The wind brushed against Rayan's face as he walked alongside Martin. The sky above was fading into twilight, and the silence between them grew heavier with each step.
"Mr. Martin," Rayan said, his voice low and uncertain. "Do you think I'd survive if I went to Shadowfen?"
Martin didn't slow down. His face remained emotionless as he replied.
"No."
The word hit Rayan like a stone. He looked down, disappointment tightening in his chest.
"I'll try anyway," he said quietly. "I don't have anything to lose."
Martin stopped walking and turned toward him.
"What about your mother?" he asked. "She won't be happy to lose you."
Rayan raised his head, eyes steady.
"I won't live as a slave to the Nightmares. I want to be free. If I die trying, then I die."
Martin looked at him for a long moment, something unreadable in his expression.
"Strange words from someone so young," he said. "You don't yet know what life is really like. But I can see it. you have dreams. If Shadowfen is where you believe your path lies, then go."
That evening, Rayan sat alone in his room. The candle on his desk flickered, casting shadows over the worn maps and scattered notes. Doubt gnawed at his thoughts. He couldn't shake the uncertainty. Was he ready? Was it the right choice?
He didn't know. But he did know he couldn't make the decision alone.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Welcome back, Uncle!" Rayan called as he entered the living room.
The older man sitting near the fireplace looked up and smiled.
"Hey, boy. It's been a long time."
Moments later, the door opened again. Orien and Malrick stepped inside.
"Welcome, guys," Rayan said as they entered.
The two greeted the older man politely.
"Orien," Rayan said with a grin, "this is my uncle Alfred. He was my father's best friend. And Malrick he knew your father too."
Orien gave a respectful nod.
"It's an honor to meet you, sir."
Alfred smiled, then leaned back in his chair as they all took seats around the room.
After a short silence, Rayan spoke.
"I've decided. I'm going to Shadowfen."
All three stared at him.
Alfred was the first to respond.
"That's a very dangerous place, son."
Orien leaned forward, eyes wide with excitement.
"I like it. It sounds like a real adventure."
Malrick grinned.
"I'm in. We've been waiting for something like this."
Rayan turned to Alfred.
"Don't worry, Uncle. I'll be fine."
Alfred looked at him carefully.
"What level are you now?"
Rayan hesitated before answering.
"According to King Drazan, I'm level nine. But he told me I'm a lot stronger than that. I just haven't learned enough about the Dark Side yet. That's what's holding me back."
A heavy silence followed, filled only by the crackling fire. Outside, the wind stirred again, carrying with it the scent of coming storms and the promise of something greater.
"So... this is where the road leads next," Orien said at last, his voice quiet, almost reverent, as if the very name of the place weighed heavy on the air. "Shadowfen, our next destination. A land forgotten by light, veiled in mist and stories too dark for bedtime. And yet, here we are, drawn to it like moths to a flame we know might burn us."