The morning light barely reached the forest floor, slipping through the canopy in thin, pale beams that were swallowed almost immediately by the towering trees. As they walked deeper, a creeping, unnatural chill began to cling to their skin, whispering along their necks. The forest was too quiet.
Eiden walked in the center, his cloak brushing against damp leaves, flanked by Vaelus and Selyndra. The golden-haired sage glanced at their companion, noting the soft glow in his gaze. "I see your eyes have their natural glow again," she said softly. "They look nice."
Vaelus blinked, caught off guard, and offered a nervous grin. "Thanks… I guess."
They continued, but soon a subtle wrongness seeped into the air. The trees became too familiar, the path identical, and the wind carried no new scents or sounds. The forest was looping.
Eiden slowed to a halt. "Stop."
"Yeah… you noticed it as well?" Selyndra asked, her voice low. Vaelus scanned the area, his hand drifting toward his hilt. "Something's off. Really off."
Eiden brought his fingers together in front of his chest. "It's clear we're inside a Veilcraft. A looping illusion." He closed his eyes, took a single breath, and commanded, "Veilshatter."
The world convulsed. Trees bent inward and the sky twisted like melting glass before the illusion shattered like a mirror struck by a hammer. When the distortion faded, they stood in a dark, damp stone chamber thick with the scent of earth and fur. Shadows crawled along the walls, and low growls echoed as werewolves emerged, their glowing blue eyes locked onto the intruders with predatory hunger.
"It seems we've found them," Selyndra said, casually fixing her hair.
One werewolf lunged at Eiden, jaws wide. Without moving, Eiden released a pulse of invisible force. "Moph'ei." The beast was thrown backward as if struck by a giant's fist, sprawling across the floor.
"Enough."
The voice was deep and commanding, echoing like thunder. Every werewolf froze and retreated into the corners, lowering their heads. A figure stepped into view before a throne of bones. His fur was black and ruffled, thick as a mane, and his deep red eyes burned with authority.
"Welcome," he reverberated. "Eiden, The First Divinity. Selyndra, The Golden Sage. And Vaelus, The Chronomage. Welcome to my den." He leaned back. "I am Ravnok the Dire, the werewolf king—"
"We already know your name, Ravnok," Eiden cut him off cleanly.
Ravnok blinked, cleared his throat, and adjusted his posture. "May I ask why you went through all this trouble to get here?"
Selyndra explained the situation regarding the village crops, noting that werewolves didn't usually roam this region. Ravnok's red eyes narrowed. He lifted a palm, creating a luminous miniature moon that cast silver light across the chamber.
"To the one who caused trouble… step forward. You are not in trouble."
A skinny, trembling werewolf stepped out, dropping to his knees. "I—I'm sorry, sir! I was just hungry!"
"Tomorrow morning," Ravnok said, his voice low and resonant, "you will personally apologize to that old woman. You will go at first light and return before the sun fully rises. If you fail… you are no longer under my protection. You will be cast out."
The werewolf scrambled back into the shadows, shaking. Ravnok turned his attention back to the sages. "If that is all, you may leave through the exit behind you."
Selyndra and Vaelus turned to go, but Eiden remained. "Eiden?" Vaelus asked.
"Do you have something to ask?" Ravnok raised an eyebrow.
Eiden stepped forward. "What was the reason for your move here? I thought your previous region was fine."
The chamber grew colder as Ravnok's expression darkened. "The Angel King," he said slowly. "He has rebuilt his armies. He struck my castle at midnight. My people barely escaped." His claws tapped a restless rhythm against the bone throne. "He threatened to have the Black Wraith wipe my race out of existence. And honestly? I believe him."
Selyndra's eyes flicked toward Eiden.
"That's impossible," Eiden said firmly. "He's dead."
"Presumed dead," Ravnok corrected.
"Eiden killed the Black Wraith many years ago," Selyndra added.
Ravnok looked genuinely surprised. "Hmph. Would've been nice if that was announced when it happened… but very well. If that is all, you are free to leave."
"I'll make sure to deal with the Angel King," Eiden promised as he turned toward the exit. "So you can move back."
The three walked down a long tunnel carved with glowing runes until they reached a set of stone steps. They emerged into the open forest, greeted by a rush of fresh air and warm, golden sunlight. Birds chirped overhead, and the world felt alive again.
Vaelus stretched and groaned. "Alright, can we go now?"
"Yes," Eiden said, already walking ahead into the glinting light. "We still have a journey to finish."