Two days later...
The sun was a dying ember on the horizon, its orange-red glow spilling across the sky like molten fire. The heavens were painted in hues of crimson and black, a mesmerizing tapestry that seemed to herald the end of the mortal world. Below, the River Sylthara flowed lazily, its crystal-clear waters reflecting the celestial spectacle above. Small fish darted beneath the surface, their silvery scales catching the fading light as they swam in tranquil ignorance.
Kael Veyne rode atop his Spectral Steed, Eryx, the skeletal horse's ghostly hooves barely disturbing the water as they crossed the shallow river. The groves of the horse's bones glistened with droplets, and the faint sound of water trickling around them added to the serene ambiance. Kael's sharp green eyes scanned the surroundings, his expression unreadable as always.
He gently patted Eryx's neck, his voice a low murmur. "The sun's setting. Let's catch some fish and make camp for the night."
Without dismounting, Kael raised his hand, and a wooden spear materialized in his grip, its surface etched with faint runes. With a fluid motion, he hurled the spear into the river. The weapon struck with pinpoint precision, skewering two fish in a single throw. Kael repeated the process, summoning more spears and launching them with effortless grace. Each throw was a masterpiece of precision, the spears piercing the water with barely a ripple.
Once he had caught enough fish, Kael waved his hand, and the spears vanished into a black, screen-like void. He summoned a woven basket next, the fish floating into it as if guided by an invisible hand. The entire hunt was a display of cool efficiency, a testament to Kael's mastery over his abilities.
With his meal secured, Kael urged Eryx toward the opposite bank, where the Darkwood Forest loomed like a wall of shadows. The forest was infamous for its ferocious beasts and eerie silence, a place where even seasoned adventurers tread lightly. Crossing it would take five days, but Kael showed no hesitation as he entered its edge.
Nightfall in the Darkwood Forest
The Darkwood Forest loomed ahead, its ancient trees twisted into claw-like shapes, their bark blackened as if scorched by hellfire. The air grew colder, and the distant howl of a beast echoed—a sound that would've sent shivers down a lesser man's spine. Kael rode deeper into the woods, Eryx's hooves leaving no imprint on the mossy ground.
By nightfall, Kael had set up a temporary shelter—a simple lean-to made of branches and leaves. A campfire crackled in front of it, its flames casting flickering shadows on the trees. Kael sat cross-legged by the fire, skewering the fish he had caught and roasting them over the flames. The aroma of cooked fish filled the air, a rare comfort in the otherwise oppressive forest.
As he ate, Kael spoke softly to Eryx, his voice carrying a rare hint of warmth. "Remember the nanny? The one coughing up black bile? Needed a Frostspider Queen's heart to cure her. Tracked the beast to its nest. Killed three of its brood before it showed itself. Ripped its heart out while it screeched… refined it into a tonic. The old woman lived. For a year, at least."
He took a bite of fish, grease dripping down his chin. "Waste of time, maybe. But watching her smile… almost felt human again."
Eryx's skull turned slightly, empty eye sockets fixed on the darkness beyond the fire.
"Quiet," Kael hissed, his hand freezing mid-bite.
In one fluid motion, he hurled the fish bone in his hand toward the bushes. It shot through the air like a dart, embedding itself into a tree trunk with a thunk. Kael was already on his feet, his katana drawn and gleaming. Eryx reared, bones clattering, as Kael's voice boomed like thunder.
"Come out. Now. Or I'll carve your spines into cutlery."
The IntrudersA rustling sound came from the bushes, and a man stumbled out, his hands raised in surrender. He was overweight, with a balding head and a fine silk tunic that marked him as either a merchant or a noble. His face was pale, and his smile was so forced it looked like it might crack at any moment.
"S-Sorry, mister!" the man stammered, rubbing his sweaty palms together. "We didn't mean to spy on you! We were just—"
Kael's murderous aura erupted, a suffocating wave of pressure that crushed the man to his knees. The ground beneath him cracked, and the man gagged, clawing at his throat.
"I think I made myself clear," Kael snarled, his voice rising to a deafening roar. "Come out, or I'll make you regret the last decision of your miserable lives!"
The trees shook from the sheer force of his voice, leaves raining down as the forest itself seemed to tremble. From the bushes, six more figures staggered from the shadows—guards in dented armor, their faces pale, their hands clamped over their ears.
Kael's aura intensified, pressing down on them like a mountain. One by one, they fell to their knees, gasping for air. Their faces turned red, veins bulging as they struggled to breathe. Saliva dripped from their mouths, and their eyes rolled back in terror.
"Please, stop!" a voice cried out, desperate and melodic.
A woman stepped out of the bushes, her presence like a flame in the darkness. She was stunning, her figure accentuated by a tight-fitting red dress embroidered with gold. The deep neckline plunged to her navel, exposing the full swell of her breasts, the fabric clinging to her curves like a second skin. The dress was slit up to her thigh, revealing long, shapely legs. Her hair was midnight black, cascading down her back in waves, and her lips were painted a deep, blood-red. Her eyes, a striking shade of violet, glistened with unshed tears.
"Please, spare them," she pleaded, her voice trembling but firm. "We meant no harm. We only wished to ask for your help."
Kael's aura wavered for a moment, his eyes narrowing as he studied her. The others gasped for air, their relief palpable as the pressure eased slightly.
The woman continued, her voice steady despite the fear in her eyes. "We saw your skill at the river and thought you might be willing to escort us to Eryndor. We're transporting valuable materials for the Onyx Caravan Guild. If you're unsatisfied with my explanation, punish me, but spare their lives."
Kael's patience snapped. The guards groaned, their faces turning blue under Kael's aura. One retched, vomit mixing with drool.
With a flick of his wrist, he hurled another fish bone, this time piercing the thigh of the balding man. The man screamed in agony, clutching his leg as blood seeped through his fingers.
"Who do you think you are?" Kael's voice was a thunderous growl, his eyes glowing with a malevolent red light. Black and red fumes coiled around him, making him look like a demon incarnate. "You think you can spy on me, beg for mercy, and walk away unscathed?"
"You shits" Kael hissed, his eyes blazing crimson. Black and red fumes coiled around him like serpents, his katana humming with dark energy. "You think I'm a mercenary? A fool to be manipulated?"
The woman, Lady Seraphine, fell to her knees, her composure cracking. "P-Punish me, then! Let them go!"
"No, my lady!" a guard choked out, veins throbbing in his neck. "We'll die before we let this monster touch y—"
"Die, then."
Kael flicked another bone. It struck a guard's shoulder, punching clean through. The man howled, collapsing as his comrades writhed.
"Pathetic," Kael spat, stepping toward Seraphine. His aura intensified, pressing her face into the dirt.
The woman, forced herself to meet Kael's gaze, her body trembling but resolute. "We… we only wished to survive. Please… spare them."
Kael's lips curled into a cruel smile. "Survival comes at a cost. And you've just incurred a heavy debt."
Kael leaned down, his blade hovering at her throat. "Your lives are my price. And I'll collect them… unless you amuse me."
The forest fell silent, save for the whimpers of broken men and the crackle of flames. Somewhere in the darkness, a beast howled—a hungry, approving sound.