The cold wind howled over the shattered cliffs of Norveil. Ariya stumbled through the dark forest, her legs weak, her heart pounding like a war drum. Her village was gone—swallowed by shadows, screams lost to the night.
And now, something was following her.
Branches snapped behind her. Ariya spun, hands raised, her trembling fingers wrapped in darkness. The shadow tendrils coiled protectively around her like snakes.
But instead of a beast, a figure stepped out from behind the trees.
Silver hair. Long cloak. A glowing blade of turquoise wind in his hand.
"You're not from around here," he said, voice calm but watchful.
"You followed me," Ariya whispered, backing away. "Are you with them?"
"The monsters? No." He lowered his blade. "I saved you back there. Remember?"
Ariya narrowed her eyes. She remembered flashes—wind tearing through beasts, silver hair glowing under moonlight. But she didn't remember trusting him.
He stepped closer. "The shadow magic… it's yours?"
She hesitated. "It's cursed."
"No," he said simply, "It's rare. Powerful. And dangerous… if you don't control it."
"Who are you?"
"Kiran," he said. "Last of the Windbound Clan."
Ariya blinked. The Windbound were legends—spirit walkers who could command the skies. She thought they were extinct.
"And you?" he asked.
"Ariya. From the village of Merrow... was from the village of Merrow."
His gaze softened. "The Void is spreading. You've seen it."
She nodded, fists clenching. "I won't let it take more."
"Then come with me."
"What?"
"I'm headed to the floating city of Elaris. They're gathering survivors—mages, warriors, anyone who can resist the darkness. Your power is needed."
Ariya looked at her hands, still dripping shadows.
"I don't know how to control it."
"Then I'll help you," Kiran said. "But we need to move. The Void feeds at night."
A distant howl split the sky. Ariya felt the fear rise again—but this time, she wasn't alone.
She looked at Kiran and nodded. "Lead the way."
Together, they disappeared into the swirling fog, unaware that eyes watched from above—eyes that glowed with violet flame.