Shadows in the Firelight

### Chapter 8: Shadows in the Firelight

The glowing eyes in the darkness multiplied, spreading like a sinister constellation. My breath caught as I instinctively stepped closer to Kael, Nightshade pressing against my other side.

Ember's staff burned brighter, the fire casting jagged shadows across the forest. "They've sent Stalkers," she muttered, her voice tense. "They're fast, silent, and relentless."

Kael's hand brushed my shoulder, his grip reassuring yet firm. "Stay behind me. No heroics."

The first Stalker lunged out of the shadows—a sinewy creature with elongated limbs, its black skin glistening like oil. Ember's fire shot toward it, but the monster dodged with inhuman agility, its claws slicing through the air.

"Dominic!" Kael shouted, yanking me aside just as another Stalker lunged from the opposite direction. His sword flashed, cutting through its arm, but the creature didn't even flinch.

"They're resistant to fire and steel," Ember growled, her flames intensifying. "Dominic, you're up. Control them!"

"I don't know how!" I shouted back, panic surging as the creatures closed in.

"Yes, you do!" Ember yelled, her voice cutting through the chaos. "You've done it before. Focus!"

Kael slashed at another Stalker, his movements precise but strained. "She's right. Use the gift, Dom!"

The nickname caught me off guard, but there was no time to dwell on it. I closed my eyes, ignoring the chaos around me, and reached deep within, searching for that strange, unexplainable connection I'd felt before.

A low hum filled my ears, growing louder until it drowned out everything else. When I opened my eyes, the world seemed sharper, the creatures' glowing forms clearer.

"Stop," I commanded, my voice trembling but firm.

The Stalkers froze mid-attack, their heads snapping toward me in unison. Their glowing eyes dimmed, and for a moment, the forest was eerily silent.

Kael and Ember exchanged a look, both of them breathing hard.

"Well, that's new," Kael muttered, lowering his sword but keeping his stance defensive.

Ember stepped forward cautiously, her staff still glowing. "They're listening to you. Now what?"

I hesitated, the weight of their attention pressing down on me. "I… I don't know."

"Tell them to leave," Kael suggested, his voice calm but urgent. "Before more show up."

I nodded, swallowing hard. "Go," I said, trying to project authority. "Leave this place."

The Stalkers hesitated, their forms flickering like shadows in a storm. Then, one by one, they turned and disappeared into the darkness.

As the last one vanished, the tension broke. I stumbled back, my legs giving out, and Kael was there in an instant, catching me before I hit the ground.

"Easy," he said, his voice softer than I'd ever heard it.

I looked up at him, my chest heaving. "Did I… did I really just do that?"

Ember leaned on her staff, her expression a mix of awe and disbelief. "You did. And it was terrifying."

Kael smirked, his hand still on my arm. "Not bad for a first-timer. You might actually survive this after all."

"Don't jinx it," I muttered, though a faint smile tugged at my lips.

Ember straightened, her fiery confidence returning. "We need to move. That was just a scouting party. The Order will send more."

Kael helped me to my feet, his touch lingering for a moment longer than necessary. "She's right. We need to find somewhere safe, fast."

As we walked, the weight of what had just happened began to sink in. I had controlled the monsters, bent them to my will. But the power felt fragile, unpredictable, like a spark that could easily burn out—or consume me entirely.

Kael walked beside me, his presence steady and reassuring. At one point, his shoulder brushed mine, and he didn't move away.

"You did good back there," he said quietly, his voice meant only for me.

"Thanks," I replied, my face heating despite the cool night air.

Ahead of us, Ember cleared her throat loudly. "You two planning to catch up, or should I just light the path for myself?"

Kael chuckled, the sound low and warm. "She's got a point. Let's go, Dom."

That nickname again. I wasn't sure why it made my chest feel tight, but I pushed the thought aside.

For now, we had bigger problems to worry about.