New Day Sonya's Heart

The first thing Sonya became aware of as she stirred from sleep was the warmth. The fire from last night had died down to glowing embers, but her body still felt strangely hot, a flush creeping up her neck. Her head felt lighter, her breath coming out uneven as she slowly blinked herself awake.

And then—she saw him.

Austin Ravenclaw was sitting just a few feet away, watching her.

Her heart jumped into her throat.

Her body tensed as she abruptly sat up, almost stumbling in her hurry to put some distance between them. "What the hell?!" she snapped.

Austin didn't react. His expression remained unreadable, though there was the faintest hint of amusement in his sharp, golden eyes. "Relax, Princess. I was just checking if you were still alive."

Sonya's breathing was erratic, her face heating up further. "Who watches someone sleep like that?!"

He smirked slightly. "You're acting like I was doing something inappropriate."

She clenched her fists. "Weren't you?"

Austin let out a lazy chuckle and shook his head. "You're overthinking it." He reached beside him, picking up a cooked fish that he had prepared while she was sleeping. "Here," he said, taking a bite before offering another piece to her.

Sonya didn't take it. Instead, she stared at him, still completely thrown off by the fact that the first thing she had woken up to was him, watching her.

And worse…

The way her heart was pounding made no sense.

It was probably just the heat.

Yeah.

The forest was humid. She was just… uncomfortable. That was all.

Trying to shake off the unsettling feeling, she looked away, focusing instead on the cave entrance where the soft light of morning was beginning to filter in.

Austin continued eating in silence, completely at ease, as if last night's events had never happened.

Sonya, however, was far from calm.

Her body was still warm. Her skin tingled, and her thoughts were an absolute mess. What the hell is wrong with me?

She had trained herself to be ruthless, unshakable. She had dedicated her entire existence to one goal—to kill him.

But now?

Now she was waking up beside him, her heart betraying her, her thoughts spiraling into places they should not go.

Her stomach growled, snapping her back to reality.

Austin raised an eyebrow. "That bad, huh?"

She scowled. "Shut up."

With a frustrated sigh, she snatched the piece of fish from his hand and took a bite, refusing to look at him as she chewed.

Austin smirked but didn't say anything else.

For a moment, the only sound was the crackling of the dying embers and the occasional distant cry of a beast from the forest.

Sonya stole a glance at him again, expecting to see mockery in his expression. But he wasn't looking at her anymore.

Instead, his gaze was fixed on the cave entrance, his expression shifting slightly—something more serious, more alert.

Sonya swallowed. "What?"

Austin didn't respond immediately. Then, after a pause, he muttered, "Something's wrong."

Her body tensed.

Outside the cave, the wind shifted unnaturally, carrying with it an eerie stillness. The usual sounds of the forest—the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds—had suddenly vanished.

It was too quiet.

Sonya quickly shoved the rest of the fish into her mouth and stood up, grabbing her dagger. "What is it?"

Austin was already on his feet, eyes narrowed as he listened carefully.

And then—

A distant, echoing scream cut through the silence.

Sonya's breath hitched.

Austin's expression darkened. "Looks like the fun's about to start.

Sonya's breath hitched as the first shadowy figure emerged from the dense forest, moving unnaturally between the trees. At first glance, they resembled werewolves—towering, beast-like creatures with thick pelts and razor-sharp fangs. But as they stepped into the dim light outside the cave, she realized something was off.

Their eyes glowed an unnatural blue, and their movements were too fluid, too calculated. Unlike ordinary werewolves, these creatures had an unsettling air of intelligence, their bodies rippling with something wrong.

Austin's voice was calm, but there was an edge of tension in it. "They're not werewolves."

Sonya turned to him sharply. "What?"

He didn't take his eyes off the beasts as they slowly circled the cave entrance, their massive claws digging into the ground with every step.

"They're Lupenwolves," he said grimly. Unlike werewolves, they were never human to begin with. They're pure monsters. And worse…" His eyes flickered toward the largest one—a towering, battle-worn beast with a jagged scar running down its left eye and a crystalline growth embedded in its skull. "…They hold grudges."

The scarred Lupenwolf stepped forward, its massive form illuminated by the morning light. Its fur was a dull silver, the tips darkened as if permanently scorched. Its lips curled back in a snarl, exposing rows of jagged teeth.

"I assume," Sonya muttered, gripping her dagger, "this is your fault?"

Austin exhaled, clearly unamused. "Obviously."

The Lupenwolf rumbled, its deep voice vibrating through the air like a growl.

"I've been hunting you for a long time, Scarface."

Sonya blinked.

Wait.

What?

Austin raised an eyebrow. "You're talking now? That's new."

The beast let out something between a laugh and a snarl. "You burned down my pack. Stole from us. Did you think I would not remember?"

Sonya turned to Austin. "Wait—you burned down their pack? What the hell did you steal?"

Austin sighed, clearly not in the mood to explain. "It's complicated."

The Lupenwolf's claws dug into the dirt. "You took our heart."

Sonya's eyes narrowed. "Heart?"

Austin rolled his shoulders. "Well, to be fair, it was a magic crystal embedded in the corpse of your dead leader, so technically, I didn't steal anything. I just… took something that wasn't being used anymore."

The Lupenwolf's fur bristled. "You mock us? You desecrated our Alpha! You defiled his remains and stole his power! For that, we will tear you apart, limb from limb!"

Sonya took a careful step back. "You pissed them off, huh?"

Austin sighed. "You have no idea."

The Lupenwolves tensed, muscles coiling. There were at least six of them, each nearly twice Sonya's size. Their glowing blue eyes locked onto them, predatory hunger dripping from their snarling maws.

The scarred one—their apparent leader—lifted a massive claw, and the other wolves growled in unison, readying to pounce.

Austin cracked his neck. "Alright, Princess, do me a favor."

Sonya scowled. "What?"

"Don't die."

And then—

The wolves lunged.

A Battle in the Forest's Depths

Sonya barely had time to react before the first one was upon her. She twisted, rolling out of the way as a massive clawed hand slashed through the air where she had been a second ago. The impact of its swipe sent dirt and rock flying, carving deep trenches into the cave floor.

Austin moved faster.

In an instant, his blade was out—a curved dagger shimmering with enchanted runes. He sidestepped a second wolf, slicing through its shoulder in a single precise motion. The beast howled, but the wound barely slowed it down.

Sonya cursed under her breath. "They're fast."

Austin parried another attack, barely breaking a sweat. "And resilient. Aim for the eyes or the crystal."

"You could've told me that sooner!"

One of the wolves lunged at her again. This time, she was ready.

She ducked low, sweeping her leg in a precise motion that sent the beast staggering. As it stumbled, she twisted her dagger and drove it straight into its glowing blue eye.

The Lupenwolf howled—a horrible, piercing sound that sent chills down her spine. It flailed violently before finally collapsing.

One down.

But there were still five more.

Austin, meanwhile, had already taken down another, its body crumpled at his feet. He moved like a phantom, effortlessly weaving between the beasts, dodging their massive claws and striking with brutal efficiency.

Sonya didn't have time to admire his skill.

Another Lupenwolf charged at her from the side. She barely had time to react as it slammed into her, knocking her to the ground. Its weight crushed her chest, its rancid breath washing over her face as it snarled.

Shit.

She struggled against its strength, but it was too heavy.

The beast opened its jaws, fangs gleaming, ready to tear her throat out—

Then, in a flash of silver, Austin's dagger embedded itself into the side of its head.

The beast went still, then slumped, dead weight pinning her to the ground.

Sonya gasped, trying to push it off. Austin reached down, grabbing her arm and yanking her free.

"Try not to get eaten," he said dryly.

Sonya scowled. "Try not to lecture me while I'm fighting for my life!"

Before Austin could respond, the scarred Lupenwolf let out an enraged roar.

The ground trembled as its remaining packmates regrouped, their eyes burning with fury.

"I'll handle Scarface," Austin said. "You take the last two."

Sonya wiped the sweat from her brow. "Oh, great. No pressure."

Austin smirked. "You'll manage."

And with that, he lunged at the Alpha.

Sonya gritted her teeth as the two remaining Lupenwolves circled her. Their bodies tensed, muscles coiling—

Then they struck.

Sonya barely dodged the first attack, rolling to the side as massive claws slashed through the air where her head had been a second ago. She twisted, retaliating with a quick strike to the nearest wolf's leg, but it barely flinched.

She needed to be faster.

Smarter.

Austin had said to aim for the eyes or the crystals—

Her eyes locked onto the glowing blue gem embedded in one of their foreheads.

There.

With a burst of speed, she feinted to the left, drawing the beast's attention—then pivoted sharply, launching herself upward. She drove her dagger into the crystal with all her strength.

The effect was immediate.

The Lupenwolf let out a strangled howl as the crystal shattered. Its body convulsed violently before collapsing, its once-glowing eyes going dark.

One left.

But before she could move, a massive force slammed into her, sending her flying backward. She hit the ground hard, coughing as pain exploded through her ribs.

The last Lupenwolf loomed over her, its eyes burning with hatred.

She tried to get up—

But it was already upon her.

Time slowed.

The beast raised its massive claws—

Sonya braced for the killing blow—

Then—

SLASH.

A streak of silver. A sharp cry.

Blood splattered across the ground.

Austin stood between her and the beast, his blade buried deep in its skull.

The Lupenwolf twitched—then collapsed, dead.

Silence.

Sonya gasped for breath, staring up at him in shock.

Austin wiped his blade clean. "That was close."

Sonya exhaled shakily. "You—"

He smirked. "You're welcome."

She glared at him. But before she could retort—

A new sound echoed through the forest.

Not a howl.

Not a growl.

But something far, far worse.

And it was coming right for them.

Arthur's expression darkened as the deep, guttural roar echoed through the forest. The trees trembled as if the land itself feared what was approaching.

Sonya swallowed hard. "What the hell was that?"

Austin didn't answer at first. His eyes were locked onto the dense treeline, his entire body tensed. Then, under his breath, he muttered a single word:

"Shit."

Sonya's brow furrowed. "That's not exactly reassuring."

Austin exhaled sharply. "It's an Emperor Chimera."

Sonya's blood ran cold. She had read about chimeras before—terrifying amalgamations of beasts, stitched together by dark magic, each one possessing the raw strength of multiple apex predators. Even regular chimeras were walking disasters.

But an Emperor Chimera?

That was in a different league entirely.

She tried to keep her voice steady. "Okay… but it's just a monster, right? We fight it, we kill it, problem solved?"

Austin scoffed. "Just a monster? Even archmages struggle against these things."

She stiffened.

Archmages—the pinnacle of magical mastery, individuals who could bend reality itself with their spells—struggled against this thing?

"…Oh."

Austin rolled his shoulders, loosening his grip on his dagger. "Yeah. 'Oh.'"

Sonya forced herself to focus. "But you're a Grandmage."

Austin gave her a dry look. "Yes, and I also have an incompetent disciple with me right now."

Her eye twitched. "Oh, screw you."

Before she could insult him further, the earth trembled beneath them. The distant roar grew closer, reverberating in her chest like the sound of an oncoming storm.

Then—

A massive shadow moved through the trees.

The moonlight revealed it piece by piece—a hulking, nightmarish beast standing at least twenty feet tall. Its body was a grotesque fusion of multiple creatures: the massive muscular frame of a lion, the coiling tail of a viper, leathery bat-like wings stretching from its back, and three distinct heads—a lion's, a goat's, and a dragon's, each one exuding a terrifying aura.

Its dragon head opened its maw, revealing rows of jagged teeth. A searing red glow flickered at the back of its throat.

Sonya felt her stomach drop.

It could breathe fire.

"…Yeah, we're screwed."

Austin's expression didn't change. "Not necessarily."

She snapped toward him. "Not necessarily?! What part of giant fire-breathing nightmare beast gives you the confidence to say that?"

Austin tilted his head slightly, eyes still locked on the beast. "I mean, you could just die right now and make my life easier."

Sonya glared at him. "You absolute bastard—"

The Chimera roared.

Sonya barely had time to throw herself to the ground before a torrent of fire blasted past her, turning the air into an inferno. The heat was suffocating, the sheer force of the flames enough to send shockwaves through the ground.

When she looked up, the entire section of the forest behind them was gone, reduced to nothing but smoldering ash.

Her blood turned to ice.

If she had been even a second slower…

Austin grabbed her arm and yanked her behind him. "No time to stand there and admire the scenery, Princess."

Sonya cursed under her breath. "Okay, what's the plan? We can't just stand here and wait to get roasted alive."

Austin's eyes darted toward the trees. "We can't fight it head-on. Even if I go all-out, I'd only be able to hold it off for a few minutes at best."

Sonya gritted her teeth. "Then what do we do?"

Austin exhaled. "We run."

She blinked. "…Run?"

Austin turned to her. "Yes, run. As in, move your legs in the opposite direction of the giant death monster."

Before she could protest, he grabbed her by the wrist and yanked her into the forest.

The Chimera let out another roar and gave chase.

A Desperate Escape

Sonya's lungs burned as she sprinted through the dense forest, her heart pounding like a war drum. The sound of massive claws tearing through the earth behind her sent adrenaline surging through her veins.

Every few seconds, another burst of fire illuminated the night, scorching everything in its path. Trees exploded into flames, the ground cracked under the intense heat, and the air was thick with the scent of burning wood.

Austin was fast—almost inhumanly fast—but even he was struggling to keep ahead of the Chimera's relentless pursuit.

"We can't outrun this thing forever!" Sonya shouted, dodging a falling branch.

Austin's voice was steady, but there was a sharpness to it. "We don't have to. We just need to get out of its territory."

Sonya's mind raced. "How do you know we're in its territory?"

"Because it hasn't left the area yet!"

Another explosion of fire lit up the forest behind them.

Sonya gritted her teeth. "Great, so we're just guessing?!"

Austin didn't answer. He suddenly veered to the right, dragging Sonya with him. She barely managed to keep her balance as they barreled down a rocky slope, sending loose stones tumbling beneath their feet.

Ahead of them, the forest opened up into a wide ravine. A fast-moving river rushed through it, its waters dark and unforgiving.

Sonya's stomach twisted. "Oh, hell no."

Austin's grip on her wrist tightened. "It's our best shot."

She looked back. The Chimera was gaining, its dragon head charging another blast of fire.

Sonya clenched her jaw.

This was insane.

This was suicidal.

But she knew they didn't have a choice.

"On three," Austin said.

She nodded, heart hammering.

"One."

The Chimera roared.

"Two."

The fire in its mouth flared.

"Three!"

They jumped.

For a brief, weightless moment, Sonya felt nothing but the rush of cold air against her skin.

Then—

They hit the water.

The icy river swallowed them whole, the current immediately pulling them under. Sonya barely had time to gasp before the force of the rapids dragged her downstream, spinning her wildly.

The world blurred around her. She fought against the current, kicking her legs and trying to surface—

But the water was too strong.

Her lungs screamed for air.

Then—

A hand grabbed her wrist.

She was yanked upward, breaking through the surface with a gasp.

Austin held onto her tightly, his other hand gripping a rock to keep them steady.

He was breathing hard, his wet hair clinging to his face. "Next time," he panted, "don't hesitate."

Sonya coughed, shivering from the cold. "Screw… you…"

Austin chuckled. "At least we're alive."

Sonya glared at him. But before she could say anything, another roar echoed in the distance.

The Chimera was still hunting them.

Austin exhaled sharply. "Come on, Princess."

He pulled her toward the riverbank. "We're not done yet."

Sonya's heart was still hammering in her chest as the two of them clung to the wet rocks at the riverbank. The roaring of the river drowned out everything else, but above the deafening water, she still heard it—the distant, guttural snarl of the Emperor Chimera.

It wasn't done hunting them yet.

She turned to Austin, her teeth chattering. "Why… why are you so close? Do you love me or something, you bastard?"

Austin, still catching his breath, gave her an exasperated look. "Didn't you hear what I said yesterday?" He wiped water from his face. "You are the last person I would fall for."

Sonya scoffed. "Then get your face away from mine!"

He ignored her, scanning the terrain. "We need to move, now," he said sharply. "It's approaching again."

Sonya turned her head just in time to see something massive move beyond the trees. A monstrous shadow loomed in the darkness, its eyes glowing like molten gold. The Chimera was already descending the slopes, its enormous claws digging into the wet earth.

Panic surged through her. "Austin, it's coming—"

"I know," he snapped. "Use Levitate."

Sonya blinked. "Use what?"

Austin slowly turned to her, looking as if he was genuinely reconsidering why he had bothered saving her in the first place. "Levitate, Sonya. The spell. The one I taught you. Do you even remember what it does?"

She bit her lip. "Uh…"

Austin ran a hand down his face. "Oh my god, what did you even learn from me if you're this incompetent?"

Sonya bristled. "I don't need this from you right now!"

"Yes, you do," he shot back. "Because if you don't levitate us to the other side, we're both going to die."

Sonya gritted her teeth. Fine. If he wanted her to levitate, then she would levitate.

She exhaled sharply, raised her hands, and focused. "Levitate."

A rush of magic coursed through her, and suddenly, her body felt weightless. The familiar sensation of rising took over as both she and Austin began floating above the river's edge.

The Emperor Chimera let out an earth-shaking roar, charging toward them with terrifying speed.

"Go faster, Sonya!" Austin barked.

She clenched her fists, pushing the spell harder. Their bodies surged upward, barely dodging a swipe of the Chimera's massive claws. The beast slammed into the riverbank, sending rocks and water exploding into the air.

But they were already out of reach, drifting over the chasm.

Sonya exhaled in relief—only to realize Austin was grimacing in pain.

His arm was still injured. The force of the river had made it worse, and now he was holding it with a tight grip, his breath uneven.

Sonya frowned. "What's wrong with your arm?"

Austin gritted his teeth. "Nothing."

She narrowed her eyes. "You're lying."

He didn't respond, but she could see it—the way his muscles tensed, the slight tremor in his hand.

Then, she noticed something else.

They were dropping.

The spell was failing.

Austin's weight was too much.

Panic shot through her. "Austin, I can't hold both of us—"

His expression hardened. "Then you need to reduce weight."

Sonya blinked. "Wait, what?"

Austin didn't wait for her response.

With a swift motion, he kicked off her, pushing her upward while he dropped like a stone.

Sonya's breath caught in her throat.

No.

She twisted in the air, reaching for him. "Austin, you IDIOT—"

But it was too late.

He hit the rocky ground below with a thud, rolling to break his fall.

Sonya barely managed to land safely herself, skidding on the dirt as she ran toward him.

Austin groaned, coughing. "I told you to reduce weight," he muttered.

Sonya smacked his uninjured arm. "You bastard! You could've died!"

He gave her a pained smirk. "But I didn't."

She clenched her fists. "You can't just throw yourself off a spell like that! What if you hit your head? What if you broke your—"

"I didn't," he interrupted, sighing. "Now shut up and help me up."

Sonya glared at him, but she knelt and helped him to his feet.

The Emperor Chimera was still behind them, roaring in frustration as it tried to find a way to cross the river.

But for now, they were safe.

For now.

Austin exhaled sharply. "We need to keep moving."

Sonya nodded, gripping his wrist to steady him.

As they stumbled deeper into the forest, one thought kept repeating in her mind.

She had almost lost him.

And she hated how much that terrified her.

Austin let out a dry chuckle, adjusting his injured arm with a wince. "Wow. A girl who was just about to kill me is now saving me." His usual arrogance shone through despite the cuts and bruises covering his body. "I guess miracles do happen."

Sonya rolled her eyes, trying to ignore the rapid pounding in her chest. "It's nothing," she snapped. "I just… I need you to get out of here alive. That's all."

Austin raised an eyebrow. "Oh? So you need me now?"

Her face burned. "Not like that, idiot. If you die, I'm stuck alone in this gods-forsaken forest." She gestured toward the distant howls and roars in the distance. "I'd rather not be eaten alive, thanks."

Austin hummed in amusement. "Mm. So it's just self-preservation?"

"Yes!"

He chuckled, shaking his head. "Whatever helps you sleep at night, princess."

She hated him. She did.

But that wasn't important right now.

Austin turned his gaze toward the surrounding terrain. The thick, dense trees of the Black Forest had thinned, replaced by wide open plains with patches of woodland. Strange totem poles lined the landscape, each carved with fierce faces of animals and spirits. In the distance, a ring of wooden watchtowers stood, smoke rising from beyond them.

Sonya frowned. "This place… feels different."

Austin's expression was serious. "Because it is." He exhaled slowly, scanning the area. "We've left the Black Forest. This… is tribal land."

Sonya's breath hitched.

The Nomadic Clans.

They were fierce, independent people who lived outside the empire's rule. Warriors, beast-tamers, and spiritualists who had tamed lands that even the imperial army hesitated to step into. The empire rarely engaged with them, mostly because they weren't stupid enough to make an enemy of a people who thrived in war.

Sonya turned to Austin. "Can you… talk to them?"

Austin sighed. "That depends."

"On what?"

"If they want to kill us first."

Before Sonya could reply, a sharp whistle pierced the air.

Austin's body tensed. "Damn it."

Sonya turned just in time to see figures emerge from the tall grass.

They wore leather armor, adorned with feathers and beads. Their faces were painted in deep crimson and white, some wearing masks shaped like beasts. Each of them held weapons—bows with arrows nocked, spears glinting under the sun.

A tall man stepped forward, his body draped in a cloak made of wolf pelts. His hair was long and braided, and on his forehead sat a golden marking—a symbol of rank.

Austin let out a slow breath. "Great. The chief's son."

Sonya stiffened. "You know him?"

Austin gave her a wry look. "Remember when I said they might want to kill me first?"

The warrior leader narrowed his eyes. "Austin Ravenclaw." His voice was sharp, edged with both familiarity and warning. "You dare step into our land again?"

Sonya turned to Austin, eyes wide.

Again?!

Austin smirked, his usual arrogance not dimmed in the slightest despite their precarious situation. "Nice to meet you too, Nuthran. How have you been?"

The warrior leader, Nuthran, clenched his fists at the casual greeting. His sharp amber eyes burned with fury, and the painted markings on his face only accentuated the barely restrained anger simmering beneath his calm exterior.

"You bastard," Nuthran spat. "You dare return here after what you did?"

Austin let out an exaggerated sigh. "You say that like I wronged you." He spread his arms, gesturing to their surroundings. "Look, we're lost. That's all. No grand scheme, no assassination plots, no imperial business. Just two unfortunate souls in the wrong place at the wrong time."

Nuthran barked out a laugh. It was not friendly. It was mocking.

"Lost?" His voice was dripping with disbelief. "The mighty Austin Ravenclaw, lost in the wilderness? How pathetic."

Sonya stood still, her fingers twitching near the dagger she had taken earlier. She wasn't sure what had happened between Austin and Nuthran, but judging by the tension in the air, it was bad.

Nuthran stepped forward, his warriors tightening their grip on their weapons. "Or perhaps…" he continued, his eyes narrowing, "you are here to finish what you started? You already defeated my father, humiliated him before the elders, and now you come back—why? To take my head as well?"

Sonya's eyes widened.

Austin defeated this guy's father?!

She turned toward Austin, but he showed no sign of discomfort or regret. Instead, he simply grinned.

"Now, that's dramatic," Austin said lazily. "Look, your old man challenged me. I didn't go looking for a fight."

Nuthran's nostrils flared. "You accepted it."

Austin shrugged. "What was I supposed to do? Say no and let him call me a coward in front of half your people? You know that's not how it works."

Nuthran's hand twitched near the hilt of his sword. The warriors around him shifted, their bows drawing just a little tighter.

Sonya, despite everything, was impressed.

Even with half a dozen warriors ready to skewer them, Austin looked completely unfazed. No fear. No hesitation. He was speaking like they were old drinking buddies, not sworn enemies.

But Sonya wasn't blind.

Austin's eyes were constantly flicking between the warriors, analyzing their positions. His stance was relaxed—but it was the kind of forced relaxation that only came when someone was ready to strike at any moment.

Sonya swallowed.

She had seen Austin fight before.

If things escalated, he was going to do something insane.

And she was going to be caught right in the middle of it.

Nuthran exhaled sharply through his nose. "If it were up to me," he said slowly, "I would kill you where you stand."

"Charming," Austin muttered.

"But," Nuthran continued, voice laced with warning, "the elders will want to see you first."

Austin arched a brow. "Elders, huh? I thought they'd be done with me after the last time."

"Not quite," Nuthran said darkly. "You've ruined too much for them to simply let you go."

Sonya tensed.

If Austin had somehow wronged the entire ruling body of this tribe, then they were in deep trouble.

Austin sighed dramatically, rubbing his temple. "Fine. Fine. Take us to your village, Chief-to-be." He smirked. "It'll be fun catching up."

Nuthran scowled, motioning to his warriors. "Bind them. If he so much as breathes wrong, kill him."

Sonya stiffened. "Hey, wait—"

Before she could protest, a warrior grabbed her arms, twisting them behind her back. Another did the same to Austin—though he didn't resist.

"Careful now," Austin chuckled. "I bite."

The warriors didn't respond. Instead, they shoved them forward, leading them toward the distant watchtowers.

Sonya clenched her fists.

They were heading straight into enemy territory.

And worst of all?

Austin was still smirking.

He knew something she didn't.

And Sonya had a terrible feeling that whatever it was…

It was going to get them into even more trouble.

As they reached the heart of the village, the warriors roughly shoved Austin and Sonya forward. The wooden gates creaked as they were pulled open, revealing the settlement within. It was a tribal village, but not primitive—stone watchtowers overlooked the area, and wooden houses were reinforced with metal and enchanted carvings. Massive bonfires burned at the center, casting flickering shadows on the gathered crowd.

The villagers stopped what they were doing the moment they saw Austin. Silence blanketed the area.

Then, from the largest hut, an old but imposing man stepped forward. His graying hair was tied back in thick braids, and his face bore the lines of both age and battle. Despite the walking staff in his hand, his presence was anything but weak.

Austin, still bound by the warriors, simply grinned.

"Yo, Juna," he greeted casually. "How have you been?"

The elder's eyes narrowed, and he exhaled deeply, shaking his head. "Why are you here again, Ravenclaw?"

Austin tilted his head. "You say that like I enjoy getting lost in the middle of nowhere."

Juna scoffed. "Your lies have not improved."

Austin chuckled. "Well, it's good to see you're still sharp. And how's the body holding up?"

Juna tapped his staff against the ground. "My bones still ache, if that's what you're asking."

Austin smirked. "So, same as usual."

The gathered villagers murmured. Some glared at Austin with barely concealed hostility, while others whispered in curiosity.

Sonya, still bound, stared at the scene unfolding in front of her.

What is this dynamic?

Austin was acting like this was some casual reunion, while Juna—despite his stern tone—didn't immediately call for his execution.

Sonya knew there was a history here, but what kind?

Her thoughts were interrupted by another voice.

"He has returned," a raspy voice said, heavy with age and wisdom.

A figure stepped into view.

The shaman.

His body was wrapped in layers of ceremonial robes, feathers woven into his long, graying hair. His eyes were clouded with age but still burned with sharp intelligence. Symbols of power were tattooed onto his arms, glowing faintly under the firelight.

Austin's grin faltered just slightly.

"Well, well," he said, tilting his head. "Didn't expect you to come out to greet me personally."

The shaman studied him in silence. Then, he spoke:

"You have walked the wrong path for a long time, child of the Empire."

Austin's smirk twitched. "Oh? You're still speaking in riddles, old man?"

The shaman ignored the taunt. He stepped closer, scrutinizing Austin with those piercing, clouded eyes.

"You reek of battle," he murmured. "Of death. The spirits whisper of your sins, and yet…" He paused, then frowned. "And yet, your thread has not been cut. Not yet."

Sonya felt a chill run down her spine.

This man… something was unsettling about him. She had met powerful sorcerers before, but the way he spoke, the way his words carried weight as if they were absolute truth—it made her uneasy.

The villagers around them whispered at the shaman's words, some nodding in agreement, others staring at Austin with wariness.

Austin, however, laughed.

"Still dramatic as ever," he said. "But I'll take that as a good sign. Means I still have time."

The shaman's gaze flickered to Sonya.

"And you… The Cursed One."

Sonya froze.

"What?" she asked sharply.

"You tread a path that does not belong to you," the shaman murmured. "The spirits cry out, warning of the danger you do not yet see."

Sonya's throat tightened. She had no idea what that meant, but the weight of his words made her uneasy.

Austin sighed. "Well, this has been a fun conversation, but I'd rather not stand around tied up all day. How about you let me go, and we can talk over food instead?"

Juna rolled his eyes. "You have some nerve."

Nuthran, standing beside his warriors, scowled. "Why are we entertaining him? He should be executed for what he did!"

The crowd erupted in murmurs. Some shouted in agreement, while others hesitated.

Juna exhaled deeply. "Much as I'd love to kill you, Ravenclaw… the shaman wishes to speak with you."

Austin's grin widened. "See? Even fate wants me alive."

Juna scowled. "Don't test my patience." He gestured at the warriors. "Release them. But they are not to leave my sight."

The warriors hesitated, but at Juna's command, they stepped forward and cut the bindings around Austin and Sonya's wrists.

Sonya rubbed at her wrists, still watching the shaman with wary eyes.

Austin, on the other hand, stretched dramatically. "Finally. I thought my arms were gonna fall off."

Juna crossed his arms. "Don't get comfortable. The shaman will speak with you tonight. Until then, you will be watched."

Austin grinned. "Wouldn't expect anything less."

Juna sighed, rubbing his temples. "I already regret this."

The shaman turned, his robes rustling as he walked away. "The spirits have much to say, Ravenclaw. We will see if you are ready to listen."

Austin rolled his shoulders and turned to Sonya. "Well, Princess. Looks like we've got a long night ahead of us."

Sonya's lips pressed into a thin line.

Something was going on here.

Something big.

And she had a very bad feeling that it was only going to get worse.

The shaman's words settled over the gathered villagers like a thick, suffocating fog. The flames of the central bonfire crackled, casting eerie shadows on his ancient face. His eyes, though clouded with age, bore into Austin as if they could see through flesh, bone, and even the depths of his soul.

"You will have many more hardships ahead of you, Ravenclaw," the shaman murmured. "The spirits of death gather around you. Someone close to you will die soon."

Austin's smirk didn't waver, but his fingers twitched ever so slightly. "I don't know about that," he said casually, rolling his shoulders. "People have been trying to kill me for years. Haven't managed to succeed yet."

The shaman shook his head slowly. "This is not a threat. It is a truth already written."

For the first time, Sonya saw something strange in Austin's expression. It wasn't fear, but it also wasn't his usual arrogant amusement. It was… unreadable.

The shaman continued. "You walk a path destined for doom. Every step you take only tightens the noose around your own throat. Why, then, do you seek that which is forbidden?"

Austin exhaled, running a hand through his damp hair. He was silent for a moment, staring into the fire.

Then, he spoke.

"I need to know the truth."

A murmur spread through the villagers, some exchanging uneasy glances.

The shaman watched him carefully. "And what do you believe the truth is?"

Austin's jaw tightened, his gaze flickering toward the sky. "Something's coming. I don't know what, but I can feel it." He turned back to the shaman, his voice lowering. "You feel it too, don't you?"

The shaman's expression darkened.

"The sea is growing weak," he murmured. "The barrier between worlds trembles. The abyss hungers."

Austin nodded. "Then you understand why I don't have time for cryptic warnings. If something big is coming, I need to be ready."

The shaman's lips pressed into a thin line. "And do you truly believe that knowledge will save you?"

Austin's smirk returned, but there was no humor in it. "I believe that ignorance will get me killed first."

The shaman was silent for a long moment. Then, he turned, gesturing for Austin and Sonya to follow him. "Come. There is more you must see."

Sonya hesitated, glancing at Austin. "Are you sure about this?"

Austin chuckled. "Nope. But what's life without a little risk?"

She scowled. "You infuriate me."

"I know."

Despite her better judgment, she followed him into the depths of the village, where the real truth waited.

As they stepped deeper into the sacred chamber, the flickering torchlight revealed an enormous carving upon the stone wall. The image was ancient, worn by time, yet its details remained eerily clear. It depicted a towering figure, its body wreathed in dark tendrils, standing upon a battlefield drenched in blood. Surrounding it were figures twisted in agony, their faces frozen in silent screams.

Austin's eyes narrowed. "Is this what I think it is?"

The shaman nodded gravely. "Yes. This is Nanthaan, the servant of the Abyssal Lord." His voice was thick with an emotion neither Austin nor Sonya could quite place—was it fear? Resignation? "It is said that when Nanthaan returns, he will herald the coming of his master, and with him, the abyss shall consume all."

Sonya felt a chill creep up her spine. "So… what does that have to do with us?"

The shaman turned to her, his ancient eyes filled with sorrow. "You stand at the crossroads of fate. The forces moving in this world have already set events into motion. Whether you realize it or not, you and those around you have become part of the cycle. The abyss does not choose randomly."

Austin scoffed. "That's vague. You sound just like every other so-called prophet I've met."

The shaman's expression didn't change. "Do you not feel it, Austin Ravenclaw? The shifting of the world beneath your feet? The whispers in the dark?"

Austin's smirk faltered for the briefest moment. He exhaled sharply. "I do feel it. That's why I'm here. That's why I need answers."

The shaman stepped closer, his gaze piercing. "Then heed this warning: Nanthaan's return is inevitable. But his arrival is not the true danger."

Sonya frowned. "What do you mean?"

The shaman turned back to the wall, gesturing toward the carving. There, beneath the image of Nanthaan, was another figure—less defined, but its shape seemed familiar.

Austin's eyes widened. "That… that's—"

"Yes," the shaman confirmed. "The prophecy does not simply speak of Nanthaan's reign of chaos. It speaks of the one who will stand against him. The one who will decide the fate of this world."

Sonya stepped closer, her fingers grazing the ancient stone. "And who is it?"

The shaman sighed deeply. "That, my child, remains unknown. But the abyss has already chosen its adversary. Whether they stand against it… or succumb to it… that is yet to be seen."

The silence in the chamber was suffocating. The weight of something far greater than themselves pressed upon them, unseen but undeniably present.

Sonya swallowed hard. "So… what now?"

The shaman turned away and walked.