Chapter 6: A Journey Begins

The morning dawned with a heavy mist blanketing the village, casting everything in shades of gray. Sera stood by the edge of the forest, her satchel packed with herbs, bandages, and a few meager supplies Maeryn had insisted she take. Her heart pounded as she looked at the path ahead, shadowed and unknown.

"Are you sure about this?" Maeryn asked, her weathered face lined with worry. "You've never even left the village, Sera. The world out there isn't kind, especially not to someone like you."

Sera forced a smile, though her own doubts churned within her. "I don't have a choice, Maeryn. If what Mara said is true, then the Shadow King won't stop until he finds me. Staying here would only put everyone in danger."

The older woman sighed and pulled her into a tight hug. "Then be careful, my girl. Trust your instincts, and trust him." Her gaze flicked to Kael, who stood a short distance away, checking his gear.

Kael approached as Sera stepped back, his dark armor gleaming faintly even in the muted light. "We need to leave now. The longer we wait, the more time the Shadow King's forces have to close in."

Sera nodded, slinging her satchel over her shoulder. "I'm ready."

They set off down the forest path, the village quickly disappearing behind them. The air was damp, and the sounds of the waking forest surrounded them—birds calling, leaves rustling, and the distant trickle of a stream. Sera tried to focus on the beauty of it all, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Mara's warning.

"Do you really think we'll find this Sanctum of Stars?" she asked after a long silence.

Kael glanced at her. "I've heard of it in legends, but I've never been there. The Forbidden Peaks are treacherous, and the Sanctum is hidden. But if Mara says it's the key, then we'll find it."

Sera hesitated. "You're so certain. How can you be so sure of everything?"

Kael stopped walking and turned to face her, his silver eyes locking with hers. "Because I made a promise—to you, to the person you were. I failed you once, and I've spent centuries living with that failure. This time, I won't let anything stop me from protecting you."

His words sent a shiver down her spine, both comforting and unsettling. She wanted to believe in him, to trust his conviction, but a small part of her still doubted—herself, her memories, and the connection they supposedly shared.

Their conversation was cut short by the sound of branches snapping nearby. Kael's hand went to the hilt of his sword instantly. "Stay behind me," he whispered.

Sera did as he said, her heart racing as she peered into the shadows. The forest seemed to hold its breath, the usual sounds of nature falling silent.

Then, from the underbrush, a pair of glowing red eyes appeared. A low growl followed, and a massive wolf-like creature stepped into the clearing, its fur matted and black as night. Its mouth dripped with saliva, and its claws gleamed like sharpened steel.

"Shadowbeast," Kael muttered, drawing his sword. "Stay back, Sera. This thing isn't natural."

The beast lunged, faster than Sera could react. Kael met it head-on, his blade clashing against its claws in a shower of sparks. The sheer power of the creature drove him back a step, but he held his ground, his movements swift and precise.

Sera watched in horror as the battle unfolded. Kael fought like a man possessed, his strikes powerful yet controlled. But the beast was relentless, and for every blow Kael landed, it came back stronger.

Then it turned its glowing eyes on Sera. She froze as it lunged toward her, its jaws snapping.

"NO!" Kael roared, throwing himself between her and the beast. His blade drove deep into its side, and the creature let out an ear-splitting howl before collapsing to the ground, its body disintegrating into black smoke.

Kael turned to Sera, his face pale but determined. "Are you hurt?"

She shook her head, her voice trembling. "I… I'm fine. You saved me."

He sheathed his sword, his expression grim. "That was only the beginning. The Shadow King knows we're moving. He'll send more."

Sera took a shaky breath, the weight of their journey settling heavily on her shoulders. "Then we'd better keep moving."

Kael nodded, and together they continued down the path, the shadows of the forest closing in behind them.

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TO BE CONTINUE....