The sun's rays began reaching the earth and the group were still resting in their makeshift campsite, the fire burnt out and reduced to ashes. Kai was the first to wake up looking at the dragon mark that reminded of the power that surged through him and the trials ahead of them. Looking back at the group, on normal occasions they needed enough rest but sadly this wasn't one of those occasions. "Wake up," kai said his voice firm but gentle. "We have to get to the capital as soon as we can"
"Take a rest kai, the sun has barely kissed the sky and ur asking us to start heading towards the capital?" Lyria said while she lifted the bed sheets up to her shoulder.
Kaelith who slept with her hood over her head, sat up and said "I do wanna stay in bed longer but he's right, the faster we get there. The better for us "
The group groaned in dissatisfaction but stood up and began getting themselves ready for the journey ahead.
The capital city of Eldoria loomed in the distance as dawn's golden rays painted the horizon. The group marched in silence, the weight of their newfound powers hanging over them. The air was heavy with anticipation, but an undercurrent of unease lingered.
Kai's dragon heir mark itched faintly, as if sensing the growing tension. He glanced at the others, each lost in their own thoughts. Lyria's usual smirk was absent, replaced by a contemplative expression. Aelira's gaze scanned their surroundings, her fingers resting lightly on her blade. Even Kaelith, who often masked her thoughts with humor, seemed unusually subdued.
They reached a narrow ridge overlooking a dense forest. The path to Eldoria would lead them through the Valley of Shadows, a treacherous stretch of land known for its unpredictable dangers. Kai halted, raising a hand to signal the group.
"We'll stop here," he said. "The valley ahead is risky. We need a plan before we move forward."
Kaelith dropped her pack with a groan. "Another plan? At this rate, we'll reach the capital when the next dragon hatches."
"Would you rather stumble into an ambush?" Isolde countered, her tone sharp.
Kaelith shrugged. "Depends on the ambush. Bandits I can handle. Shadow beasts? Not so much."
Ryn stepped forward, his bow in hand. "Shadow beasts don't wait for an invitation. If they're in the valley, they'll find us whether we plan or not."
Kai nodded. "That's why we need to stay together. The dragon's warning wasn't just about balance—it was about unity. If we're divided, we won't stand a chance."
Lyria leaned against a tree, her arms crossed. "So what's the plan, fearless leader?"
Kai hesitated, his mind racing. The dragon's cryptic words echoed in his thoughts. Only those with true balance will endure. What did that truly mean? Before he could answer, a faint rustling in the trees caught his attention.
"Did anyone hear that?" Aelira asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
The group fell silent, their senses on high alert. The rustling grew louder, accompanied by a low growl that sent a shiver down Kai's spine.
"Positions!" Kai ordered, drawing his sword.
The group formed a defensive circle, their weapons at the ready. From the shadows emerged a creature unlike anything they'd faced before. Its form was fluid, shifting between solid and shadow, with glowing red eyes that pierced the darkness.
"A shadow wraith," Seraphina breathed, her knuckles white around her lance. "They're rare this far from the Voidlands."
"Rare or not, it's here," Ryn said, nocking an arrow.
The wraith lunged, its claws slashing through the air. Kai met its attack head-on, his sword clashing against its ethereal form. The impact sent a shockwave through his arm, but he held his ground.
"Focus on its core!" Isolde shouted. "That's its weak point!"
Lyria darted around the creature, her twin blades flashing as she aimed for the glowing orb in its chest. The wraith shrieked, its form flickering as her strike landed.
"Keep it distracted!" Kai yelled, his dragon heir mark flaring with power. He channeled the energy into his blade, the weapon glowing with a fiery aura. With a surge of strength, he drove the sword into the wraith's core.
The creature let out a final, ear-piercing scream before dissolving into shadows. The forest fell silent once more, safe for the group's heavy breathing.
Kai sheathed his sword, his heart pounding. "Everyone okay?"
"Define okay," Kaelith muttered, brushing ash off her cloak.
Lyria grinned, her usual bravado returning. "I'm fine, but Kai—you might want to work on your battle cries. 'Keep it distracted' isn't exactly inspiring."
Kai rolled his eyes but couldn't suppress a smile. "I'll add that to my to-do list."
Ryn inspected the remains of the wraith, his expression thoughtful. "That wasn't a random attack. Wraiths are drawn to powerful energy. It must've sensed the marks."
Aelira nodded, her gaze serious. "If that's the case, we'll face more of them the closer we get to the capital."
Kai's smile faded as the reality of their situation set in. The trials had awakened a power they barely understood, and now it seemed the world itself was responding.
"We'll deal with whatever comes our way," he said, his voice firm. "But for now, we keep moving. Eldoria is waiting."
As they descended into the valley, the morning sun did little to dispel the shadows that crept along their path. The journey ahead was uncertain, but one thing was clear: their trials were far from over.