Going further

Andre stood rooted to the spot, eyes wide, ears straining as if the figure's voice might reappear again through the trees. But the forest was still. No trace of the presence remained - no scent, no sound, not even the pressure in the air. It was as if nothing had ever been there.

But it had.

Eyes moving back and forth, heart still thudding against his ribs. "Kael," he said, voice hoarse, "What was that?"

With frustration beginning to bleed into his voice, he asked again. "Who's that?"

Kael didn't answer immediately. Five long seconds passed by.

"You're still too early," Kael continued "All you need to know for now is, he's not an enemy, not yet."

Andre turned slowly to follow him, confused, unsettled. "You sound like you're being cryptic on purpose."

"You want answers? You'll get them when you're ready." A pause followed.

Andre lingered, staring back at the place where the shadow had emerged.