The Path of No Return

The first light of dawn crept into the training courtyard, revealing the worn stone floor. I was already there, moving through my sword drills. The morning air was cold, and each swing sent a chill through my arms. My muscles ached, but I didn't slow down. I needed to keep going. My mind was focused, pushing out doubts one strike at a time.

After talking to my mother, Ennari, and—surprisingly—Neval, it became clear.

I would face the Wendigo.

The crisp air stung my lungs, but it kept my head clear. Every movement, every breath — all of it focused. I repeated the same sequence, over and over, faster each time, testing my endurance, pushing my limits.

A soft sound behind me caught my attention. I turned to see Kisaya entering the courtyard, her spear resting on her shoulder. She moved with a bold, natural grace—chin high, shoulders back, her presence undeniable. It wasn't just the way she walked; it was the way the air seemed to shift around her, as if daring anyone to question her place.

"Up early again?" she asked, stretching her neck, her eyes fixed on me with a hint of curiosity.

I didn't pause, finishing my sequence before replying. "I need to prepare."

She raised an eyebrow. "What's the matter? Planning to punch the next person who looks at you wrong?"

I hesitated for just a moment, keeping my gaze on the worn grip of my sword.

"Something like that."

Kisaya didn't press. Instead, she just watched as I moved through another set, her presence steady but not intrusive.

It was strange how her silence felt reassuring—like I didn't have to put my thoughts into words just yet.

Finally, I stopped, wiping the sweat from my forehead. I took a breath, the words harder to say than I thought.

"I'm going to fight the Wendigo. Today, I'll talk to Ashren and ask to face it tomorrow."

Kisaya's spear slipped from her hand, clattering against the ground. Her eyes widened, shock shattering her usual composure.

"What? Are you out of your mind? You can't just... face that thing alone. So soon?"

She took a shaky breath, running a hand through her hair, as if trying to collect herself.

"When you said that during the Tarin fight, I thought it was just talk... or something you'd do much later."

Her voice dropped, tension leaking through.

"I didn't think you'd actually decide to fight it now."

"You're not ready" she repeated, softer this time, almost like she was trying to convince herself.

I bent down, picked up her spear, and handed it back.

"I've trained enough. I feel ready."

She grabbed my arm, forcing me to look at her. "Don't do this, Ereshgal. It's reckless. And if I'm there... I won't be able to stay still."

I frowned, unsure of her meaning.

"What are you talking about?"

Her grip tightened, her knuckles turning white.

"If I see you in danger... I can't stop myself. You know that. No matter what, I can't just stand by."

Her words hit me harder than I expected.

I'd almost forgotten. Kisaya's Edict.

To act on her emotions.

It wasn't just about being brave. Sometimes, it was a curse.

I paused, letting my thoughts settle. After a moment, I took a breath, choosing my words carefully.

"I get it. That's why... I need you to trust me this time. Just once. Don't come tomorrow."

She bit her lip, her eyes narrowing.

"I... I don't know."

I took a slow breath, lowering my voice.

"But if you're there and see me in danger... you'll step in. And that's not right. You shouldn't have to fight a battle that isn't yours just because I chose it."

"This is my choice, my fight."

Her jaw clenched. She looked away, shoulders tense.

For a moment, I thought she might argue, but instead, she just whispered.

"I'll try. But I can't promise anything."

I squeezed her hand for a moment, relieved that she was willing to try.

"That's enough."

After a while, everyone else arrived. Ashren took charge as usual, guiding us through the training routine.

They continued with the usual exercises—focusing on using spiritual energy in combat to form runes. I couldn't help but notice that the others were pushing themselves harder than usual, probably trying to shake off the tension from Tarin's fight.

Kisaya was among them, but her focus seemed off. Her movements lacked their usual sharpness, her strikes just a little slower than normal.

Even so, even with her mind elsewhere, she was still ahead of everyone.

She's born to be a warrior.

I kept to myself, repeating the movements I had practiced earlier, trying to steady my breathing.

After a while, when the morning training ended, I approached Ashren.

When he noticed me, he waved them off and turned his full attention on me.

"What's on your mind?"

I didn't hesitate.

"I want to fight the Wendigo. Let me face it tomorrow."

He didn't react right away, just looked at me, as if trying to gauge how serious I was. After a moment, he gave a slight nod.

"You're sure about this?"

"Yes. I have to know I can do it. Not just for myself — to protect everyone."

He sighed, the sternness in his eyes softening just a little.

"Don't underestimate it. Tarin thought he was ready too, and you saw how that turned out. Keep your head clear. The moment fear takes over, it's already too late."

"I know" I replied, gripping my sword tighter. "I won't lose my focus."

Ashren stepped closer, placing a firm hand on my shoulder.

"Do it right. Not because you have something to prove to others, but because you know it's your path."

The words sank deep, more powerful than any training. I nodded, feeling the weight of his advice settling in my chest.

I wasn't just fighting for pride — I was fighting to prove I was worthy and to protect those who depended on me.

Ashren's hand lingered on my shoulder for a moment, his eyes searching mine.

"You fight tomorrow."

When he let go, I took a deep breath, feeling a sense of calm settle over me.

This was it. Tomorrow, I would face the Wendigo.

There was no turning back now.