The moon hung high over the village as Eira slipped through the shadows. Her heart pounded in her chest, but she couldn't stop now not when she had decided to leave.
Every step away from the only home she had ever known felt heavier than the last. But staying meant living under suspicion. If the dragon's warning was true, the village couldn't protect her or itself.
At the edge of the village, Kael waited, leaning against a wooden post. His silver armor was gone, replaced by dark leather that would help him move quietly through the woods.
"You're late," he said, though his tone was light.
"You didn't have to come," Eira whispered, adjusting the small pack on her back.
Kael shrugged. "Someone has to keep you out of trouble." But there was a seriousness in his eyes that told her he wasn't only here to protect her he wanted answers too.
Together, they slipped into the forest. The cold night air bit at her skin, but the warmth of her magic still lingered beneath her wrist.
"How far do you plan to go?" Kael asked, his voice low.
Eira hesitated. "As far as I need to. If the dragons are real… I have to find them."
A breeze rustled through the trees as Kael considered her words. "You know what people say about dragons," he warned. "They don't trust humans. If they still exist, they might not welcome you."
"I know," Eira said softly. "But I have no choice."
They traveled in silence for a while, the faint glow of starlight guiding their way. But as they crossed into the deeper woods, the air grew heavier thick with an unseen power.
Kael slowed his steps. "Something's wrong," he muttered.
Eira felt it too. A chill crawled up her spine, and the golden mark on her wrist burned faintly.
A snap of a twig made them both freeze. From the shadows, a figure emerged a tall, cloaked stranger with silver hair falling past their shoulders. Their piercing blue eyes glowed faintly in the dark.
Eira's breath caught. This person felt… different. Not like the villagers. Not even like Kael.
"Who are you?" Kael demanded, drawing his sword.
The stranger's lips curved into a faint smile. "You shouldn't wander the woods alone," they said smoothly. "Especially not someone like her."
Eira stiffened. "What do you mean someone like me?"
The stranger tilted their head. "You carry dragon magic. It calls to things far darker than you realize."
"How do you know that?" Kael asked, his grip on his sword tightening.
"I know many things." The stranger stepped closer, their boots silent on the forest floor. "But if you wish to survive what's coming, you'll need more than just that magic."
Eira's heart raced. This person knew about her powers but could they be trusted?
"Why should we trust you?" she asked carefully.
The stranger chuckled softly. "Who said you had a choice?"
Before Eira could react, the stranger raised a hand. Shadows erupted from their fingertips, wrapping around Kael's sword and wrenching it from his grip.
Kael lunged forward, but the shadows coiled around his legs, holding him in place.
Eira's pulse quickened. She raised her hand, feeling the warmth surge to her fingertips. Golden sparks danced between her fingers as she prepared to fight.
The stranger's smile faded. "Careful, Dragon's Chosen," they warned. "You don't understand the forces you're playing with."
Eira's magic flared brighter. "Then explain it to me."
For a moment, the stranger seemed to consider her words. Then, with a flick of their wrist, the shadows melted away, freeing Kael.
"You're not ready yet," they said quietly. "But you will be. Seek the Sanctum of Embers if you want the truth."
Eira's heart pounded. The Sanctum of Embers she had heard that name in old stories. It was said to be an ancient place where dragons and humans once worked together.
Before she could ask more, the stranger turned and vanished into the darkness.
Kael picked up his sword, frowning deeply. "Can we trust anything they said?"
Eira clenched her fists, the warmth in her wrist still burning. "I don't know. But if the Sanctum is real, it might be the only place we can find answers."
Kael sighed. "Then I guess we're heading there."
As they moved deeper into the forest, one thing was clear this journey was only getting more dangerous. And if the stranger's warning was true, the darkness was only beginning to rise.