Chapter 2: The Cursed Witch

Kael stumbled through the dense forest, the artifact clutched tightly in his hand. His body ached from the battle, and his mind raced with questions. What was this artifact? Why did it choose him? And what had he done to the sky?

The crack he had seen earlier was no illusion. It hung ominously above the horizon, a jagged scar in the fabric of reality. Kael could feel the artifact's energy pulsing in his chest, a constant reminder of the power he now wielded—and the danger it posed.

As night fell, Kael found himself at the edge of a misty swamp. The air was thick with the scent of decay, and the ground squelched beneath his feet. He was about to turn back when he heard a faint voice, singing a haunting melody.

Curiosity overcame caution, and Kael followed the sound. Deep within the swamp, he found a small hut perched on stilts above the murky water. The door creaked open, and a woman stepped out. She was tall and pale, her eyes glowing with an eerie light. Her long, silver hair cascaded down her back, and her robes seemed to shimmer with an otherworldly aura.

"Who dares enter my domain?" she asked, her voice both melodic and menacing.

Kael hesitated, then bowed deeply. "My name is Kael Ardent. I mean no harm. I... I need help."

The woman studied him for a moment, her gaze lingering on the artifact in his hand. "That thing you carry... it reeks of paradox. Where did you find it?"

Kael explained the destruction of his sect and the artifact's sudden activation. The woman listened intently, her expression unreadable. When he finished, she sighed and gestured for him to enter the hut.

Inside, the hut was surprisingly cozy, filled with strange trinkets and glowing crystals. The woman introduced herself as **Lyra**, a witch cursed with immortality. She had lived for centuries, watching everyone she loved wither and die while she remained unchanged.

"I know what it's like to be burdened by power," Lyra said, her voice softening. "But your artifact... it's different. It doesn't just manipulate time—it bends the very fabric of existence. If you're not careful, you could destroy everything."

Kael's heart sank. "What should I do?"

Lyra placed a hand on his shoulder. "First, you need to learn control. And second, you need allies. The artifact's power will attract enemies far stronger than that fool from the Crimson Fang Sect."

Kael nodded, determination hardening his resolve. "Will you help me?"

Lyra smiled faintly. "I suppose I have nothing better to do. But be warned, Kael Ardent—this path will not be easy."