A Beast's True Name

Kael's breath was ragged, his sword gripped tightly in his trembling hands. The glowing eyes of the beasts surrounded him in the dim clearing, their growls resonating like thunder in the night. The cloaked figure's voice still echoed in his ears: "The real trials are just beginning."

He scanned the figures around him, each beast more terrifying than the last. There was no time to panic; his survival hinged on what he'd learned so far. He remembered Eryndor's words about the bond between Beast Masters and the wilds. If he could connect with even one of these creatures, perhaps he could turn the odds in his favor.

But how?

A low, guttural growl rose above the others. One of the beasts stepped forward—a massive lion with silver fur and eyes like molten gold. Its mane shimmered in the moonlight, and its sheer presence made the other creatures step back.

Kael felt a strange pull toward the lion, as if their fates were intertwined. The beast locked eyes with him, its stare piercing yet curious.

Suddenly, the world around Kael shifted. The growls of the other beasts faded into silence, and the forest seemed to dissolve, replaced by a vast void. The silver lion stood before him, its form glowing faintly in the darkness.

Kael looked around, confused. "Where am I?"

"You stand within the heart of the wilds," the lion said, its voice deep and commanding. "A place where only the worthy may tread."

Kael blinked in surprise. The lion was speaking not with its mouth, but directly into his mind.

"You are not like the others," the lion continued. "You seek to tame the chaos within, to wield the power of the wilds. But power cannot be given it must be earned."

Kael swallowed hard, the weight of the lion's words sinking in. "I'm not here to conquer. I want to understand. To protect."

The lion's eyes narrowed. "Words are easy, human. Prove yourself."

In an instant, the void shifted again. Kael found himself in a different part of the forest, the silver lion standing a few paces away. Between them lay a swirling pit of darkness, its depths pulsating with malevolent energy.

"To earn my trust, you must face your fears," the lion said. "Cross the chasm without hesitation, or be consumed by the shadows."

Kael hesitated. The pit seemed alive, its whispers tugging at his mind and filling him with doubt. What if he failed? What if this was a trap?

He shook his head, forcing the thoughts away. He had come too far to falter now. Taking a deep breath, he stepped toward the chasm. The whispers grew louder, the shadows reaching out like claws.

Kael closed his eyes, focusing on the connection he felt with the lion. He trusted it, just as he had trusted the wolf in the maze of thorns. With a leap of faith, he stepped into the void.

For a moment, there was nothing but darkness. Then, a rush of energy surged through him, and he felt his feet land on solid ground. He opened his eyes to find himself standing beside the lion, the chasm gone.

"Well done," the lion said, its voice tinged with approval. "You have faced your doubt and emerged stronger. But there is one final test."

The forest returned, the other beasts watching silently as Kael and the lion stood face to face.

"To forge a bond with a beast, you must know its true name," the lion said. "It is a name that cannot be spoken or heard—it must be felt, understood. Only then can you claim my allegiance."

Kael frowned, unsure of what to do. He had no idea how to "feel" a name, let alone one belonging to a creature as powerful as the silver lion.

He closed his eyes, reaching out with his mind as he had done before. He focused on the lion's energy, the way it moved, the way it carried itself. Memories of his journey flooded his mind—the wolf in the maze, the serpent in the river, the countless challenges he had faced.

A name began to form, not as a word but as a sensation. It was a surge of strength, a rush of courage, a quiet, unyielding power.

Kael opened his eyes, his heart racing. "Your name is Thaloran," he said, the word rolling off his tongue like a long-lost truth.

The lion's eyes widened in surprise, then softened with approval. "You have done well, Kael. You have seen beyond the surface and understood my essence. From this day forward, I am yours to command."

The other beasts let out a collective roar, their cries reverberating through the forest. Kael felt a surge of power as his bond with Thaloran solidified.

Before Kael could celebrate his victory, the ground beneath him trembled violently. The cloaked figure appeared once more, their form shimmering with dark energy.

"Well, well," the figure said, their voice dripping with malice. "You've passed the trials. Impressive. But do not think this journey ends here."

They raised a hand, and a portal of swirling shadows opened behind them. From its depths emerged a monstrous beast unlike any Kael had ever seen a towering creature with six glowing eyes and tendrils of darkness writhing around its body.

"This is the true power of the wilds," the figure said. "Let us see if you are truly worthy."

Thaloran stepped forward, a low growl rumbling in his throat. Kael tightened his grip on his sword, his resolve hardening.

The battle was far from over.

To be continued…