The morning mist clung to the village as Ren walked through the quiet streets. Lyra and Seris trailed behind him, chatting quietly about yesterday's events. The villagers kept their distance, still whispering about the boy who had commanded shadows.
Ren's eyes scanned the horizon, sensing the subtle movements of hidden threats. The forest's edge shimmered slightly as if the shadows themselves were stirring.
— "Ren," Lyra said softly, "why do you stay so calm? Don't you worry about what's coming?"
Ren's lips curled into a faint smile.
— "Worry is for those who can't control what they cannot see. I see everything… in the shadows."
Seris tilted her head, smirking.
— "You sound like a prince or a king… not just some random adventurer."
Ren's grin widened.
— "Perhaps I am both."
Veyra appeared again, this time closer, stepping from the tree line with her hood down. Her dark hair framed a face that exuded both danger and elegance.
— "I watched you last night," she said. "You're stronger than I expected."
Ren studied her carefully.
— "And you? Are you here to help… or to test me?"
Veyra's lips curved slightly.
— "A bit of both. I'm here to see if you're worthy of attention. The world is full of shadows, and some are more dangerous than others."
Ren's smile didn't falter.
— "Then you're in for an interesting experience."
Later, the three of them ventured to a small ruined temple near the forest. The air was thick, almost humming with hidden energy. Ren led the way, shadows moving subtly along the ground, watching and stretching toward unseen dangers.
Lyra glanced at Seris.
— "Do you feel that? The shadows… almost alive?"
Seris smirked.
— "I feel it. And I like it."
Ren demonstrated a small shadow technique, weaving tendrils into shapes that danced in the air. One tendril reached toward Seris's arm playfully, brushing against her skin before retracting. She shivered slightly, a small blush rising.
— "You're… teasing," she whispered.
Ren chuckled.
— "Only to keep things interesting."
As they explored the temple, Ren sensed a faint movement in the shadows behind the walls. Someone was watching. He let a tendril of black shadow slip silently through the cracks, unseen.
— A scout, perhaps… or a spy, he thought. Either way, I know before they know me.
Lyra and Seris didn't notice the subtle shadow probe, their focus on the ancient markings etched into the temple stones. Ren's grin widened. He could play this game from the shadows perfectly.
The sun dipped lower, casting long, dramatic shadows across the ruins. Ren's aura, calm but commanding, seemed to merge with the encroaching darkness.
— Let them come. Let them learn that the shadows are mine.