CHAPTER 3 : Veil of the Unknown

A patchwork of light appeared on the woodland floor as the early sun peaked through the heavy canopy. Aria's precarious condition was concealed by the clearing's deceptively tranquil appearance. She needed to focus all of her energy and strength to use her new skills because she was exhausted from practicing the previous night. The sound of birds chirping and leaves rustling filled the air as Aria and Kael strolled through the forest

The burden of recent experience hung between them. Aria's thoughts were filled with what the test had revealed and the unsettling knowledge that her powers were both a gift and a curse. Kael led them to a secluded clearing where an ancient stone stood in the center. The stone had intricate carvings that matched what Aria had seen in the cave and on the altar. It was clear that this was not just a relic, but something to do with the history of the werewolf community. Aria approached the stone, feeling its magnetic pull. When she touched it, a wave of heat spread through her, and a faint, barely perceptible humming sounded from its surface.

Her hands hesitated, trying to decipher the connection she felt. Kael looked at her with sharp eyes, his expression a mix of awe and concern. "This stone is a sign of a long-forgotten time, a time when our species thrived and ruled. It preserves the stories of our ancestors, their triumphs and failures." Aria turned to him, her curiosity piqued. "Why do I have to show you this? What does this have to do with me? Kael's gaze became serious. "The power you discovered is tied to our history.

Only a very few people possess the ability to manipulate time. "It is both a gift and a curse." Aria's eyes widened, her mind racing to understand. "Why is it a curse?" Kael clenched his jaw and looked away for a moment. "Because those who possess this power are hunted and feared. They can change the course of events and rewrite fate, this made them targets. "Congress is aware of this power and sees it as a threat to its control." Cold fear seeped into Aria's bones. She realized the weight of Kael's words and took a step back. While her council's actions appeared to be simple retaliation for her perceived betrayal, it now becomes clear that there was a much deeper motive.

They feared her potential and sought to destroy her before she became a serious threat. Kael's hand rested comfortably on her shoulder. "That's why I brought you here. You must train and prepare. You must learn to control your powers and use them wisely. There is a greater danger than your life." Aria looked at him, searching for signs of deception but finding only determination. She nodded resolutely. "Then, teach me", "Show me how to use this power." Kael's lips twitched like a smile. "It won't be easy but I believe you have the power to do so." The next few days were a severe test of patience and will. Kael pushed Aria to her limits, teaching her how to focus her energy, how to manipulate time, and how to control the ebb and flow of her newfound abilities.

Although the process was difficult both physically and mentally, Aria felt herself becoming stronger and more attuned to her own powers. After a particularly hard work-out one evening, everyone gathered around the fire. The coldness of the night air contrasted with the warmth of the flames. With a mix of curiosity and mistrust in her gaze, Aria turned to face Kael.

"Why are you helping me? What will this give you? Kael looked into the fire, his face illuminated by the flickering light. "I have my own reasons." He said quietly. "Let's just say there's an issue I need to agree with Congress on." Aria frowned as she felt the weight of his words. Before she could press him further, there was a mournful howl that cut through the night air. It was a haunting sound, too close for comfort.

Kael immediately stood up, his hand instinctively reaching for the hilt of his sword. Aria's heart began to beat violently. "what is this?" Kael's eyes stared into the darkness and his body tensed. "We are not alone. Get ready." As the howling grew louder, shapes began to emerge from the shadows. The movements of the werewolves with glowing eyes were fast and menacing. Aria recognized the insignia on her armor. These were the security forces, the parliament's elite security forces. Kael took out his sword, the blade glowed ominously in the light. "Stand behind me," he commanded firmly, but Aria's resolve grew stronger. "No. This is my fight too." Security forces approached, their predatory gaze focused on Aria and Kael.

Aria felt energy surging within her, the power of her pendant and her own growing abilities intertwined. She closed her eyes and focused on her connection to time. The world around her seemed to slow down, the executioners' movements distorted and slow. Kael's eyes met hers, and a light of positivity flickered in his gaze. He moved with refined efficiency, his sword cutting through the air with precision. Aria moved forward, feeling power flowing through her veins. She was still improving her own abilities, but the urgency of her situation pushed her beyond her limits. The night was filled with the clash of steel and the growling of combatants as Aria and Kael engaged the Enforcers.

Aria's movements were smooth and precise, her control over time allowing her to anticipate and deflect the Enforcers' attacks. Kael fought alongside her, his skill and experience evident in every strike. As it appeared they were winning, someone stepped out of the shadows and imposed the security forces to back down. The figure had his face covered by a cowl and was clothed in dark garments. They had a peculiar familiarity about them. When Aria recognized this figure, her heart skipped a beat. Someone she thought she would never see again, someone from her past. Their sight was both shocking and disturbing.

A mysterious figure stepped forward, his voice cutting through the chaos. "enough". The enforcers hesitated with a mixture of confusion and disgust on their faces. As the cloaked figure raised his hand, the enforcers stepped back and disappeared into the darkness. Kael and Aria stood in stunned silence, the firelight casting long shadows as the figure approached them. Aria's thoughts were racing as she tried to understand the consequences of this unexpected appearance. What were they doing here? And what did their presence mean to Aria and Kael?

The cloaked figure removes his hood, revealing a face Aria knows all too well. It was someone she was once close to, someone who disappeared in a mysterious incident. Their sudden reappearance was both a shock and a potential threat. Questions swirled around Aria's head as she and Kael prepared for what would happen next. The security forces' retreat was only the beginning, and the true nature of the danger they faced was beginning to emerge.