The Hidden Threat

Eira's heart pounded as she left the elder's hall. The cold air burned her lungs, but nothing felt as heavy as Eirik's words.

Dragonblood.

She couldn't be one of them could she? The ancient Dragonblood warriors were supposed to be legends, wiped out during the Great Dragon War. If she really had their power, the village would never trust her again.

Kael walked beside her, silent for a long moment before speaking. "You're lucky. If Eirik had proof, he would've had you locked away."

Eira swallowed the fear rising in her throat. "Why does he hate magic so much?"

Kael's expression darkened. "His family was killed during the last Malrith attack. He believes all magic is dangerous especially dragon magic."

Eira's stomach twisted. If he ever discovered her true power, there would be no mercy.

They stopped near the training grounds where young warriors practiced with wooden swords. Kael turned to face her, his jaw tight. "You need to be careful. If you lose control of that power again, I might not be able to protect you."

Eira's fists clenched. "I didn't ask for this, Kael."

His expression softened just slightly. "I know. But magic like yours draws attention. And there are worse things than Eirik out there."

A chill ran down her spine. She remembered the dragon's warning from her dream. The darkness stirs. You must find the others… or everything will fall.

"What did he mean by 'others'?" she murmured, almost to herself.

Kael frowned. "What?"

Before she could answer, a scream cut through the air. Both of them spun around as a group of villagers ran toward the forest edge.

"Something's attacking!" someone shouted.

Kael drew his sword. "Stay here."

But Eira wasn't about to hide. She raced after him, her heart pounding. If her power was waking up, maybe this attack wasn't a coincidence.

When they reached the edge of the woods, her breath caught. A massive beast twice the size of a wolf stood in the clearing. Its blackened skin twisted unnaturally, and glowing red veins pulsed beneath its hide.

Another Virelith but larger. Stronger.

"It's corrupted," Kael said grimly. "Stay back."

The beast lunged, claws aimed at a villager cowering behind a tree. Without thinking, Eira raised her hand. The warmth surged from her wrist again, golden sparks flickering at her fingertips.

"No!" Kael grabbed her arm, pulling it down. "If they see your magic"

But it was too late. The Virelith turned its glowing red eyes toward her, as if sensing the power inside. With a snarl, it changed direction and charged straight at her.

Kael moved fast, blocking its strike with his sword. Sparks flew as steel met claw. "Run!" he shouted.

But Eira refused to run. If she didn't stop it, someone else would die.

She pressed her palm to the ground. The warmth flared hotter, and a golden circle of light spread beneath her hand. The beast leaped at her only to be struck by a wave of golden fire that blasted it backward.

The flames wrapped around the creature, burning through its blackened skin. With a final, ear-splitting shriek, the Virelith collapsed into ash.

Eira's hands trembled as the golden light faded. Around her, the air was thick with silence too much silence.

When she looked up, the villagers stood frozen in place. Fear and suspicion filled their wide-eyed stares.

"You… used magic," someone whispered.

"She's cursed," another voice said.

Kael stepped in front of her. "She saved your lives," he said sharply. But even his voice couldn't erase the fear hanging in the air.

Eira's heart sank. No matter how much good she did, they would only see the danger.

And now, the whole village knew her secret.