The next morning, the small group rested by a quiet river. A heavy silence hung over them, each member lost in their own fears and memories of the past.
Daren glanced warily at the prince and said,
"We don't know if we can trust you… you come from the enemy."
The prince lowered his head and replied softly,
"I know, and you are right. But if we do not stay together, we will all be defeated. Your path is dangerous, and only through unity can we survive."
The Silent Mage added,
"Each of us has been wounded and hurt… if we unite, perhaps we can find a way to survive this path."
Arin took a deep breath and said,
"Very well, we will stand together. We will put aside our differences and unite for a greater purpose."
With this decision, an unwilling pact was formed—a group of diverse individuals, each carrying their own past and fears, now united to follow the Path of Glory. Though fragile, this alliance marked the first true step in Arin's perilous journey toward his destiny, and a spark of hope was kindled in their hearts.