Kael trudged through the winding forest paths, his boots crunching against the underbrush. The sunlight filtered through the dense canopy above, casting dappled shadows on the ground. His thoughts churned as he walked, each step bringing him closer to the city Aelira had mentioned—Vehrin.

The encounter with the brigands still lingered in his mind. He had won, but the effort had drained him more than he cared to admit. His powers were vast, but they demanded precision and control. Thalorn’s words echoed in his mind: “Power without balance is self-destruction waiting to happen.”

He sighed, running a hand through his hair. “Easier said than done, old man.”

The sound of rustling leaves broke his thoughts. Kael froze, his senses sharpening. He scanned the forest, his hand hovering near his hip as if to summon a weapon.

A figure stepped out from behind a tree, their hands raised in a gesture of peace. “Relax, friend. It’s just me.”

Kael narrowed his eyes, recognizing the auburn-haired woman from earlier. “Aelira. You again.”

She grinned, her green eyes twinkling. “Miss me already?”

Kael didn’t lower his guard. “What do you want?”

Aelira slung her bow over her shoulder and leaned casually against a tree. “I could ask you the same thing. You’re heading to Vehrin, aren’t you?”

Kael hesitated before nodding. “Yeah. Why?”

“Because I’m heading there too,” she said, pushing off the tree. “And if you’re smart, you’ll let me tag along. The road to Vehrin isn’t exactly safe.”

“I can handle myself,” Kael replied, his tone clipped.

“Sure, I saw how you handled yourself back there,” Aelira said with a smirk. “You’re strong, no doubt about it. But strength doesn’t mean much when you’re ambushed by a pack of razorfang wolves or a group of more organized bandits.”

Kael studied her for a moment, weighing his options. He didn’t trust her, but she had a point. This world was new to him, and he couldn’t afford to let his pride get in the way of survival.

“Fine,” he said reluctantly. “But if you try anything—”

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Aelira raised her hands again, her grin widening. “Relax, hero. I’m not here to rob you. If anything, I might save your life.”

Kael rolled his eyes and started walking again. Aelira fell into step beside him, her movements light and agile.

“So,” she said after a moment, “what brings you to Vehrin?”

Kael glanced at her, debating how much to reveal. “Looking for answers.”

“Cryptic,” she said with a chuckle. “Let me guess: mysterious past, unknown powers, a destiny you didn’t choose?”

Kael shot her a look, but her teasing grin didn’t falter.

“Hit a nerve, did I?” she said, her tone playful.

Kael sighed. “Something like that.”

“Well, you’re not the only one with secrets,” Aelira said, her voice softening. “But don’t worry. Vehrin’s a good place to start. It’s a melting pot of people from all over Eryndral. You’ll fit right in.”

Kael didn’t respond, his focus on the path ahead.

They walked in silence for a while, the forest gradually giving way to rolling plains. The sun was beginning to dip toward the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink.

“We should make camp soon,” Aelira said, glancing at the darkening sky.

Kael nodded, scanning the area for a suitable spot. They found a small clearing near a stream, and Kael immediately set to gathering firewood while Aelira unpacked a small satchel filled with supplies.

“So,” Aelira said as she struck flint against steel, sparking a small flame, “how long have you been using those powers of yours?”

Kael froze for a moment before continuing to arrange the wood. “Long enough.”

Aelira arched an eyebrow. “That’s not an answer.”

Kael sat down across from her, his expression guarded. “Why do you care?”

She shrugged, poking at the fire as it grew. “Call it curiosity. People like you don’t just wander into Eryndral. You’ve got power—real power. And power always comes with a story.”

Kael stared into the flames, the flickering light reflecting in his eyes. “I don’t remember much,” he admitted quietly. “Just fragments. But I know I have to keep moving, keep getting stronger.”

Aelira studied him, her teasing demeanor replaced by something more thoughtful. “Sounds lonely.”

Kael didn’t respond.

The silence stretched between them, broken only by the crackling of the fire and the distant calls of night creatures.

“You’re not wrong,” Aelira said finally. “About needing to get stronger. This world... it’s not kind to people who aren’t prepared.”

Kael looked up at her, surprised by the sudden shift in her tone.

“But,” she continued, her green eyes meeting his, “strength isn’t just about power. It’s about knowing when to use it—and when not to.”

Kael frowned. “You sound like someone I used to know.”

Aelira smiled faintly. “Maybe I am. Or maybe I’m just someone who’s been around long enough to learn a thing or two.”

They sat in silence after that, the fire casting long shadows around them. Kael found himself wondering if he’d made the right choice in trusting her, but something about her felt... genuine.

As the stars began to dot the night sky, Kael lay back on the grass, his mind filled with questions. He didn’t know what awaited him in Vehrin, but he knew one thing for certain—he wasn’t turning back.

Aelira’s voice broke the silence. “Get some rest, hero. Tomorrow’s going to be a long day.”

Kael closed his eyes, the weight of the day finally catching up to him. And as he drifted off to sleep, he couldn’t shake the feeling that his journey was only just beginning.