I woke up before sunrise. The sky was painted with a pale orange glow, but it didn't feel like morning. It felt like the world was holding its breath.
Kristina was already awake, sitting cross-legged on the floor, eyes closed, hands hovering in front of her as if she was controlling something invisible.
"Morning, little brother," she said without opening her eyes. "Don't you feel it?"
I rubbed my eyes. "Feel what?"
She smirked, a strange seriousness behind it. "Change. Something's coming, and it's… big."
Grandma appeared behind her, arms crossed. "She's right. Today marks the first time you both will truly test your limits."
I swallowed hard. "Limits? You mean… training?"
Grandma shook her head. "No. Testing. Not just your imagination. Not just your powers. The world itself will respond."
Kristina finally opened her eyes, and for a moment, she looked older, sharper. "Well… if the world wants a fight, it's gonna get one. Right, Knight Kristopher?"
I nodded, even though my stomach felt like it was full of shadows. "Right. Together."
The Forest Responds
As soon as we stepped into the training room, it shifted. The trees grew taller, the shadows thicker, and the castle walls we had built seemed to pulse like a living thing.
Kristina grabbed my hand. "Everything feels… alive."
I nodded. "Yeah. And it feels like it's watching us."
Grandma's voice cut through the quiet. "Good. That means the world recognizes your bloodline. The Bouie power is awakening. But be careful—awakening always comes with danger."
Mom appeared behind her, holding a basket of fruit. "Breakfast first. Then… whatever this is."
Kristina rolled her eyes. "Mom, if we eat first, the shadows will attack before we're ready."
Mom sighed. "Fine. But don't say I didn't warn you if you get eaten."
I laughed nervously. "Yeah, thanks for the vote of confidence."
The First Challenge
No sooner had we finished breakfast than shadows erupted from the corners of the forest. But these weren't like before—they were alive with intent. Some twisted in the air like smoke, others merged into dark beasts with glowing red eyes.
Kristina raised her hands, forming a glowing dome. "Barrier up! Let's see what these things can do!"
I concentrated, twisting the environment with my imagination. Trees bent, roots formed traps, and paths twisted like mazes. The shadows screeched as they ran straight into the traps, but a few were clever—they learned, dodged, and struck back.
I tripped over a mossy root, and Kristina burst out laughing. "Knight Kristopher! Really? Face-planting now?"
I groaned. "It's called strategy… camouflage!"
Grandma shook her head, smiling faintly. "Laughter is your ally, Kristopher. Even in darkness, it keeps your mind sharp."
Kristina nudged me. "See? You're hilarious, little brother."
I muttered, "Yeah… hilarious and slightly embarrassed."
Kristina's New Power
During the battle, Kristina discovered something new. Her dome began reflecting the shadows' attacks, sending them crashing back into their own ranks.
"Whoa!" I yelled. "Kris, that's insane!"
She smirked. "Told you. You blink, you miss it."
I focused harder and realized I could bend the shadows' paths—not just the environment. I guided them straight into her reflective dome. They screeched, twisted, and dissolved into harmless light.
Grandma nodded. "You are learning the true synergy of your powers. Together, you are unstoppable."
Kristina leaned closer. "Together, always."
Hints of the Curse
I noticed something odd. Kristina hesitated for a split second mid-attack, her hand trembling ever so slightly. She shook it off and smiled at me.
"Everything okay?" I asked.
"Yep. Just… thinking," she said, brushing it off.
Grandma's eyes narrowed. She whispered, "The curse has begun, though subtle. Only time will show its strength."
I felt a chill. Malachor's shadow stretched somewhere far away, invisible yet present. The curse wasn't just a mark—it was a timer.
Kristina didn't notice it yet. She was too focused, too brave. But I did. And it made my heart pound.
The Shadows' Final Wave
A massive shadow, taller than the tallest tree, emerged from the forest's edge. Its eyes glowed like red embers. It didn't attack immediately—it observed, as if gauging us.
Kristina and I exchanged a glance. "Ready?" I whispered.
She nodded. "Let's finish this. Together."
The battle was fierce. Trees bent, roots struck, paths twisted, barriers reflected. I guided shadows into traps Kristina created. She laughed mid-fight.
"Knight Kristopher, don't look so serious! Shadows hate fun!"
I rolled my eyes. "You're insane."
The giant shadow lunged, and for a moment, it felt like the forest itself held its breath. Then, Kristina and I acted as one. I twisted the paths, she reflected the attacks. The shadow shrieked and finally collapsed into smoke, retreating into the darkness.
We were exhausted. Panting. Covered in moss. But alive.
Aftermath
Grandma approached, placing a hand on each of our shoulders. "You've passed the test of synergy. You've learned to fight as one, to use laughter, creativity, and courage as weapons. But remember—this was only the beginning."
Mom hugged Kristina, who smiled weakly. "You two are amazing. But… be careful. There's more out there than shadows."
Kristina looked at me. "Whatever comes, we'll face it. Together."
I nodded. "Together. Always."
And somewhere in the darkness, far beyond our world, Malachor watched. Patient. Calm. Amused.