Evening fell like a curtain, painting the forest in soft blues and purples. The fog had lifted, but now shadows clung to the trees as if watching every step the two teenagers took.
Aizen walked behind Lyra, his steps cautious. His ears twitched at every noise—every owl call, every rustling leaf.
> This world doesn't forgive weakness.
They hadn't spoken much since leaving the clearing. Lyra was focused, navigating with a torn map drawn in ancient script. She moved gracefully, but her hand never strayed far from the hilt of her blade. She was cautious too—maybe even afraid.
> "There's an outpost three days east," she finally said. "Neutral zone. Traders pass through there. We can gather information… and supplies."
> "Won't they recognize you?" Aizen asked.
> "Not unless I unfold my wings and yell my last name."
> "...Fair."
The quiet between them wasn't uncomfortable anymore. It was survival.
But they weren't alone.
That night, they camped near a broken shrine—stone statues covered in moss, long-forgotten prayers etched into cracked walls. The air was colder here. Heavy.
Aizen sat near a small fire Lyra had built using flint and dried roots. He watched the flames dance, the orange glow reflecting in his golden eyes.
> "You've never killed anyone… have you?" Lyra asked suddenly.
Aizen looked up.
> "No."
> "Good," she said quietly. "But you might have to."
Before he could reply, a shrill whistle cut through the night.
Lyra's eyes snapped open. "Get down!"
Three crossbow bolts struck the tree behind Aizen.
> Ambush.
From the shadows stepped Empire soldiers in black-gray armor, marked with the sigil of the Dragon Court—a coiled dragon swallowing a sun. Their faces were hidden by masks, but their intent was clear.
> "Subject located," one said coldly. "Black Lion confirmed."
Aizen's blood turned to ice.
> They're here for me…
> "Target the girl too," the leader ordered. "She's a traitor."
Lyra hissed under her breath. "Empire Hounds. Special unit."
Aizen stood, gripping his branch again. It cracked from pressure. His fingers trembled—but not in fear this time.
The sky above rumbled.
> "Come quietly," the soldier demanded, stepping forward.
> "No," Aizen growled. "You'll never touch me again."
His heart pulsed—crack! A surge of blue lightning arced across his arm. The soldiers paused, confused.
> "Is he manifesting… already?"
They raised their weapons.
> "Lyra—stay back!"
> "Like hell I will," she snapped, already casting a barrier spell.
Two bolts of fire shot from a soldier's staff—Aizen dodged instinctively, eyes glowing brighter.
Something inside him screamed.
> Move—strike—protect!
With a roar, he leapt forward—too fast for a boy his age. His broken staff struck one soldier's mask with enough force to send him flying. The air around Aizen shimmered—electric wind surged outward in pulses.
The storm had awakened again.
Another soldier lunged, blade raised—but Lyra intercepted him, her dagger glowing purple as it clashed against steel. She spun, kicking him back into a tree.
> "We have to finish this quickly!" she yelled.
Aizen gritted his teeth as two soldiers surrounded him. One slashed at his side—he barely dodged, but the edge grazed his ribs. Pain exploded across his body.
> "Aaagh—!"
Lightning burst from his body in a wave, tossing the attackers back like rag dolls. His breaths came fast. Heavy. But he was standing.
Lyra finished the last one with a slash of her blade and a gust of magical force that crushed the mask into pieces.
Then silence.
Ash floated through the air.
The fire had gone out.
Aizen fell to his knees, panting, blood dripping down his side. Lyra ran to him and caught his shoulder.
> "You idiot—why didn't you dodge properly?"
> "I was trying to protect you."
Lyra paused. Her face turned red—just slightly—but she looked away.
> "You didn't need to do that… but thanks."
Aizen smiled weakly. "Guess I've officially killed now."
> "They weren't people," she whispered. "They were hounds. Empty. Twisted by the Empire's magic. Don't let it haunt you."
Aizen stared at the soldiers' crumpled bodies. Then at his own hands.
The sparks had faded. But the storm was still inside.
> "I think it wants to grow."
Lyra nodded. "And you'll need it. Because this was just a scout team. The Empire… they'll come harder next time."
He looked at her.
> "Then I'll be ready."
---
End of Chapter 5