy coursing through his body had settled now, but the intensity of the experience left him breathless. Around him, the Wilds were silent, as if the forest itself was holding its breath.
Elira approached cautiously, her golden eyes scanning him for signs of change. The beast stood close to Kael, its luminous silver fur shimmering under the dim light, its gaze steady and unyielding.
"You've done it," Elira said quietly, breaking the silence. "The bond is fully awakened."
Kael turned to her, his expression unreadable. "It feels… different. Like it's alive inside me. But it's more than that. It's as if I've become part of something much larger."
She nodded, her face solemn. "That's because you have. The bond isn't just about you and the beast—it's a connection to a power that's existed for centuries. A force that's both a gift and a curse. It binds you to the fate of this land."
Kael's gaze shifted to the beast beside him. Though it hadn't spoken a word, he could feel its presence more clearly than ever. The bond between them had deepened, becoming something far more profound.
"I saw… visions," Kael said, his voice low. "Destruction, chaos. A village burning. And me… I was there, but I wasn't myself. What does it mean?"
Elira's expression darkened. "What you saw was a possibility—a warning of what could come to pass if the bond is corrupted. The power you now hold is immense, but it's also dangerous. If you lose control, it could consume you and everything around you."
Kael clenched his fists, his resolve hardening. "Then I won't lose control. I'll protect this bond, no matter what it takes."
Elira studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Good. Because the threat is closer than you think. The Forgotten will not stop until they've claimed the bond for themselves. And now that it's awakened, they'll come for you."
As if on cue, the ground beneath their feet trembled. The faint glow of the altar dimmed, and a low, ominous rumble echoed through the forest. The beast growled, its eyes flashing as it scanned the shadows.
"They're here," Elira said sharply, drawing her blade.
Kael tightened his grip on his spear, his heart pounding. From the darkness, figures began to emerge—cloaked in black, their movements silent and unnerving. Their hollow eyes burned with unnatural light, and their presence sent a chill down Kael's spine.
The Forgotten.
The leader of the group stepped forward, his gaunt figure silhouetted against the dim light. His voice was cold and commanding. "You've awakened the bond, boy. A foolish mistake. That power doesn't belong to you."
Kael squared his shoulders, standing tall beside the beast. "You're wrong. The bond chose me. And I won't let you take it."
The leader sneered. "You think you can stand against us? The bond is older than you, stronger than you. It will destroy you in the end."
Kael felt the beast's energy surge through him, a reassuring pulse that steadied his nerves. "Maybe it will. But not today."
The Forgotten moved as one, their attack swift and merciless. Kael and Elira met them head-on, their movements perfectly synchronized. The beast charged into the fray, its massive form a blur of silver and fury.
The battle was chaotic and intense. Kael fought with a newfound strength, the bond guiding his every move. His spear struck true, cutting through the shadows with precision. The beast fought beside him, its power overwhelming the Forgotten with each strike.
Elira was a whirlwind of skill and grace, her blade flashing as she dispatched her foes with ruthless efficiency. But the Forgotten were relentless, their numbers seemingly endless.
Kael's chest heaved as the battle raged on, his body pushed to its limits. The bond flared within him, a wellspring of energy that kept him going even as exhaustion threatened to overtake him.
Finally, the leader of the Forgotten stepped forward, his presence commanding the others to fall back. His hollow eyes locked onto Kael, a twisted smile curling across his lips.
"You fight well, boy," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "But you cannot win. The bond will betray you, just as it has betrayed others before you."
Kael raised his spear, his grip firm. "You're wrong. The bond isn't a curse—it's a part of me. And I'll never let you take it."
The leader lunged, his movements unnaturally fast. Kael met him head-on, their clash sending shockwaves through the clearing. The beast roared, joining the fight with a ferocity that shook the very ground.
The battle reached its climax, the air thick with tension and energy. Kael's determination burned brighter than ever, his bond with the beast guiding him to victory. With one final, powerful strike, he drove his spear into the leader's chest, the force of the blow shattering the darkness around them.
The Forgotten dissolved into shadow, their leader's final scream echoing through the forest. The air grew still, the tension lifting as the last remnants of their presence faded away.
Kael collapsed to his knees, his body trembling from the effort. The beast stood beside him, its silver eyes calm and steady.
Elira approached, placing a hand on his shoulder. "You did it," she said softly. "You've proven yourself worthy of the bond."
Kael looked up at her, his expression weary but resolute. "This isn't over, is it?"
Elira shook her head. "No. The Forgotten may be defeated for now, but there will always be others who seek the bond's power. Your journey is far from over, Kael. But you've taken the first step."
Kael nodded, his resolve unshaken. He looked at the beast, their bond stronger than ever. Together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The bond had awakened. And so had Kael's destiny.