The forest swallowed Aralyn whole, its dark canopy blocking out the moonlight as she stumbled through the underbrush. Her lungs burned, her legs screamed for rest, but the memory of her father's last words pushed her forward.
The medallion around her neck felt heavier now, its faint glow flickering like a heartbeat. She clutched it tightly, its cold surface humming faintly in her palm. Maldoria,The word echoed in her mind like a riddle she couldn't solve.
Behind her, the distant shouts of the raiders grew fainter, but the fear of being hunted pressed against her like a shadow. She didn't know how long she had been running, but when her legs finally gave out, she collapsed onto a mossy clearing and gasped for air.
"Why?" she whispered to no one in particular, staring at the medallion. "What are you?"
The medallion pulsed softly in response. Aralyn's breath hitched as a voice—gentle yet commanding—whispered in her mind.
"The path is hidden, but the heart will guide you."
She froze, clutching the medallion tighter. "Who's there?" she asked aloud, her voice trembling.
There was no response, only the distant rustling of leaves.
Aralyn wasn't sure how long she sat there, but the cold seeped into her bones. Just as she considered moving again, the sound of footsteps snapped her out of her thoughts. She darted to her feet, dagger in hand, and scanned the shadows.
"Easy," a voice called out from the darkness, deep and calm. "I'm not one of them."
A figure stepped into the clearing, and Aralyn's grip on the dagger tightened. The man was tall and broad-shouldered, with a scruffy beard and a tattered cloak draped over his armor. A sword hung at his hip, but he made no move to draw it.
"Who are you?" Aralyn demanded, taking a step back.
The man raised his hands in a gesture of peace. "Name's Kael. I saw the smoke from your village. Looked like trouble." His eyes flicked to the medallion. "That wouldn't have anything to do with it, would it?"
Aralyn stiffened. "What do you know about it?"
Kael smirked. "Enough to know it's dangerous to be carrying something like that around. Especially with those raiders after you."
"They're gone," she said quickly, though she wasn't sure it was true.
Kael chuckled dryly. "If you think they're giving up that easily, you're more naïve than I thought. Those men are Shadowborn agents. They don't stop until they get what they're after."
The name sent a chill through her. "Shadowborn?"
Kael's expression darkened. "Ancient, ruthless, and very good at getting what they want. And right now, they want you."
Aralyn's fingers tightened around the medallion. "Why? What is this thing?"
Kael studied her for a moment, then sighed. "It's not safe here. If you want answers, you'll need to come with me."
"Why should I trust you?"
"Because I'm the only one standing between you and a dozen Shadowborn killers." He nodded toward the trees. "We move now, or we don't move at all."
Aralyn hesitated, her instincts screaming at her to stay away from him. But the memory of her father's sacrifice and the weight of the medallion convinced her otherwise.
"Fine," she said, lowering the dagger but keeping it close. "But if you try anything—"
Kael grinned. "Noted. Now let's go. Maldoria isn't going to find itself."