Chapter 18 : Trouble On the Road

The quiet hum of the System's interface faded, leaving Azhaan staring at the now-empty space above his arm. His hand lingered on the glowing mark etched into his skin, his thoughts swirling. Shade wasn't just rare—it was powerful, unpredictable, and, most importantly, a magnet for attention.

Across the room, the soft crackle of the fire barely broke the silence. Kaela's amber eyes studied him from where she leaned against the windowsill, while Alira idly toyed with her plant beast's vines, her sharp gaze flickering toward Azhaan every so often.

"Well?" Kaela asked, her tone expectant but calm.

Azhaan hesitated, then sighed. "Shade's strong. Stronger than I thought." He gestured vaguely toward the mark on his arm. "But that's the problem. This bond—it's different, and people are going to notice."

Alira smirked faintly. "You're not wrong, rookie. A beast like that? It doesn't just go unnoticed. And people will either want it, or they'll want it gone."

Kaela folded her arms, her gaze darkening. "That's why we need to keep moving. The longer we stay here, the more likely those cloaked tamers will track us again. Skyreach Spire is our safest option."

"Safe?" Azhaan said, his voice laced with doubt. "You've already said the guilds there won't take kindly to someone like me."

Kaela's expression softened slightly. "It won't be easy. But the Spire is more than just a training academy—it's a stronghold of knowledge and power. If anyone knows what's going on with your bond, it'll be the scholars and tamers there."

Azhaan leaned back in his chair, glancing toward Shade. The beast was curled near the door, its red eyes glowing faintly as it watched the conversation unfold. Despite its calm demeanor, Azhaan could feel a faint pulse through their bond—a quiet, steady presence that reassured him in its own way.

"Alright," Azhaan said finally. "Let's go to the Spire. But what happens if they don't want me there?"

Kaela exchanged a look with Alira, then shrugged. "We'll deal with it when we get there. For now, focus on surviving the journey."

The early morning mist clung to the ground as the group left Stonebridge. The outpost was just beginning to wake, with traders setting up their stalls and adventurers strapping on their gear. Azhaan glanced back one last time, taking in the sight of the quiet streets and the rising sun casting a warm glow over the rooftops.

The road ahead wound through rolling hills and dense forests, with the distant peaks of the Skyreach Mountains barely visible on the horizon.

"It's about a week's journey if we keep a steady pace," Kaela said, leading the way. "We'll stick to the main roads for now, but once we're closer to the mountains, we'll need to cut through the Verdantwilds."

Azhaan frowned. "The Verdantwilds? Isn't that where all the beast attacks happen?"

"Some of them," Kaela admitted. "But the main roads near Skyreach are patrolled by guild enforcers. You're too… unique to risk being seen by them."

"Unique," Azhaan muttered under his breath.

Alira chuckled. "She means 'obvious.' Your bond is practically screaming for attention."

Shade growled softly, its ears twitching as it walked beside Azhaan. He reached down, brushing his fingers against the sleek fur. "At least we've got you, right?"

The Shadow Stalker didn't respond, but Azhaan felt a faint pulse of acknowledgment through their bond.

By midday, the sun hung high overhead, and the road had grown quieter. The occasional traveler passed by, some on foot, others leading carts pulled by strange, lumbering beasts. Azhaan found himself watching the beasts with a mix of curiosity and envy.

One tamer led a massive, turtle-like creature with glowing blue gemstones embedded in its shell. Another rode a bird-like beast with feathers that shimmered in the sunlight. Each one seemed so at ease, so natural, and Azhaan couldn't help but feel like an imposter in comparison.

"Something on your mind?" Kaela asked, noticing his expression.

Azhaan shrugged. "Just wondering how long it's going to take before I stop feeling like I don't belong here."

Kaela's gaze softened. "You're not the first to feel that way. And you won't be the last. Give it time."

Alira smirked. "Or don't. Jump into a fight or two, and people will stop questioning you real quick."

"Noted," Azhaan said dryly.

They stopped to rest near a small stream, the sound of running water mingling with the chirping of birds. Kaela refilled their waterskins while Alira stretched out on a patch of grass, her beast curling its glowing vines around her.

Azhaan sat near Shade, watching as the Shadow Stalker padded along the edge of the clearing. Its movements were silent and deliberate, its red eyes scanning the surroundings with an intensity that made his chest tighten.

"Do you ever wonder why?" Azhaan asked suddenly.

Kaela glanced over. "Why what?"

"Why I was bonded with Shade," Azhaan said, his voice quieter. "It doesn't feel random. It feels… deliberate."

Kaela studied him for a moment before responding. "Fate rarely gives answers. But you're here now, and so is Shade. The rest is up to you."

Azhaan sighed, leaning back against a tree. Her words made sense, but they didn't make him feel any less lost.

The peace didn't last.

Shade's ears twitched, and it let out a low growl, its body tensing. Azhaan straightened immediately, his hand going to the dagger Kaela had given him.

"What is it?" he asked.

Kaela stood, her blade already drawn. "We're not alone."

The rustling of leaves broke the silence, and moments later, a figure stepped out of the trees. Cloaked and hooded, the stranger moved with an unnerving grace.

"Well, well," the figure said, their voice calm and cold. "The boy with the Shadow Stalker. I've been looking for you."

Azhaan's heart raced. "Who are you?"

The figure didn't answer. Instead, they raised a hand, and the sound of snarling filled the air as two corrupted beasts emerged from the shadows. Their fur was patchy, and their glowing green eyes burned with malice.

Kaela stepped in front of Azhaan, her blade gleaming in the sunlight. "Stay back, Azhaan. This is going to get messy."

Shade growled, its body lowering into a defensive stance. Azhaan felt the bond between them surge, a mix of adrenaline and determination flowing through him.

"Get ready," Kaela said, her voice steady.

The fight was coming, and Azhaan knew there was no turning back.