Kael hid behind the thick reeds, trying to steady his breath.
The villagers were close now. They would find him sooner rather than later.
The gem in his jacket pocket pulsed with power.
It had been dead just the day before, its glowing power gone. But Kael had kept it with the hopes that it wouldn't be gone forever.
Now, as soon as he was in danger again, it was back to protect him.
It spoke in his mind now, for the first time since his fight in the forest. Right before he'd lost control.
Kael could not let that happen again. When he'd lost control to this gem's overwhelming power, he'd put his friends in danger.
They mean to kill you, Kael, the gem said, its voice almost amused. They would see you dead, just like the others. Do not hesitate. Do not hold back.
He clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms. "I don't want to hurt them," he muttered under his breath. But the gem's presence was overpowering, a black tide flooding his senses.
