The village was quiet as Kael and Yuna made their way through its narrow streets, the sun sinking low and casting long shadows over the rustic homes. The place felt peaceful, serene even—but it was the calm before a storm.
Yuna kept close to Kael, her gaze sweeping over the people around them. She hadn't quite shaken the words from the mysterious man earlier, and now, her mind was in turmoil. Could those really have been her parents? The idea seemed impossible, yet something deep inside her felt drawn to this village, as if fate had led her here.
As the evening settled in, the sound of footsteps broke the silence—heavy boots, marching with purpose. Kael stiffened, sensing something wasn't right.
"Stay close," he murmured to Yuna, his hand instinctively moving to the hilt of his sword.
They rounded a corner, and that's when they saw them—the Black Fangs.
A small group of men and women in dark cloaks, their presence like a shadow over the peaceful village. Kael's eyes narrowed, and he felt a wave of recognition. These were the same people who had attacked them before, the ones who had served Veyrith.
But something was different this time. They weren't looking for a fight—at least, not yet. They were searching for something. Or someone.
The leader of the group, a tall, menacing figure, glanced around the village with sharp eyes. His cold gaze fixed on Kael. The man's lips curled into a sneer.
"There you are…" he muttered, eyes narrowing further as he took a step toward Kael.
Yuna's breath caught in her throat. "Who is he?"
Kael clenched his fists. He didn't have to be told. This man was Veyrith.
"You've got a lot of nerve showing up here," Kael said, his voice steady but filled with the weight of all that had passed between them.
Veyrith grinned, a malicious glint in his eyes. "I'm here for what belongs to my master."
Yuna took a step back, sensing the tension in the air. "What are you talking about?"
Veyrith's eyes flashed to her for a moment, but then he focused back on Kael, his smile growing wider. "That mark on your chest… The one I gave you. You don't think I forgot about that, do you? I've been waiting for this moment, Kael Lucien."
Yuna's eyes flicked from Kael to Veyrith, her heart pounding in her chest. She didn't fully understand the weight of what was happening, but she could feel the danger in the air, the crackling tension between them.
"I don't want to fight," Kael said, his hand tightening around the sword's hilt. "But if it's a fight you're looking for, I'm ready."
Veyrith laughed, a low, dangerous sound. "You think you can stop me? After all, you're just a Glow Sigil user. What can you do?"
"I'm not as weak as you think," Kael replied, his eyes flashing with determination. "And I won't let you destroy this village."
Veyrith's grin faded, replaced by a serious expression. "You don't understand, Kael. You never have. This is bigger than you. The sword you seek—the one that your little 'friend' is so eager to find—isn't just a weapon. It's a key to something far more dangerous than you can imagine."
Yuna stepped forward. "The sword?"
Veyrith's gaze shifted toward her. "It's a demonic sword, buried deep beneath this village. No one can touch it. But if anyone can wield it, they would be unstoppable."
Kael's eyes widened. "Wait… what do you mean? It's here?"
Veyrith's grin returned, but there was no humor in it. "Oh, it's here, all right. But good luck getting your hands on it. It's buried deep beneath this village, and it's not a sword that can just be taken by anyone."
He turned toward his group, signaling for them to move. "But I don't need it. I only need one thing…"
Before Kael could react, Veyrith's eyes flashed with dark intent. He lunged forward, and before Kael could even draw his sword, the Black Fangs closed in.
But Kael was ready. He raised his right hand, sending a surge of telekinetic energy outward, knocking the nearest attacker off their feet. But more rushed in, surrounding them.
"We'll see if you can stop us this time," Veyrith taunted, stepping back to watch Kael's every move.
Kael fought back with everything he had, his sword flashing in the dim light, his powers crackling around him. But it was clear—Veyrith had been waiting for this moment. The fight was far from over.
Yuna stood beside Kael, ready to defend him, her eyes sharp and focused. She might not understand everything that was going on, but one thing was clear—these people would stop at nothing to get what they wanted.
And Kael… Kael was determined to protect everything that mattered, even if it meant facing the darkness head-on.