Chapter 10: The Road to Nowhere

The woods stretched endlessly ahead, dark and twisted under the faint glow of the moon. The wind whispered through the leaves, carrying the lingering scent of something unnatural.

Kael's grip tightened around the hilt of his blade. His muscles still ached from the fight with the Hollowborn, but his mind was sharper than ever.

He wasn't sure what was worse—knowing something was hunting him or the feeling that it wasn't the only thing.

Darian broke the silence first. "Alright, let's get one thing straight." He glanced at Verrian. "You knew about those things?"

Verrian nodded. "I did."

Darian threw up his hands. "And you just—what? Thought you'd let us find out the hard way?"

Verrian's silver eyes didn't waver. "Would you have believed me?"

Darian opened his mouth, then shut it. He clicked his tongue. "Tch. Fair."

Seraphina stretched her arms, cracking her neck. "Honestly, I would've rather not believed." She nudged Kael with her elbow. "How you holding up, O Chosen One?"

Kael sighed. "Don't call me that."

Seraphina smirked. "But it fits so well."

Darian chuckled. "The Chosen One who doesn't want to be chosen."

Kael rolled his eyes. "I swear, I will stab one of you before this journey is over."

Seraphina grinned. "You'd have to catch me first."

Kael shook his head, but the banter helped. Even if it was just a little.

Because deep down, he knew one thing for sure.

This was only the beginning.

A Map Without a Destination

Verrian pulled out a worn piece of parchment from his cloak, unfolding it carefully. The map was old—edges frayed, ink faded—but the markings were clear.

Kael leaned in, eyes scanning the four distinct symbols marked across different locations.

"Those are the fragments?" he asked.

Verrian nodded. "Each one tied to the original seal. If we find them, we can reinforce your bond and prevent the Unchained One from breaking free."

Darian exhaled. "Sounds easy enough."

Seraphina snorted. "Nothing about this sounds easy."

Kael frowned. "Where's the closest one?"

Verrian tapped a spot near the eastern mountains. "The Ruins of Elaris. It's said to be the resting place of the Stone of Binding."

Kael studied the map. "How far?"

Verrian's gaze darkened. "A week. Maybe two, if we run into trouble."

Kael's stomach twisted. They were definitely going to run into trouble.

Darian sighed. "And let me guess—those Hollowborn things aren't the only ones who want these fragments?"

Verrian's silence was answer enough.

Seraphina grinned. "Oh, this just keeps getting better."

Kael folded his arms. "Then we move fast."

Verrian nodded. "Agreed."

Without another word, they packed up their things and began walking.

The Marked Ones

The road was long and uneventful—for the first few hours.

Then Kael felt it.

That prickling sensation at the back of his neck.

His steps slowed. He scanned the darkened trees.

Something was watching them.

Seraphina noticed his tension. "What?"

Kael's voice was quiet. "We're not alone."

Darian tensed, resting a hand on his dagger.

A twig snapped in the distance.

Then—a voice.

"So, you're the one they're after."

Kael turned.

Three figures emerged from the shadows, clad in black cloaks lined with silver. Their eyes were sharp—focused entirely on him.

The tallest one stepped forward, tilting his head. "Didn't expect you to be this… young."

Kael didn't move. "And you are?"

The man smiled. "Call me Riven." He gestured lazily toward the other two. "That's Vale and Kira. And you, my friend, are making things very complicated for us."

Kael frowned. "How so?"

Riven sighed, as if disappointed. "You carry something that isn't yours."

Kael's chest tightened. "The seal."

Riven grinned. "Exactly."

Darian muttered under his breath, "Why does everyone seem to know more about this than we do?"

Seraphina nudged him. "Not the time."

Kael kept his gaze locked on Riven. "And what do you want?"

Riven's smile widened. "Oh, nothing much." He shrugged. "Just your life."

Kael's eyes narrowed. "Figures."

Without another word—Riven moved.

Clash in the Dark

Kael barely had time to react.

Riven's blade flashed, cutting through the air like a streak of silver lightning.

Kael twisted, narrowly dodging. He felt the wind of the strike graze his cheek.

Darian lunged at Vale, daggers flashing. Clash. Metal met metal. Sparks flew.

Seraphina flung a handful of crimson powder into the air. It ignited, creating a burst of heat and flame.

Kira barely flinched, stepping through the fire like a shadow.

Verrian moved fast—faster than Kael had ever seen.

His sword met Riven's in a split second, sending a shockwave through the air.

Riven smirked. "Oh? You're not just playing bodyguard. You're actually good."

Verrian didn't respond. His blade flashed.

Kael jumped back, dodging another swipe from Kira. He countered, slashing low.

Miss.

Kira vanished—reappearing behind him in an instant.

Kael's instincts screamed. He turned just in time to block the strike with his arm.

Pain exploded through his body.

His blood burned.

And for just a moment—he felt something inside him stir.

Something is Wrong

Kira pulled back.

Her eyes flickered.

"...You're unstable."

Kael's breath hitched. "What?"

Riven's grin widened. "Oh. Now this is interesting."

Kael staggered.

Something inside him was pulsing. Waking up.

The air around him shifted. The ground trembled.

Seraphina's eyes widened. "Kael—"

A shockwave blasted outward.

The trees shook.

For a brief moment—Kael saw something.

A glimpse. A memory.

A figure chained in darkness.

Eyes that burned like dying stars.

And a whisper.

"You are not ready."

Then—darkness.