Aryan carefully made his way back to the camp, the Fire Dragon's power coursing through him with every step. His sword was stained with dragon blood, a testament to his victory. As he approached the clearing where their makeshift camp lay, he couldn't shake the feeling of being watched. The sense of unease grew stronger with each step, and he knew Kai was near.
Steeling himself, Aryan scanned the area, trying to find any sign of movement in the shadows. The campfire flickered in the distance, casting long, wavering shadows across the forest floor. Selena was tending to her wounds, while Kai seemed to be absent, likely off scouting or preparing for their next move. Aryan's eyes locked onto the treeline opposite the camp—there, a dark figure was lurking, hidden from view but clearly watching him.
"Who's there?" Aryan called out, his voice steady but demanding. The figure stepped forward into the dim light, revealing Kai's silhouette. Aryan's grip tightened around the hilt of his sword.
"Nice little trophy you've got there," Kai said casually, his tone laced with a mix of curiosity and skepticism. "You went after the Fire Dragon, huh?"
Aryan didn't respond immediately. He kept his expression neutral, trying to gauge Kai's intentions. The Fire Dragon's power was potent, but it was also a secret he wasn't ready to share, especially with Kai, who had his own plans and was known to be manipulative.
"I needed the power," Aryan finally admitted, his voice clipped. "I'm not interested in sharing it with you."
Kai stepped closer, the faint glow of the campfire reflecting in his eyes. "That's not what I'm asking, Aryan. I'm just trying to understand why you went to such lengths without telling anyone. What's the real plan?"
Aryan's grip on the sword loosened slightly. He didn't want to give away too much, but he knew Kai wouldn't back down easily. "I'm not here to follow anyone else's agenda," he replied. "I'm here for myself, and I'll do whatever it takes to get what I need."
Kai studied Aryan for a moment, his eyes narrowing as if trying to peer into Aryan's thoughts. "You know, you're a lot more interesting than I first thought. Maybe we could work together after all."
Aryan's gaze hardened. "I don't need your help, Kai," he said, his voice tinged with warning. "And I don't need you or your alliance. I'm just here to survive."
Kai took another step closer, his expression unreadable. "You're not just a survivor, Aryan. You're something more. And whether you like it or not, you'll have to deal with us eventually. Whether you're ready or not."
With that, Kai turned and disappeared back into the shadows, leaving Aryan to ponder his next move. Aryan knew that this encounter was only the beginning of a new, unpredictable phase—one that would test his resolve and force him to make hard choices. As the campfire crackled softly behind him, Aryan clenched his fists, the fire dragon's power making him feel both invincible and isolated. He was alone in this, but he had a plan—one that would keep him ahead of everyone, including Kai.