Chapter Four

Auren returned then, holding up a small wooden fox with pride. "This one's the best, right? Dad says it's the cleverest animal in the forest."

Saren smiled, stepping back as if nothing had happened. "That's right."

Cassiel looked up at him, her composure slowly returning. "I'd like that," she said softly.

Cassiel ran her fingers over the small fox carving Auren had handed her, marveling at the care that went into its creation.

"Your father made this?" she asked, glancing up.

Auren nodded eagerly. "Yeah. He said foxes are smart—they know how to survive even when things get tough. It's why this was the first one he carved for me."

Cassiel handed it back with a small smile. "Did he say that because it reminded him of you?"

Auren grinned. "Maybe."

He set the fox down carefully and reached for another carving. "But this one's my favorite."

The new figure was larger, its sleek design exuding a quiet power. It had a long body with sharp claws and a wolf-like face, but its lean build and pointed ears hinted at something feline.

"It's what Dad shifts into," Auren said, holding it up with pride. "A duskcat."

Cassiel tilted her head slightly. "A duskcat?"

"They're predators," Saren said as she moved closer. "Native to the forest. Not quite wolves, not quite cats. They're strong, fast, and fiercely protective of their own."

Cassiel studied the carving for a moment before glancing at Auren. "Your father must be a remarkable man."

"He's the best hunter in the village," Auren said quickly. "And he says I have a lot of potential because my gift awakened early."

"That's no small thing," Cassiel replied. "How did it happen?"

Auren hesitated, glancing at his mother as though unsure whether to speak. Saren gave him an encouraging nod.

"It's all right, Auren," she said gently. "She's asking because she sees your strength, just like your father."

Auren shifted in his seat, then spoke quietly. "It was two summers ago. I... I wasn't supposed to go into the forest, but I wanted to help. Dad always said I wasn't ready, but I thought maybe I could prove him wrong."

Cassiel leaned forward slightly. "What happened?"

"He followed Auden and the hunters," Saren said, picking up the story. "They'd gone deep into the forest, tracking a herd of boars. Auren thought he could keep up, but he strayed off the trail."

Auren lowered his head. "I thought I heard something, and then... it was there. A duskcat. A real one."

Cassiel's eyes widened slightly. "You ran into a predator like that alone?"

"They rarely attack humans," Saren said, her tone steady but serious. "But when they do, they don't hesitate. It had him cornered, and then, by some miracle, Auden heard his scream."

"I was so scared," Auren murmured. "I tried to get away, but it was too fast. And then... it was like my body just... changed."

Cassiel's brow furrowed. "Your gift awakened?"

Saren nodded. "Auden said when he reached him, Auren's hands were furred, his claws out, holding the creature off just enough to stay alive. Auden shifted mid-run and took the beast down in one strike."

Cassiel glanced at Auren, her expression thoughtful. "That's incredible."

"He saved me," Auren said, his voice quiet. "But I thought he was mad at me for sneaking out."

"Oh, he was," Saren said, her lips curving into a small smile. "He yelled at you so loud that some people back in the village heard him."

Auren gave a sheepish grin. "Yeah. I remember that part."

"But after that," Saren continued, "he hugged you. And he told you something important, didn't he?"

Auren nodded, his voice was soft but proud. "He said I was blessed. That the Guardian of the Forest must have been watching over me."

Cassiel studied him for a moment, noting the determination in his eyes despite the lingering embarrassment. "He was right. You've already shown your strength, Auren. All that's left is to keep growing into it."

Saren's gaze softened as she looked at her son. "You've got his heart, Auren. But you're also your own person. Remember that."

Auren nodded, his grin wide. "Yeah, but no matter what, I'll be as strong as the Guardian!"

Cassiel tilted her head slightly, curiosity flickering in her gaze. "The Guardian? Who is that?"

Auren's face lit up with excitement. "It's not a who—it's a what! Mama, tell her the story! You're the best at it!"

Saren chuckled softly, shaking her head. "He gets like this every time the Guardian comes up," she said to Cassiel, though there was warmth in her tone. It's a story we tell often here—one that shaped our village."

Cassiel nodded, her attention focused. "I'd like to hear it."

Saren's expression grew thoughtful as she folded her hands on the table. "Long ago, this land wasn't a forest. It was a barren desert stretching as far as the eye could see. A single-family came here, looking for a new start. A mother, father, and their young daughter. But the land was harsh. The soil wouldn't grow crops, water was scarce, and predators roamed freely. No one in their right mind would've stayed."

"Then why did they?" Cassiel asked.

"Desperation, or maybe it was fate. Whatever the reason, they didn't give up," Saren said. "They worked tirelessly to survive, carving out what little they could. But one night, a pack of wolves came. These weren't the timid wolves you might think of they were predators, fierce and merciless. The family had no way to defend themselves. It should have been the end for them."

Auren's excitement dimmed as he listened, leaning forward slightly.

"But the family's daughter stepped forward," Saren continued, her voice softening. "And she spoke to them. No one knows what she said, only that it stopped the wolves. They didn't attack. Instead, they listened. Whatever the child said, it was enough to strike a pact. The wolves agreed to protect the family in exchange for food, water, and shelter."

"For a while, the pact held," Saren said. "The family thrived under the wolves' protection. But peace never lasts. Other wolves, those who disagreed with the pact, came to challenge it. They saw the family as intruders and the pact as a betrayal of their kind. The family's wolves fought to defend them, but they were outnumbered. One by one, they fell."

Cassiel's brow furrowed. "What happened to the family?"

"They thought it was over," Saren replied. "But the wolves' spirits weren't done. It's said their wills united, becoming one great wolf spirit—a Guardian. The ground shook, and the wolves that dared attack fled in terror. Before the Guardian disappeared, it promised to honor the pact and protect not only the family but all their descendants and anyone who lived on this land."

Cassiel glanced toward the window, her gaze lingering on the trees outside.

Saren continued, her voice quieter now. "As the Guardian faded, the earth where the wolves had fallen began to change. Shoots burst from the ground, growing into saplings, then towering trees. Those trees eventually became the Great Tree, and from it, the forest spread, transforming the land into the sanctuary we know today."

"And the Guardian still protects the forest?" Cassiel asked softly.

"That's what we believe," Saren said. "Anyone who comes here with ill intentions will find themselves lost, wandering until the forest takes them."

Cassiel leaned back slightly, letting the story settle. The idea of a spirit so devoted to protecting its people resonated with her, stirring thoughts of her own purpose and what she had once stood for.

Auren broke the silence, his grin as wide as ever. "One day, I'll be strong enough to protect the forest, too—just like the Guardian!"

Saren chuckled softly. "You're well on your way, Auren. But remember, strength isn't just about power. It's about knowing when and how to use it."

Cassiel's gaze shifted to Auren, her expression softening. "Your father must have taught you a lot about that."

Auren nodded eagerly. "Yeah! He's the best. He trains me whenever he's here, but... I don't go to the training grounds much without him."

Saren glanced at her son, her smile fading slightly. "You should, Auren. The space is there for everyone to use, and you're ready to practice more—especially with someone guiding you." Her gaze shifted to Cassiel. "If you're not too tired, maybe you could take him there. You've been a great help to him already."

Cassiel hesitated for a moment, caught off guard by the request, but then nodded. "I'd be happy to. If Auren doesn't mind showing me the way."

Auren's grin returned in full force. "Of course, I don't mind! I'll show you where Dad usually trains me—it's not far!"

Saren chuckled softly. "Go on, then. It'll be good for you, Auren. And Cassiel, thank you."

Cassiel inclined her head slightly. "It's no trouble."

Auren darted for the door, pausing only to glance back at Cassiel. "Come on! I'll show you everything!"

With a faint smile, Cassiel followed him, leaving Saren to watch them go.