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For centuries, angels and demons have been at war, their hatred for each other woven into the very fabric of their existence. Hybrids—born from the forced union of the two races—are considered abominations, unstable beings meant only for destruction.

But Rai is different.

Born from genuine love, Rai’s very existence defies the laws of both worlds. Unlike other hybrids, his energies do not clash—they coexist. But when his father, a high-ranking demon, discovers the truth of his birth, Rai’s life is shattered. Branded as a threat, he is forced to flee after witnessing his mother’s brutal death at the hands of the man who was supposed to protect them.

Now, hunted by both angels and demons, Rai finds himself in the care of Vael, an exiled warrior with a past as dark as his name. Under his brutal yet wise guidance, Rai must learn to harness his dual power, survive in a world that wants him dead, and uncover the secrets behind his birth.

As he grows stronger, he begins to question the war itself. Why must angels and demons hate each other? Who truly benefits from this endless cycle of bloodshed?

With a world against him and only a handful of allies by his side, Rai embarks on a journey that will challenge fate itself.

In a war where light and dark must always oppose—can a being of both carve his own path?

Rai: Dark & Light

The sun hung high in the sky as Vael and Rai rode along a dirt road, their horses moving at a steady pace. The wind carried the scent of fresh grass and distant pine, and the only sounds were the soft clopping of hooves and the occasional chirping of birds.

It had been half a day since they left Toban's farm, and while the journey had been uneventful so far, Rai found himself lost in thought.

"It's strange," he said, breaking the silence. "That was the first time in years I actually felt… normal."

Vael, riding slightly ahead, glanced back at him. "What do you mean?"

Rai shrugged. "Toban's family. The farm. Just… being around people who weren't trying to kill me. It felt like how life should be."

Vael didn't respond right away. He simply stared ahead, the reins loose in his hands.

"Enjoy those moments when you find them," he finally said. "But don't let them make you soft."

Rai sighed. "Yeah, yeah. I know. Keep moving, stay sharp."

Vael smirked. "Good. You're learning."

The two continued riding, the road winding through fields and forests, the occasional distant village or farm appearing before fading behind them.

As they approached a small wooden bridge, Rai noticed something unusual—a wagon stuck in the mud, its wheel half-buried, while an elderly man stood beside it, struggling to pull it free.

Vael immediately slowed his horse. "Trouble?"

"Doesn't look like it," Rai said, already dismounting.

The old man looked up as they approached, his face wrinkled with exhaustion.

"Ah… travelers! Thank the heavens." He wiped his brow. "I could use a little help, if you don't mind."

Rai walked closer. "What happened?"

"The wheel hit a deep patch of mud when I was crossing the bridge. I tried to push it out, but…" He gestured to his thin arms. "I'm not exactly in my prime anymore."

The old man stepped back as Vael walked over to the wagon. With one hand, he grabbed the edge of the cart and lifted it slightly, enough to take the weight off the wheel.

Rai braced himself against the wooden side and shoved with all his strength. Slowly, the wagon creaked forward, the wheel popping free from the mud.

The old man clapped his hands together, grinning. "By the gods! You two must be strong as oxen!"

Rai wiped his hands on his pants. "More like one ox. He did most of the work."

Vael gave him a look but didn't argue.

"Here, take this as thanks." The old man pulled out a small leather pouch and offered it to them.

Vael shook his head. "Keep it. Just be careful next time."

The old man hesitated before nodding. "You've got good hearts, both of you. Safe travels."

Rai climbed back onto his horse, and the two of them continued on their way.

The sun was already beginning to set when they reached their next destination.

A small town with stone walls and wooden houses, nestled between the hills. Smoke curled from chimneys, and the streets were still lively, merchants packing up their stalls while others finished their evening shopping.

At the town gates, a guard in simple leather armor stopped them.

Vael reached into his cloak and pulled out a small token. "Travelers. Just passing through."

The guard inspected it before nodding. "Welcome to Durnstead. Just don't cause trouble."

They rode through the streets, passing market stalls, blacksmiths, and small bakeries, before stopping outside a modest-looking inn. A wooden sign above the door read "The Sleeping Boar."

Rai slid off his horse, stretching his arms. "Finally. I feel like we've been riding all day."

Vael dismounted beside him. "Because we have."

Vael smirked, tying the reins of both horses to a post. "Come on. Let's get some rest."

They stepped inside, the warm scent of roasting meat and ale greeting them as they entered.

But tomorrow, the journey would continue.

Dark & Light – Chapter 17: The Road Ahead