Chapter 5 Unexpected Encounters

**Chapter 5: Unexpected Encounters**

Alina walked beside Zephyr, her mind buzzing with thoughts about their recent conversation. Trust didn't come easily to her anymore, but there was something about Zephyr's presence that made her feel… less alone. Still, she wasn't ready to let her guard down completely.

Their peaceful walk didn't last long. As they stepped into a clearing, voices carried through the air—deep, commanding, and clearly engaged in an argument.

"You stole that Spirit Core, didn't you, Rowan?"

"Oh, please," another voice scoffed. "If I wanted your pathetic Spirit Core, you wouldn't even know it was gone."

Zephyr sighed. "Great. More trouble."

Alina smirked. "Friends of yours?"

"More like unavoidable acquaintances."

As they approached, the sight before them was striking. Two men stood at the center of the clearing, both radiating an intense aura of power.

The first man, tall and broad-shouldered, had unruly dark brown hair and a mischievous grin. His golden eyes sparkled with amusement even as he argued. He wore a fitted black tunic with silver embroidery, marking him as someone of noble standing.

The second man was leaner but no less intimidating. His sharp features were framed by long, emerald-green hair tied back in a low ponytail. His emerald robes, adorned with an intricate phoenix pattern, hinted at an aristocratic background. His piercing green eyes locked onto Zephyr the moment they arrived.

"Zephyr," the green-haired man greeted with a cold smirk. "Still trailing behind mysterious women, I see."

Zephyr rolled his eyes. "Nice to see you too, Cassian."

The brown-haired man, Rowan, turned his gaze to Alina and let out a low whistle. "Now, who's this lovely creature?"

Alina crossed her arms, unimpressed. "A creature who doesn't take kindly to whistling."

Rowan laughed. "Feisty. I like that."

Cassian sighed. "Rowan, behave yourself. She's clearly not interested in your nonsense."

Zephyr smirked. "For once, I agree with Cassian."

Alina arched an eyebrow. "You two don't seem like the best of friends."

Cassian snorted. "That's because we're not."

Rowan threw an arm around Cassian's shoulders. "Oh, come now. Just because we've tried to kill each other a few times doesn't mean we can't be civil."

Cassian shoved him off. "Don't touch me."

Alina chuckled. These two were wildly different from Zephyr, yet somehow, their bickering felt oddly familiar—like the squabbles between old comrades who refused to admit they cared.

"So, what are you two doing here?" Zephyr asked, clearly tired of the conversation already.

Rowan grinned. "We heard rumors about a strange occurrence near the Starfire Lake. Naturally, we wanted to see if the legends were true."

Cassian's sharp gaze landed on Alina. "And I suppose she's the cause of it?"

Alina tilted her head. "Depends. What legend are we talking about?"

Cassian studied her for a moment before answering. "That someone with unparalleled elemental affinity would one day emerge and alter the balance of power in this world."

Zephyr let out a low chuckle. "Well, you always were good at sniffing out trouble, Cassian."

Rowan smirked. "I like this. The mysterious beauty with untold power, surrounded by handsome men—sounds like the start of an epic tale."

Alina groaned. "Great. Another one who likes to talk too much."

Rowan winked. "Oh, sweetheart, you haven't seen anything yet."

Cassian sighed. "Let's stay focused. If she really is the one from the prophecy, things will get dangerous fast."

Zephyr nodded. "Which means it's best we keep moving. Alina, are you ready?"

Alina glanced between the three men, realizing she had somehow gathered an unexpected entourage. With a sigh, she nodded. "Let's go. But if any of you get annoying, I won't hesitate to leave you in the dust."

Rowan grinned. "I wouldn't have it any other way."

And with that, their journey took another unexpected turn—one filled with mystery, rivalry, and perhaps, the stirrings of something deeper.

As the group moved through the dense forest, Alina found herself caught between three very different personalities. Zephyr, ever the quiet observer, Cassian, sharp and calculating, and Rowan, the flirtatious wildcard. It was an odd combination, but strangely, it didn't feel suffocating.

Rowan twirled a small dagger between his fingers as he walked. "So, Alina, tell me—what's your goal? Power? Revenge? Love?"

She shot him a sidelong glance. "Isn't survival a good enough goal?"

Cassian scoffed. "For someone like you? No. Someone with your potential is bound for greater things."

Alina sighed. "And what exactly do you think my potential is?"

Zephyr spoke up for the first time in a while. "You wield all elements, something unheard of. That alone marks you as extraordinary."

"Great," Alina muttered. "So I get to be a target."

Rowan smirked. "Oh, sweetheart, you were already a target the moment you arrived in this world."

Their conversation was cut short by the rustling of leaves. Alina's senses flared, instincts kicking in. "We're not alone."

Zephyr's eyes narrowed. "Prepare yourself."

From the shadows emerged a group of masked figures, their robes adorned with a silver sigil. Their leader, a man with piercing gray eyes, stepped forward. "We've been searching for you, Alina."

Alina's hand hovered near her sword. "That's funny. I don't recall inviting stalkers."

The man ignored her remark. "You carry something precious within you—power that must be controlled."

Cassian shifted, placing a protective stance in front of Alina. "And who exactly do you think you are?"

The man smirked. "The ones who will determine whether she is friend or foe."

Rowan chuckled. "Oh, I like you. Too bad you're on the wrong side."

Without warning, the masked figures attacked. Alina's instincts took over, her body moving fluidly as she summoned wind to push back her assailants. Zephyr moved with deadly precision, his sword flashing like silver lightning. Cassian unleashed a series of fire strikes, forcing the enemies to scatter, while Rowan danced through the battlefield, striking with both blade and wit.

Alina found herself face-to-face with the gray-eyed leader. He moved fast, his blade nearly grazing her arm. Gritting her teeth, she summoned a surge of water, twisting it into an icy spear and hurling it at him. He barely dodged, his expression shifting to one of surprise.

"Impressive," he admitted. "But you have much to learn."

Before she could respond, a sharp pain shot through her shoulder. She turned to see another masked enemy had struck her with a dagger. Rowan was there in an instant, cutting the assailant down.

"Hey now," Rowan chided. "No one touches our girl."

Alina groaned. "I'm not anyone's girl."

The gray-eyed leader frowned. "This is only the beginning. Be ready, Alina."

With a final glance, he and his remaining men disappeared into the shadows, leaving the group catching their breath.

Cassian's eyes darkened. "This means trouble."

Zephyr nodded. "We need to move fast. They'll be back."

Rowan grinned. "Well, at least things won't be boring."

Alina clutched her injured shoulder, exhaling slowly. If this was just the start, then she had a long road ahead.

And yet, despite the looming danger, she felt something unexpected—excitement.