Kael’s steps were steady but deliberate as he continued through the rolling plains, Aelira trailing a few paces behind him. The city of Vehrin was still a day’s journey away, but its presence already loomed in his thoughts. He had no memory of this world, its customs, or its people—only fragments of instincts that told him survival would be an uphill battle.

“Still brooding?” Aelira’s voice broke the silence, her tone light and teasing.

Kael didn’t turn back to look at her. “Not brooding. Thinking.”

“Ah, the strong, silent type,” she quipped. “You know, you’re going to have to open up eventually. Vehrin’s not exactly the kind of place where loners thrive.”

Kael stopped abruptly, turning to face her. “And what’s that supposed to mean?”

Aelira arched an eyebrow. “You’ll see soon enough. Vehrin’s a city of opportunity, sure, but it’s also a den of vipers. You’ll need allies, whether you like it or not.”

“Allies can become enemies,” Kael said, his voice flat.

“True,” she admitted, shrugging. “But enemies are a lot harder to turn into allies after the fact. Just saying.”

Kael stared at her for a moment, then resumed walking. Aelira smiled to herself, satisfied that her words had at least made him pause.

The sun began its slow descent, bathing the plains in a golden glow. They came across a fork in the road, one path leading through a dense forest and the other skirting its edge.

“Which way?” Kael asked, his gaze shifting between the two paths.

“The forest is faster,” Aelira said, her tone tinged with reluctance. “But it’s also more dangerous. Bandits, beasts, and worse.”

Kael considered her words. “And the other path?”

“Safer,” she replied, “but it’ll add at least half a day to our journey.”

Kael’s eyes narrowed. He didn’t like delays, but neither did he want to risk an unnecessary fight. His thoughts drifted to his training with Thalorn—specifically, the lessons on assessing risk and reward.

Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

“Forest,” he decided.

Aelira gave him a wry smile. “Figures. Let’s hope you’re as good with that power of yours as you think.”

They entered the forest, the air growing cooler under the canopy of ancient trees. The sounds of the plains faded behind them, replaced by the rustle of leaves and the distant calls of unseen creatures.

“Stay close,” Kael said, his voice low.

“Don’t have to tell me twice,” Aelira muttered, her bow already in hand.

The path wound deeper into the forest, the underbrush thickening with every step. Kael’s senses were on high alert, his gaze flicking between the shadows.

Suddenly, a low growl rumbled through the air. Kael stopped, holding up a hand to signal Aelira to do the same.

“Wolves?” she whispered, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Kael shook his head. “Something bigger.”

The growl grew louder, followed by the sound of heavy footsteps. From the shadows emerged a massive creature, its fur black as night and its eyes glowing with an unnatural red light. It resembled a wolf, but its size was more akin to that of a bear, and its jagged fangs gleamed in the fading light.

“Razorfang alpha,” Aelira said, her voice tense.

The beast snarled, its gaze locking onto Kael.

“Let me guess,” Kael said, his voice dry. “Not friendly.”

“Not in the slightest,” Aelira replied, notching an arrow to her bowstring.

The razorfang lunged without warning, its massive claws slicing through the air. Kael sidestepped, his movements quick and fluid. He reached out, summoning a blade of energy into his hand, the weapon crackling with raw power.

Aelira loosed an arrow, the projectile striking the beast’s flank. It howled in rage but didn’t falter, its focus remaining on Kael.

Kael met the creature’s charge head-on, his blade slashing through its fur. The razorfang yelped as the energy seared its flesh, but it retaliated with a swipe of its claws. Kael ducked, narrowly avoiding the attack, and countered with a blast of energy that sent the beast staggering.

“Keep it off balance!” Aelira shouted, firing another arrow.

Kael didn’t need her advice. He pressed his advantage, his attacks relentless. But the razorfang was tenacious, its movements quick and unpredictable.

The battle raged on, the forest echoing with the sounds of combat. Kael’s strikes became more precise, his movements honed by years of training—even if he couldn’t remember them.

Finally, with a roar, he plunged his blade into the razorfang’s chest. The creature let out a final, pained howl before collapsing to the ground.

Kael stepped back, his chest heaving as he dispelled the energy blade. Aelira approached cautiously, her bow still at the ready.

“Well,” she said after a moment, “that was... impressive.”

Kael glanced at her, his expression unreadable. “Let’s keep moving.”

Aelira nodded, though her eyes lingered on him a moment longer. She couldn’t shake the feeling that there was more to Kael than he let on.

As they continued through the forest, the tension between them eased slightly. The fight had proven one thing: Kael was more than capable of holding his own.

But Aelira knew the road to Vehrin would only grow more perilous. And she couldn’t help but wonder if Kael’s strength would be enough to face the challenges ahead.