Chapter 3 – The Unseen Watcher

The night after Kael's awakening was quieter than any night he could remember. The village, usually buzzing with the evening chatter of neighbors, felt like it was holding its breath. Even the stars seemed dimmer, as if the world itself was trying to make sense of what had happened.

Kael sat by the window of his small cottage, staring at the mark on his palm. It was faint now, barely noticeable in the moonlight, but he could feel it pulsing — like a heartbeat, steady and relentless.

What does it mean?

He couldn't stop asking himself that question.

The next morning, he reluctantly headed to the Soulstone for his "official" examination. As if the previous night's events hadn't shaken the ground beneath him enough, now he was supposed to face the council of elders and, more importantly, Master Ryden.

The old man had been eerily silent after Kael's awakening. He hadn't spoken a word since the crack in the Soulstone had sealed itself, and now his steely eyes were fixed on Kael as he approached.

"Place your hand," Ryden said, his voice colder than Kael had ever heard it.

Kael hesitated, but this time, he was prepared. He placed his palm on the Soulstone.

Nothing happened. The stone remained still, untouched by any further light.

Kael's heart dropped.

Ryden's eyes narrowed. "I don't know what you did, Kael. But it shouldn't have been possible."

"I didn't do anything," Kael muttered, though his voice held less conviction than he would have liked.

The elders murmured among themselves, casting glances that Kael couldn't interpret.

"You'll be watched," Ryden finally said. "The village is not a place for someone without a clan. Your mark — it will draw eyes. And they will come."

Kael wanted to argue, but something in Ryden's tone stopped him. There was a weight to the old man's words, like they carried more meaning than he was willing to reveal.

Later, as the day drew to a close, Kael walked back to his cottage, his footsteps slow and heavy. He had no idea what he was supposed to do now, or even where he was supposed to go. His mark had brought him nothing but suspicion.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, a shadow moved at the edge of the village.

A figure, cloaked in dark robes, watched Kael from the forest's edge. The figure's eyes gleamed with an unnatural light, and for a moment, the world around Kael seemed to still.

The watcher's lips parted in a slow, knowing smile.

"He has awakened."