Two years had passed since Ashreign had been found by Eldon near the Whispering River. The boy had grown taller, leaner, stronger but with the quiet intensity that had always lingered behind his calm exterior. His hair, black as midnight, fell in soft waves across his shoulders, and the faint markings along his arms now pulsed subtly, responding to his moods and thoughts. The villagers of Evershade, once wary, had grown accustomed to his presence. Eldon's protection and Elder Marah's guidance had offered stability, yet the boy's past remained a mystery, shrouded in shadows he could not name.
Ashreign often wandered the forest's edges, drawn to its secrets. He had learned to move silently among the trees, to feel the pulse of life in roots, rocks, and leaves. Shadows bent slightly when he passed, curling and coiling as if recognizing him, though he had no idea why. A strange energy thrummed within him, instinctive and unpredictable, a silent companion waiting to awaken.
It was on a morning thick with mist that Ashreign first saw her.
A soft, melodious chant drifted from the deeper forest, weaving through the towering trees. Curious, he followed it, stepping carefully over roots and fallen leaves. There, in a small clearing illuminated by the morning sun, stood a girl slightly taller than himself. Her hair shimmered like spun sunlight, cascading over her shoulders, and her eyes glimmered a brilliant gold, reflecting the light in the mist.
She moved with deliberate grace, her hands tracing intricate patterns through the air. Faint trails of radiant light followed her gestures, spiraling and fading into the morning haze. Her robes bore a sigil that pulsed with energy: a radiant sun encircled by delicate threads of gold and silver. Ashreign instinctively recognized the power it represented. She was of the Aetherveil Sect, a sect devoted to the mastery of celestial light, its protection, and its sacred secrets.
The girl paused mid-motion, her golden eyes catching his presence without turning her head.
"Who's there?" she asked, voice calm yet commanding.
Ashreign stepped from the shadows, hands slightly raised in peace. "I… I'm Ashreign. I didn't mean to intrude."
Her gaze sharpened, assessing, cautious, yet not hostile. "Ashreign… That's an unusual name. Are you from Evershade Village?"
"I am," he replied, his voice steady. "I live here with the villagers."
She tilted her head, letting the light catch her robes, making them glow even brighter. "I am Mai. I belong to the Aetherveil Sect. I came here to meditate and train, but… your presence is… unusual."
A strange pull ran through the air between them, imperceptible yet undeniable. Ashreign felt it in his chest a quiet stirring, curiosity mingled with unease.
"I often explore the forest," he admitted. "I… like to walk near the river."
Mai's expression softened slightly, her golden gaze warm. "Exploring alone can be dangerous," she said gently, though her voice retained a disciplined edge. "The forest is alive with energy, some of it ancient and hostile. Those untrained in light or shadow can easily be consumed by it."
Ashreign looked down at his arms, feeling the faint pulse of his markings beneath the skin. Shadows had always responded to his emotions, coiling instinctively, but he had yet to control them fully. Somehow, he sensed she understood even without knowing his past.
"I… I can protect myself," he said quietly, a note of pride mixed with caution.
Mai studied him for a long moment, a subtle smile playing at her lips. "Perhaps. But you may find that strength alone is not enough. If you wish, I can teach you a few exercises to sense the energy around you. It may help you… control what lies within."
Ashreign felt his heart skip at her words. A stranger, a girl, speaking of energies that resonated with him… yet she was calm, unafraid, and even curious. He nodded slowly, unsure how else to respond.
"Then… until next time," Mai said, bowing slightly before continuing along the forest path. The light from her presence lingered faintly in the mist, like a memory etched into the morning air.
Ashreign remained still, watching her vanish among the trees. Something stirred within him a spark of curiosity, a faint warmth, and the first whispers of a connection that would grow over time.
That evening, he recounted the encounter to Eldon. The old man's eyes glimmered with understanding.
"Mai," Eldon said. "She is of the Aetherveil Sect, trained in light, knowledge, and discipline. The forest drew her here for a reason… and perhaps it drew her to you. You are… unlike ordinary children, Ashreign. Your power is awakening."
Ashreign's gaze drifted toward the river. Shadows stretched across the banks as night fell, and the markings on his arms flickered faintly. He understood, in that moment, that his life was no longer simple. He had been set on a path that intertwined with light, shadow, and powers he did not yet comprehend.
High above the treetops, a figure observed silently. Eyes glowed faintly in the darkness, reflecting the moonlight. The watcher's voice was a whisper of silk and shadow.
"So… the boy stirs," it murmured. "And now… light has found him. The Eclipse Council will know soon."
Ashreign slept with dreams of shadows twisting and light unfurling, entwining and separating in intricate dances. A destiny waited for him, full of danger, discovery, and power.
The boy who had no past, the child found by Eldon, was beginning to awaken.
And nothing in the world of Arkanis would ever be the same again.