Chapter 1: Manhunt

(Unknown location)

Kaelis's eyes fluttered open, blurry shadows slowly sharpening into vivid clarity. He blinked several times, confusion knitting his brows together as he took in his surroundings. His head throbbed faintly, and beneath him, cold stone pressed firmly against his back. He slowly sat up, noticing the crude black sackcloth covering his body, scratchy and uncomfortable against his skin. The cool stone floor bit at his bare feet, sending shivers crawling up his spine.

'Where am I...?'

He touched his face, tracing the familiar scar on his cheek with trembling fingers. His ash-white hair fell messily into his eyes, which darted around the dimly lit chamber in growing bewilderment. Pulsating talismans floated lazily around him, each engraved with strange runes and symbols, casting a faint, eerie glow that barely illuminated the cramped space.

'Dreaming...? This has to be a dream. But... why does everything feel so real?'

He squinted, attempting to make sense of the magical inscriptions etched into the talismans as they bobbed gently through the air. Suddenly aware of an oppressive force, Kaelis tried to move again, struggling against invisible restraints that bound him firmly in place. Glancing down, he saw threads of dark magic coiled around his wrists and ankles, holding him captive in the center of the room.

'This is... oddly realistic, even for a lucid dream. Guess I'm finally getting one of those immersive dreams I've always wished for. Not bad…!'

The corner of his mouth curled into an amused smirk, matching the flicker of curiosity in his dark brown eyes. Twenty years old, divorced, and perpetually exhausted by the monotony of reality—surely he deserved this little escape, even if it was temporary.

Before he could ponder further, the room seemed to darken even more, the faint glow of the talismans overshadowed by a looming presence. From the shadows near the doorway emerged a figure cloaked completely in darkness, only a pair of fiercely glowing crimson eyes visible. The air thickened with tension, radiating an oppressive aura that made Kaelis's heart flutter with excitement rather than fear. He chuckled softly, fascinated by the intricacies of his own imagination.

"You dare laugh in my presence?" Her voice echoed through the chamber, deep and commanding, infused with a dark, resonating magic that sent chills across Kaelis's skin.

Unable to hold back, Kaelis burst into open laughter, shaking his head slightly. Before he could fully enjoy his defiance, the shadow surged forward with unnatural speed, grabbing him fiercely by the throat and lifting him effortlessly from the ground. The strength of her grip was painfully real, cutting off his laughter and replacing it with a choking gasp. Panic surged briefly before fascination overtook him again.

'Wait... I can feel this? Pain? In a dream?!'

His hand moved instinctively, reaching out to the blurred visage of his captor. He felt skin beneath his fingertips, soft and warm, undeniably real. His touch was gentle, tracing the delicate line of her jaw in quiet awe.

Surprised and immediately flustered, the figure stammered incoherently, her voice momentarily losing its fierce edge. She hastily released him, dropping Kaelis roughly to the floor as she stumbled back. 

"AGH! My face! It's been tainted by a human hand!"

Instantly, dozens of candles flared to life around the room, bathing it in a warm, flickering glow. Kaelis coughed, massaging his bruised neck, but his eyes widened in surprise as the shadowy figure came fully into view.

She was stunningly beautiful, albeit terrifyingly intense. Glossy midnight-black hair cascaded down her shoulders, accentuating pale porcelain skin that seemed to glow in the candlelight. Her crimson eyes, once menacing, were now wide and uncertain, framed by long dark lashes. Ornate robes of black and crimson hugged her slender form, adorned with intricate ribbons, lace, and mysterious symbols that seemed to dance faintly. She paced anxiously back and forth, muttering angrily under her breath.

"Stupid... stupid, Espen. Why can't you do it like your mentor? This interrogation shtick is impossible..."

Kaelis watched her, mesmerized, his lips parting slightly as he took in the sight. "You're—you look good…for some evil witch person…" he murmured without thinking, his voice sincere and awed.

She froze mid-step, eyes narrowing dangerously as she whipped around to glare at him. Her cheeks flushed vividly, embarrassment mixing with fury. "I'd rather die than be complimented by a filthy human," she spat venomously, turning her head stubbornly away.

Before Kaelis could respond, a sudden weight settled onto his shoulder. He turned his head slowly, eyes widening in pure horror as he saw a sleek black cat perched casually there, its arrogant smile far too smug for comfort. Crimson horns protruded from its skull, and its red eyes glittered mischievously, strange crests dancing within its pupils.

"Her name is Espen," the cat purred smugly, whiskers twitching. "Your welcome."

Kaelis screamed in a decidedly unheroic manner, his voice high-pitched and panicked as he flailed wildly, rolling across the floor in an utterly undignified fashion. The cat clung on effortlessly, bemused and entirely unbothered.

Ness rolled his eyes, "Okay he's totally being dramatic."

"Ness…you dare sell my name out to a human…?" Espen snarled, her embarrassment intensifying as she thrust her hand toward the cat, tendrils of dark magic surging forth and pinning the feline comedically to the wall. Breathing heavily, face flushed deep crimson, she pointed an accusing finger. "I ought to end you now."

Kaelis slowly sat up again, eyes darting between the pinned cat and the furious witch. A playful gleam shone in his eyes as he whispered softly, testing the name curiously. "Espen..."

She spun sharply, hair flaring around her, cheeks still flushed as she looked pointedly away, crossing her arms defensively. "Tch. That's not my name."

A tense silence hung in the air as the strange trio watched each other warily, their fates now irrevocably intertwined, and their chaotic journey only just beginning.

Kaelis sat cross-legged, rubbing his wrists as the dark magic restraints dissipated, leaving behind a faint tingling sensation. He peered up at Espen, a playful smirk tugging at his lips despite the increasingly bizarre circumstances. 

"So, Espen—or whatever your name isn't—mind explaining what exactly is going on here?" Kaelis asked casually, leaning back slightly. "I mean, if you're into abducting random guys into candlelit chambers, there are probably easier ways to find a date."

Espen's eyes flashed dangerously. She pointed a slender finger menacingly at Kaelis, her cheeks flushing again. "You—shut up. I'm the one asking questions here. And don't call me Espen again. My name is Master to you. And you will refer to me as such."

Kaelis shrugged, his grin widening. "Fuck no, respectfully."

Espen waving her hand sharply. A surge of dark energy shot from her fingertips, and in the blink of an eye, Kaelis was transformed into a small white rabbit. He blinked in confusion, whiskers twitching, nose wriggling furiously. Ness, still pinned to the wall, burst into laughter, his feline voice shaking with amusement.

"Oh, this is rich!" Ness cackled. "Nice going, Espen. He's somehow less intimidating now. He was kinda badass at first."

Espen shot Ness a glare, snarling. "You want to be next, cat?"

Kaelis hopped angrily around in circles, pausing to glare up at Espen with beady little rabbit eyes. "Alright, alright! I get it! No Espen!" he squeaked indignantly. "Now can you turn me back? This fur is itchy as hell."

With a huff, Espen waved her hand again, reluctantly restoring Kaelis to his original form. He stumbled awkwardly, patting himself down in relief.

"Next question," Espen demanded, eyes narrowing suspiciously. "Why exactly do you bear the Mark of Bondage? And more importantly—why does your mark match mine? Which leads to why do I have the mark?"

Kaelis blinked slowly, confusion clear on his face. He glanced down at his palm, noting the strange rune glowing faintly there and matching hers perfectly. Still believing this was purely imaginary, he smirked again, amused. "Who knows? Maybe the dream gods think we'd make a cute couple."

Espen's eye twitched. Without another word, she flicked her wrist, and Kaelis found himself abruptly transformed into an awkward, misshapen duck with one wing significantly larger than the other. He toppled sideways, quacking furiously.

"Okay, okay!" Kaelis honked, scrambling to regain his balance. "I'll stop! Just—just turn me back!"

Espen relented again, sighing irritably. "You're annoying. Are you a demon? An imp perhaps, sent by Maela to test me?"

Kaelis tilted his head to the side, still grinning smugly. "A demon? Not that I know of. I mean, my ex-wife might disagree, but—"

This time, Espen didn't hesitate. Kaelis was immediately transformed into a tiny, excessively fluffy hamster, squeaking indignantly and scampering in panicked circles.

"Why do you keep doing this?!" he squeaked, fur puffed in annoyance.

"Because your mouth is insufferably irritating," Espen snapped back, folding her arms across her chest. "Now, try again. Do you have ties to Maela, my mentor? Did she set you up as some sort of magical test to embarrass me?"

Kaelis, now restored once more to human form, blinked innocently, leaning in with exaggerated curiosity. "Wait, am I here to fight you or teach you? Because I'm really not qualified for either."

Espen's shoulders slumped slightly, frustration creeping into her voice. She began pacing again, ranting to herself more than Kaelis. "I mean, it makes sense that Maela would give me some challenge, right? She knows I'm terrible at dark magic—well, magic in general—and yet, sending a human, of all things? She knows I despise humans. Unless..."

"Unless?" Kaelis prompted, raising an eyebrow.

Espen paused, glancing back at him suspiciously. "Unless you're supposed to teach me something. But that's ridiculous because—look at you! You're clearly a human fool."

Kaelis chuckled, unfazed. "Ouch. And here I was thinking we were starting to bond."

Espen scowled deeply. "Name?"

"Kaelis," he replied simply, mockingly saluting her. "Nice to meet you, Esp—ah, mystery witch."

Espen's hand twitched, but she refrained from transforming him again—for now. "Age?"

"Twenty," Kaelis replied casually. "Why, you interested?"

She rolled her eyes, ignoring his teasing. "Coincidence then. I'm also twenty." Her lips pursed tightly before she sighed heavily, looking him directly in the eyes. "Fine, let's try this another way. What's your story? Your background? What type of Kenda do you wield?"

Kaelis's expression faltered, confusion creeping into his voice. "Kenda? What's that supposed to be?"

Espen groaned softly, pressing her fingers to her temples. "You don't even know Kenda? What kind of useless specimen did Maela send me? That's IF you're a part of her little project."

Kaelis's face softened, and he hesitated. For a brief moment, the smugness vanished. His voice dropped, suddenly serious and somber. "Look, I don't know what Kenda is, alright? But if you're asking for my story—I was married once. Briefly. It didn't work out. It was my fault, mostly. I wasn't exactly a great husband. I made mistakes, a lot of them, and ended up divorced before I even knew it." His eyes darkened, distant with sorrow. "I guess that left me feeling pretty worthless. Kind of pathetic, honestly."

He stopped abruptly, a bitter laugh escaping him. 'Why the hell did I just say that out loud? This is supposed to be my dream, my getaway from reality. Why am I ruining it with this crap?' For a fleeting second, Kaelis desperately wanted to wake up.

Espen was silent for a long moment, her gaze softening slightly. She averted her eyes, quietly waving her hand and fully releasing Kaelis from the lingering bindings. "You... really don't know anything, do you?" she murmured reluctantly. "I find that hard to believe, but fine. I'll keep an eye on you for now."

Kaelis rubbed his wrists again, surprised at her sudden gentleness. "So you're finally letting me go?"

Espen shook her head sharply. "No. You're going to help me find Maela. Only she can break this ridiculous marriage pact between us."

Kaelis laughed again, incredulous. "Yeah, this is definitely a dream. Marriage pact? Everyone knows real marriage involves, you know, mutual consent, some fancy rings, big ceremonies and all that."

Espen's face twisted in disgust. "Are you playing me for a fool? Marriage pact magic is serious, binding, and powerful. It's no laughing matter, especially with a human involved. I abhor the thought of me being attached to a human that way."

Before Kaelis could retort, Ness finally stepped forward again, sniffing curiously at Kaelis's hair and clothing. He inhaled sharply, red eyes wide in surprise. "Espen... He doesn't smell familiar. Not at all. I don't think he's from Kalhalla. He might be from another world entirely."

Kaelis's smirk faltered, his eyes widening slightly. "Another... world?"

'Maela always mentioned other places, but never the name. There's bigger things out there away from

Kalhalla. Could it really be..'

Kaelis hung suspended upside-down in midair, blood rushing to his head, ash-white hair dangling awkwardly beneath him. Next to him floated Ness, who seemed entirely more irritated by the situation, red horns glinting mockingly as he tried to twist his feline body upright.

"Oh, come on!" Ness complained loudly, thrashing his paws in the air. "I didn't even do anything this time! This is blatant abuse! Just wait until Maela hears how horribly her precious apprentice treats her beloved familiar!"

Espen rolled her crimson eyes, letting out an exasperated sigh. With a mere flick of her wrist, Ness was abruptly transformed into a squawking chicken.

"This is an insult!" Ness clucked, flapping wildly. "I am a noble familiar, not poultry!"

Another flick, and Ness became a tiny squealing piglet.

"I swear by all the Spirits, Espen, when Maela returns—"

Another flick, and he became a rather disgruntled goat, bleating indignantly, his arrogant voice muffled by thick white fur.

Kaelis, watching the spectacle, couldn't suppress his laughter. "You know," he teased, still upside-down, "you make a great farm animal."

Ness tried to glare at him through goat's eyes and growled, "Watch yourself, human. You're next!"

Espen sighed again, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Enough," she muttered, finally restoring Ness to his original cat form. He dropped unceremoniously to the floor, landing gracefully despite his indignation.

The witch turned her intense crimson gaze onto Kaelis, her voice firm and measured. "You," she began sternly, "are coming with me and Ness to find Maela. She's the Saint of a Magic Spirit, Darkenss—someone who did the impossible and broke free from her contract."

Kaelis tilted his head in confusion. "Contract?"

Espen's eyes softened slightly as she realized he truly had no knowledge of their ways. She lowered Kaelis gently, placing his feet back onto the floor. "Saints," she began calmly, "are not gods or deities. They're chosen mortals—vessels marked by Spirits from the Astral World. These Spirits are ancient, timeless entities, fragments of something older than existence itself. Saints don't ask for their powers; they're chosen, bound forever to their patron Spirit. They must obey its will, or suffer terribly."

Her voice grew quieter, almost reverent. "Maela was unique. She found a way to sever the bond. She freed herself from the Spirit's grip, something nobody else had ever managed before. That's why I think she vanished—I think she left to discover the truth behind the Spirits' intentions. Maybe that or something else, I don't know. But now she's missing, leaving me alone. Or maybe…"

Kaelis watched her carefully, seriousness flickering briefly in his eyes. "So... you're her apprentice?"

She scoffed softly, red eyes narrowing. "Obviously. But that's beside the point." She straightened her back, regaining her composure and fixing Kaelis with a stern, unwavering stare. "If we're going to travel together, I have some ground rules."

Kaelis raised his eyebrows, amused at her sudden seriousness. "Sure, whatever you say."

"One: No getting too close," Espen said firmly, stepping toward him to emphasize her point.

"Okay," Kaelis replied, holding back a smirk.

"Two: No touching."

"Fair enough."

"Three: No flirting, no complimenting, absolutely none."

Kaelis tilted his head innocently. "No promises, but—okay."

Espen's eyes narrowed dangerously. "Four: No talking to me about anything unless it directly benefits our mission."

"Got it. Mission-focused communication only."

"Five: No wandering off alone. I don't trust you, and for all I know, you might plot something idiotic."

Kaelis shrugged. "I mean, I probably would, so fair point."

"And finally, six—" Espen's voice dropped, the faintest hint of uncertainty creeping in. "No dying. The Mark of Bondage is not a joke. It binds husband and wife completely. If you die, I die—and vice versa."

Kaelis's smile faded slightly, finally sensing the seriousness beneath her words. He nodded slowly, meeting her eyes directly. "Understood. No dying."

"Good," Espen murmured quietly, turning away sharply. "Then let's go."

She led the way out of the candlelit chamber into a shadowed corridor, Ness padding along behind her, still grumbling to himself. Kaelis trailed after them, his expression thoughtful as he considered Espen's words. He still half-believed this was all a dream, but something in her voice had felt too real, too raw to dismiss completely.

Espen walked ahead silently, her thoughts drifting deep into painful territory.

'Humans…' she thought bitterly, memories surfacing like jagged glass beneath her skin. She remembered cold nights, curled up alone in dark corners, bruises blooming across her slender limbs. She remembered harsh voices, cruel laughter, hands that grabbed roughly, eyes that stared hungrily. Humans had been nothing but monsters to her, creatures who had tried to break her spirit, to use her magic for their selfish desires. They had taken advantage of her innocence, punished her for every small defiance, leaving scars that even magic could not erase.

Those nights alone, Espen had sung softly to herself, whispered songs she had written into the darkness, desperate for comfort, desperate for warmth. But comfort rarely came. Instead came Maela, the Saint whose darkness matched Espen's own pain. Maela had reached out, offering not just sympathy but purpose—a shared vision to take their pain and reshape it into power. Together, they'd vowed to tear down the corrupt foundations of the world, to punish those who'd inflicted harm, to cast shadows over the monsters in human skin.

And now this—this ridiculous twist of fate. How could she, of all people, find herself bound in marriage to a human? She despised this situation, hated it with every fiber of her being. Kaelis was strange, smug, irritatingly flippant—exactly the kind of human she had always detested. Yet beneath his irritating confidence, there was something else—something somber, hidden, perhaps even broken. Something real.

Espen shook her head slightly, forcing away the troubling thoughts. 'No. He's just another human. He'll betray me eventually. They always do.'

She glanced back discreetly, her crimson gaze landing briefly on Kaelis as he walked behind her, eyes wandering curiously around the corridor. For a split second, he looked up, meeting her gaze directly. Embarrassed at being caught staring, she turned away abruptly, cheeks flushing faintly. A gentle thump sounded as Ness, smug and entirely unrepentant, leaped onto Kaelis's shoulder.

Kaelis glanced at the cat reluctantly, muttering quietly, "A little warning next time? Seriously, you're going to give me a heart attack."

Ness purred arrogantly, flicking his tail against Kaelis's cheek. "You'll get used to it, human. Besides, annoying you is the highlight of my day."

Espen rolled her eyes at their banter, forcing herself to suppress the strange, conflicted feelings stirring within. She quickened her pace, determined to ignore any lingering doubts. Her path was clear—find Maela, break this cursed bond, and rid herself of this infuriating human once and for all.

Yet despite her resolve, something small and uncertain echoed faintly within her chest. Something she refused to acknowledge.

'What if he's different?'

She shook the thought away fiercely, tightening her grip on her staff and pushing onward into the unknown, Kaelis and Ness following close behind. The path ahead was uncertain, tangled with shadows and unanswered questions, but Espen knew one thing for certain:

She wouldn't let herself trust another human again.

But as she stole one more fleeting glance back at Kaelis, a tiny whisper echoed deep inside her, quiet yet persistent:

'What if...?'

Kaelis blinked as they stepped outside, shielding his eyes briefly as bright, vibrant sunlight flooded his senses. His mouth fell open slightly in awe, a breath catching quietly in his throat as he took in the impossible beauty before him. Kalhalla was nothing short of magnificent, and utterly surreal.

Three suns hung in the sky, each distinct and mesmerizing. One sun blazed golden like molten gold, bathing the world in warmth. Another shone a deep crimson, casting a rich, bloody glow across trees and meadows. The third sun was a tranquil sapphire blue, serene and calming, radiating an ethereal coolness. Together, they painted the sky in a swirl of ever-shifting color, like a living work of art.

Kaelis took a slow, deep breath, savoring the fragrant aroma of exotic flowers and fresh earth. The air was crisp and invigorating, sweetened by the scent of blossoms unlike anything he had ever known. A gentle breeze rustled through the towering trees, their branches swaying gracefully in harmony with the soft whispers of the wind. The leaves shimmered in hues of violet and emerald, sparkling as if dusted with stardust.

"Damn.." Kaelis murmured softly, eyes wide with wonder. "This is… beautiful."

Ness, still perched smugly on his shoulder, purred with arrogant pride. "Of course it is, human. This is Kalhalla, formed from the very bodies of fallen gods and demons. Those three suns you see? They are essential. The golden sun grants warmth and life, nourishing the plants and creatures here. The crimson sun invigorates our spirits, awakening our hidden powers, and charging us with passion and vitality. The blue sun brings tranquility, balance, and clarity. Without these suns, Kalhalla would crumble into ruin."

Kaelis listened intently, drinking in every word with fascination. His heart swelled with excitement, curiosity bubbling up inside him as he followed Espen along a winding forest trail.

In the trees above, magnificent creatures glided gracefully through the air. They had shimmering feathered wings, translucent like stained glass, refracting the tri-colored sunlight into dazzling rainbow patterns. Their bodies were sleek and serpentine, twisting elegantly as they danced among the leaves. Ness winked knowingly. "Sky Seraphs," the cat said smugly, "gentle and wise guardians of these forests. They sing to the trees, nurturing growth and renewal."

Alongside the path, Kaelis noticed strange plants shaped like spiraled crystal structures, their delicate petals glowing softly in shifting colors. They pulsed gently, releasing tiny motes of luminescent pollen into the air, drifting serenely around him. Fascinated, Kaelis reached out, fingers brushing softly against the petals.

As he walked, Kaelis felt a strange blend of awe and tranquility. He breathed deeply, savoring the sweetness, the gentle warmth of sunlight on his skin, the soft whispering of leaves above him. Yet, beneath his amazement lingered the surreal sensation that none of this could possibly be real. He had wished so desperately for an escape from his mundane life, and now, he was here—in a world more vivid and extraordinary than any dream he'd ever imagined.

'It feels so real,' he thought, heart racing with excitement. 'If this is a dream, it's perfect. I don't ever want to wake up.'

Beside him, Espen walked silently, her thoughts dark and reflective. Her crimson eyes stared ahead, unfocused.

'Maela… What have you gotten me into?* Espen thought bitterly, fingers gripping her staff tightly. *You knew how much I hated humans, how much I suffered because of them. Yet here I am, bound to one by magic, forced into a marriage pact. Is this some twisted test? Did you foresee this, Maela? Do you truly believe this human has something to teach me?'

Her expression darkened, a shadow of pain flickering behind her eyes.

'Or is this my punishment? For my arrogance, my hatred, my bitterness?' Espen sighed deeply, gaze softening. 'I miss you, Maela. I miss your wisdom, your strength. You saved me from darkness, showed me how to wield it. But now you're gone, and I'm left fumbling blindly. How can I possibly trust this Kaelis, this strange, foolish human?'

She stole another glance at Kaelis, who walked quietly at her side, eyes wide with childlike wonder. Her heart lurched strangely, and she quickly looked away, jaw tightening stubbornly.

'No. He's nothing but trouble. He'll betray me, just like all humans do. I must stay focused on finding you, Maela, and freeing myself from this ridiculous bond.'

Espen stopped abruptly, raising her staff and speaking clearly. "Stand back. I'm going to summon Hael, the crow we use for transportation."

Kaelis took a step back, curious, ready to witness more magic.

But he never had a chance.

In the blink of an eye, reality shattered.

KATHRACK!

A massive blade of pure, blinding white lightning exploded through Kaelis's chest, impaling him brutally and violently. Blood erupted in a visceral torrent, splattering Espen's pale face and Ness's black fur scarlet. Pain unlike anything Kaelis had ever known tore through every nerve in his body, agonizing and relentless. His vision blurred, limbs spasming uncontrollably.

"Kaelis!" Espen screamed in shock and horror, her crimson eyes wide with panic.

A violent force hurled Kaelis backward, the lightning sword still piercing grotesquely through his chest. He crashed through massive trees, splinters exploding around him, wood shattering on impact. His body slammed violently into a massive rock, breaking it apart with a deafening crack. Kaelis lay crumpled amidst the rubble, coughing violently, choking on blood that bubbled up his throat, thick and metallic.

"G-Gah...!" he gasped desperately, tears streaming down his trembling face, body convulsing in agony. Every breath was torture, like shards of glass scraping through his lungs. He reached weakly for the sword embedded brutally in his chest, but the lightning crackled viciously, scorching his hand, searing through flesh. Blood poured freely from the new wound, staining the soil beneath him a deep crimson.

Kaelis's eyes widened in horror and realization, his mind screaming in disbelief, terror flooding his veins.

'This… this isn't a dream,' he thought, heart thundering desperately. 'This pain is real. This blood… real. Everything… it's all real!'

Agony surged again, tearing another cry from his throat. Images flashed violently through his mind—blurred memories of happiness, of laughter, of warm arms wrapped lovingly around him. He saw his ex-wife's gentle smile, felt the tender brush of her lips against his own, the warmth of her embrace. He saw himself again, younger, happier; he saw hope and love, trust and passion.

Then darkness flooded the memories, bleeding into cold isolation. He saw the fights, the tears, the loneliness. He saw divorce papers, felt the crushing weight of abandonment, of failure. He saw himself alone in shadows, empty bottles scattered around him, cold steel in trembling hands, moments when despair nearly won.

Kaelis sobbed quietly, choking weakly on blood, his body convulsing in relentless pain. His vision darkened slowly, panic fluttering desperately in his chest.

'Has it all caught up with me?' he thought brokenly, despair overwhelming him. 'I wished for death so many times. Begged for it. Wanted to end my pain. But now… now that it's here, now that I'm dying…'

His breath rattled weakly, tears blinding him.

'I don't want to die. Not like this. Not alone. Not in agony. How… how did I even get here? Did I die before? Is this punishment?'

Kaelis's body twitched, eyes flickering shut as darkness closed in around him, agony fading into numbness.

'Why… why is this happening?!'

His thoughts drifted into darkness, broken and raw, drowning in regret, fear, and sorrow—a desperate, terrified soul lost in the abyss.

The pain faded, leaving only silence.

Kaelis lay trembling in the rubble, the massive blade of blazing white lightning still impaled grotesquely through his chest. Blood filled his mouth, bitter and choking, drowning his desperate attempts to breathe. Tears blurred his vision, mixing with streams of crimson pouring from his lips. His mind screamed in agony, reality spinning around him.

'Wake up... please... wake up…!'

He tried to speak, but the words refused to come, blocked by the thick, metallic taste of blood. His throat constricted, panic rising in his chest as he fought to force the words out, desperation clawing at his fading consciousness.

"I… want… to wake… up…" Kaelis choked out weakly, voice gurgling and strained. But even as he said it, he knew in the deepest pit of his soul—this was no dream. This agony, this terror, this despair—this was real.

Suddenly, a shadow blurred into existence beside Kaelis, a towering figure dressed in strange armor of obsidian and silver, marked with jagged crimson war paint. The Hunter raised a clawed gauntlet crackling violently with white lightning, preparing a finishing blow, his growl echoing beneath a metallic mask.

"Her head will fetch me a fortune, outsider," he snarled coldly.

Kaelis closed his eyes, bracing for the end. But death never came—only a deafening, bone-crunching impact.

In an instant, Ness appeared, now towering in a muscular humanoid form with his familiar feline head, sharp crimson horns gleaming fiercely. Ness's fist slammed brutally into the Hunter's masked face, shattering bone and sending him hurtling backward. The Hunter's body crashed violently into a distant mountain wall, exploding into a gruesome splatter of blood and shattered armor.

Kaelis stared at Ness in stunned disbelief. The feline familiar's muscular body was pierced gruesomely with half a dozen swords forged from the same blistering white lightning, sizzling violently in his flesh. Blood poured freely from the wounds, soaking into dark fur and staining his hardened muscles crimson.

"N-Ness…?" Kaelis gasped weakly, vision flickering in and out of clarity. "What… the fuck… is going on?"

Ness leaned down, carefully lifting Kaelis onto his broad back, his breathing labored, eyes weary yet determined. "Hunters," Ness growled bitterly, his voice strained and tired. "This world is full of Adventurers and Hunters. Adventurers explore, gather resources, and take contracts for exploration. Hunters are different—brutal killers paid by kings and nobles to hunt targets down. Whether animal, beast-kin, mythical creature, or human, they bring their heads back as trophies."

He paused, wincing as lightning crackled painfully through him. "Espen is a witch, Kaelis. Powerful, infamous, dangerous. She has a bounty of ten thousand gold coins—enough for any Hunter or Adventurer to retire comfortably. We're surrounded, Kaelis. Hunters everywhere. If we linger here, we'll both die."

A sudden, painful memory flashed through Ness's mind—a cold field of snow, blood soaking through his fur, his tiny kittens crying weakly as he dragged them desperately through the storm, clawing at survival. Ness shook his head fiercely, banishing the haunting images.

'Here..now? That damned memory..'

Kaelis coughed violently, blood dripping from his lips. "Espen… where… where is she?"

Ness's blood-red eyes darkened. "She's holding them off like a badass. We need to hurry."

…

Espen stood rigidly in the clearing, knuckles white around her staff, heart hammering violently against her ribs. Around her, silent as phantoms, stood Hunters—terrifying and merciless. Their armor shimmered with lightning-infused Kenda, weapons crackling dangerously, illuminating the shadows beneath the towering trees in ghostly, flickering light.

Fear clawed at Espen's throat, but she forced it down. Her grip tightened, dark magic swirling violently around her staff, blazing black and crimson. Her eyes bled into pitch-black voids, darkness spilling down her cheeks in rivulets of shadow. Her body trembled slightly, struggling to keep control of her volatile magic.

'Maela…' Her thoughts echoed desperately, dark magic surging painfully through her veins. 'You always protected me. Always stood between me and danger. Now you're gone, and I'm alone. Can I really do this without you?'

A vivid, fleeting image flashed across her mind—Maela's gentle smile, her pale hand reaching out patiently, reassuringly. Espen's jaw tightened fiercely, determination surging. She raised her head defiantly, addressing the woman standing boldly in front of the gathered Hunters.

"I'll be damned if I let you bastards take my head for some measly human coins."

The leader of the Hunters stepped forward slowly, her presence chilling and commanding. She wore a flowing black gown of silken darkness, trailing gracefully about her feet. A thin black veil covered her head, red gloves encasing her delicate hands. Her blindfold was wrapped in black silk, glowing white runes pulsing softly across the fabric. Beneath it, Espen could sense eyes that saw far more than mere mortal sight.

The woman smiled coldly beneath her veil, voice silky yet venomous. "Espen, Witch Apprentice of Maela. Your bounty grows each day, my dear. The Apostles themselves have decreed that whoever brings your head will also ascend, becoming one of their own. Riches, power, immortality—ours for the taking."

She moved a graceful step forward, red gloves clasped elegantly before her. "In this continent of Yarfan, you have nowhere left to run. The three kingdoms—Vjosgard, Indreth, and Varnhalin—have grown impatient. Soon they will have Saints against you. Surrender now, and perhaps your death will be swift."

Espen's dark eyes narrowed dangerously, magic swirling violently around her, crests of red and black forming in layers, rune after rune painstakingly etched into existence. Blood trickled from her nostrils, her body trembling visibly from the immense strain.

"Your threats mean nothing to me," Espen spat defiantly. "And your greed will be your end."

The Hunters around her slowly drew blades, lightning-infused weapons humming hungrily, eager for blood. The woman smiled coldly, stepping back slightly, allowing her warriors to prepare.

Espen's heartbeat quickened. She'd never fought so many enemies at once. Her magic was unpredictable, unstable—yet she had no choice. Memories of childhood torment flooded her senses, humans laughing cruelly, hands clawing at her innocence. Anger surged violently, dark magic exploding furiously around her, whipping her hair wildly about her face.

She raised her staff, its intricate carvings blazing with raw, chaotic magic. Her voice trembled with rage and desperation, yet held iron resolve.

"I won't show any mercy."

The woman's smile widened beneath her veil, cold and final. "Neither will we."

Espen's vision blurred briefly, Maela's voice whispering softly, urgently, within her mind.

'Fight, Espen. Protect yourself at all costs. Trust your darkness.'

Espen's heart surged, and she smiled grimly, magic erupting violently. Black and crimson runes exploded outward in waves, shadows screaming through the air, ripping into nearby Hunters. The clearing erupted into chaos, lightning and darkness colliding in blinding fury.

Espen stood at the storm's center, eyes blazing black, dark magic surging violently through her veins as she fought for her life, for revenge, and for survival.

'Damn human…you better be alive!"