The days grow shorter, the skies darker, as if the world itself holds its breath. Eldren Hollow feels smaller somehow, the walls pressing in as whispers of fear spread through the village like wildfire.
Kael's training with Lyra intensifies, each session a battle not just against external forces but the storm inside him. The Mark of the Hidden burns hotter, an unyielding pulse beneath his skin reminding him that time is running out.
Tonight, Lyra leads him beyond the village borders, deep into the forest where the trees crowd close and the moonlight barely penetrates.
"This is where you face your first trial," she says, her voice low and steady.
Kael's heart hammers. The forest is alive with strange sounds—the rustle of leaves, the snap of twigs, shadows twisting at the edges of vision.
"Close your eyes," Lyra commands.
He obeys, sinking into the darkness behind his lids.
Inside, the world shifts. A cold wind howls, carrying voices of the lost and forgotten.
He stands alone before the great door—tall, ancient, etched with runes that glow faintly in the gloom.
Suddenly, the air ripples. From the shadows steps the Keeper of the Gate, cloaked in darkness, eyes burning with a cruel light.
"Why do you seek to bind me?" the figure hisses.
Kael's breath catches, fear gnawing at his resolve.
"I'm here to stop the darkness," he says, voice trembling but fierce.
The Keeper smiles, a twisted curl of shadow. "Then prove it."
The ground beneath Kael's feet fractures, splitting open to reveal a chasm filled with writhing shadows. The darkness reaches for him, tendrils of cold smoke curling around his ankles.
Kael fights the urge to panic, reaching deep inside himself to the Mark glowing bright on his palm.
A surge of light bursts forth, pushing the shadows back.
The Keeper snarls, summoning a whirlwind of black mist that swirls toward Kael like a living storm.
Kael stands firm, channeling his power, weaving the Words of Binding taught by Lyra.
The light flares brighter, the door shimmering into view behind the shadowy figure.
With a roar, Kael reaches out and presses his glowing hand against the door's surface.
A shock ripples through him—pain, memory, power—all crashing into one.
Then silence.
The shadows retreat, the Keeper vanishes, and the forest breathes again.
Kael collapses to his knees, breath ragged but triumphant.
Lyra steps forward, eyes gleaming with pride. "You have passed the trial."
Kael looks up at her, exhaustion and relief mingling in his gaze.
"But the real battle has only just begun."