Kael and Liora stood among the twisted trees, catching their breath. The mist hung heavy, and the echoes of the laughing voice still lingered, taunting them. Kael's hands trembled slightly—not from fear, but from the strain of controlling his shadows.
Kael (narration): "I've always been alone. Never had to care for anyone. Never needed anyone. And yet… I feel something I haven't in years."
Liora glanced at him, noticing the tension. Her voice was calm, almost gentle.
Liora: "You can't keep fighting everything alone. Even shadows need guidance, Kael."
Kael: "I don't need guidance. I survive, that's all."
Liora shook her head. "Survival isn't enough. Not if it costs who you are."
Kael clenched his fists. He wanted to argue, to shove her words away, but part of him… wanted to believe her. He turned his gaze back to the mist. The forest seemed quieter now, but the sense of being watched never left.
Suddenly, movement caught his eye—a shadow detaching itself from the trees. Not a creature, not exactly… but humanoid, tall and thin, its face hidden by darkness. It stepped forward slowly, its presence suffocating.
Voice (soft, echoing): "Kael Veyr… it has been a long time."
Kael froze, a chill crawling up his spine. Liora's hand brushed his arm. She whispered, "It knows you. And it remembers…"
Kael (narration): "I've done things I can't undo. But I can't show weakness. Not now."
The figure raised one skeletal hand, pointing directly at Kael. Shadows from the forest surged, twisting toward it. Kael's pulse quickened, his shadow magic reacting on instinct, forming jagged spikes in front of him.
Kael: "I'm ready. Come on, then."
The figure paused, tilting its head, studying him as if amused. Then it vanished into the mist, leaving a trail of icy silence.
Liora: "That… wasn't a warning. That was a promise."
Kael swallowed hard. For the first time, fear gnawed at him—but also… determination. He realized that surviving wasn't just about strength anymore. It was about choices. And someone had just forced him to make one.