Marked as an Outcast

Eira's hands still burned from the magic as the last traces of the Virelith faded into ash. Around her, the village remained deathly silent. No one cheered. No one thanked her.

Instead, they stared.

"She's cursed," a man hissed.

"She'll bring more monsters," a woman added, stepping back like Eira was a threat herself.

Eira's heart pounded in her chest. No matter how much she had tried to hide it her magic was exposed.

Kael's voice cut through the whispers. "She saved your lives!" His silver armor glinted as he faced the crowd. "Or would you rather be dead?"

The villagers didn't answer, but their fear was clear. They had seen what she could do and nothing Kael said would change how they felt.

From the back of the crowd, Eirik emerged. His cold gray eyes locked onto her wrist, where the faint glow of the dragon mark still lingered. "Magic like that does not belong in our village," he said quietly, but his words carried weight.

Eira swallowed hard. "I didn't ask for this power."

"But you have it," Eirik said, stepping closer. "And where magic goes, chaos follows. You've proven that."

The ground felt unsteady beneath her feet. Was this how it would always be? No matter how much she tried to protect them, they would never accept her.

"You should exile her," someone called.

"She'll bring ruin to us all!"

Eira's stomach twisted as the voices grew louder. Fear spread like wildfire.

Kael's hand tightened on the hilt of his sword. "You can't punish her for saving us," he said sharply. "You're being fools."

Eirik held up a hand, silencing the crowd. "I will decide her fate." His gaze swept back to Eira. "For now, you are to be watched. Closely."

A chill ran down her spine. She knew what that meant. One wrong step one sign that she couldn't control her power and they would cast her out. Or worse.

"I understand," she said quietly.

Eirik lingered for a moment longer, as if searching for a reason to punish her now. Then he turned, disappearing into the crowd. The villagers scattered soon after, their whispers still echoing in the air.

When they were alone, Kael exhaled sharply. "They're fools," he muttered. "You saved them, and this is how they repay you?"

"It doesn't matter," Eira said, though her voice trembled. "They're right. I'm dangerous."

Kael grabbed her wrist gently, turning it so the faint golden mark was visible. "This mark means something," he said, his voice softer. "It's no accident. You were meant to have this power."

Eira wanted to believe him but all she felt was fear. If even the people she grew up with couldn't accept her, how could she survive the outside world?

"I have to find answers," she said quietly. "About this power. About the dragon in my dreams."

Kael hesitated. "Eira, if you leave the village…"

"They already think I'm a monster," she whispered. "What's the difference?"

For a long moment, neither of them spoke. Finally, Kael sighed. "If you're serious, you shouldn't go alone."

Eira blinked in surprise. "You'd come with me?"

"You think I'm going to let you walk into danger on your own?" His lips curved into a faint smirk. "Besides, I want answers too."

Warmth stirred in her chest not magic, but something else. Something hopeful.

"I'm leaving soon," she said, lifting her chin. "With or without the village's blessing."

Kael nodded. "Then I'm coming with you."

For the first time since her powers awakened, Eira felt like she wasn't alone. But deep down, she knew this was just the beginning.

Somewhere beyond the village, greater dangers were stirring. And if the dragon's warning was true the real battle had yet to begin.