Chapter 1 – The Boy and the Elf
The moon illuminated a silent forest. Its silver rays fell upon a path stained with ash, where a boy no older than five staggered forward.
His bare feet were covered in cuts, and each step left red marks on the damp earth.
"…Dad… Mom…" he murmured with a hoarse voice.
Kael didn't know why he kept walking. His body trembled, his chest burned, and yet his eyes—empty, yet firm—kept staring ahead.
Behind him, far in the distance, the smoke of what had once been his village still rose. A giant pyre that had devoured everything he knew.
A crack sounded among the trees.
The boy froze.
Shadows shifted in the bushes, and a low growl echoed in the gloom.
Two yellow eyes watched him hungrily. A beast, wolf-like but with unnaturally long fangs, emerged from the undergrowth.
Kael stepped back, his breathing unsteady. He had no weapon, no strength. He was just a child.
"…Not yet… not yet…" he whispered, as if speaking to himself.
The wolf leapt.
And at that instant, a gust of wind cut through the air.
Slash!
The wolf collapsed to the ground, a deep wound across its neck.
From between the trees emerged a slender figure, clad in a dark green robe. Her silver hair flowed like a river under the moonlight, and her elongated ears revealed what she was: an elf.
"What a reckless creature…" she murmured, her voice soft yet firm. Then her eyes fell upon Kael. "And what is a human child doing… here, in the middle of nowhere?"
Kael opened his mouth but couldn't respond. The tears, held back for hours, finally burst forth.
The elf frowned and slowly approached.
"Your village… was it destroyed?" she asked quietly.
The boy only nodded, clenching his fists.
She sighed, watching him with a mixture of sorrow and caution.
"You're lucky to still be alive, little one. Although…" her eyes narrowed, as if perceiving something strange. "Your aura is… unusual."
Kael didn't understand her words, but the way she looked at him gave him both fear and relief.
The elf extended a hand.
"Come. I cannot promise you answers, but… I can give you a place where you won't die tonight."
The boy stared at her, hesitating for a moment.
Then, with trembling hands, he took hers.
That was the beginning of everything.
---
– The Refuge
The elf led him through paths that seemed invisible, moving with grace among the trees. The forest, which had felt so threatening before, became serene under her presence.
Finally, they arrived at a cabin hidden among enormous roots. It was built of pale wood and moss, illuminated by crystals that gave off a soft glow.
"Go in," she said, opening the door.
Kael obeyed, feeling strange to step on clean floors after walking so long through ash and blood. The inside smelled of fresh herbs. There were books, jars filled with glowing liquids, and weapons carefully hung on the walls.
"My name is Elyndra," the elf said as she set her bow aside. "What's yours, little one?"
It took Kael a while to respond. His voice barely escaped as a whisper:
"…Kael."
"Kael…" Elyndra repeated, as if testing the sound on her lips. "Good. Then, Kael, if you wish to survive, the first thing you must do is rest."
She offered him a bowl of water and a piece of bread. The boy devoured them clumsily, as if afraid someone would take them away. Elyndra watched him in silence, her gaze gentle yet analytical.
There is hatred in his eyes… but also pain.
---
The Nightmare
That night, Kael slept on an improvised mattress. For the first time in days, he closed his eyes without cold or hunger.
But rest did not bring peace.
In dreams, he once again heard the screams, the flames, the cruel laughter that had accompanied the destruction of his village.
And among the fire, a gigantic shadow stared at him. A faceless silhouette with eyes like burning embers.
"Little Kael…" the voice echoed in his mind, deep and dark. "Do not flee from the darkness. You were born of it… and one day, you will return to me."
Kael screamed, but his voice was swallowed by smoke.
He woke with a start, gasping, tears streaming down his face. Elyndra was at his side, gently holding his shoulders.
"Calm down. It was a dream… nothing more."
Kael trembled, clutching the blanket as if it were his only salvation. Elyndra looked at him with serious eyes.
No… it wasn't just a dream. That child carries something dangerous. Too dangerous, for someone so small.
---
Silent Oath
When Kael finally slept again, Elyndra remained awake, seated at his side. The glow of the magical crystals lit her thoughtful face.
"A child with such a fate… Why are the gods so cruel?"
She pressed her lips together, gazing at Kael's dark hair, tangled and damp with sweat.
In that moment, Elyndra made a decision.
She didn't know what awaited the boy in the future. She didn't know if that darkness would eventually consume him, or if he would find the strength to master it.
But as long as she lived…
"…I won't let you die alone."
The forest remained silent, as if in approval of her promise.
And thus began the story of Kael, the boy who would walk between light and shadows.