Aiden followed Selene through the dense underbrush, adrenaline still coursing through his veins. The weight of their encounter lingered in the air, the tension palpable as they navigated the forest. He could hear the distant sounds of the city—cars honking, people bustling—but the forest felt like a world away.

“What do we do now?” Aiden asked, glancing at Selene, who moved with purpose, her expression focused.

“We need to get you somewhere safe,” she replied. “There are places in the city where we can find allies—people who understand what you’re going through.”

“Do you think they’ll help?” Aiden felt a mixture of hope and skepticism. The weight of his new reality was heavy, and he wasn’t sure who he could trust.

Selene paused, turning to face him. “Trust is a luxury we can’t afford right now. But there are those who have fought against the hunters, and they can teach you more than I can. You’ll need all the help you can get.”

Aiden nodded, determination rising within him. He could feel the storm of uncertainty swirling in his mind, but he couldn’t let fear control him. “Let’s go, then.”

They emerged from the forest, stepping onto a quiet street lined with trees. The sunlight broke through the clouds, casting a warm glow over the city. But Aiden couldn’t shake the feeling of being watched. The world felt different now, every shadow holding the potential for danger.

As they made their way toward the heart of the city, Aiden’s mind raced with questions. He had barely begun to understand his powers, and now he was being thrust into a conflict that felt larger than life.

“Selene, what exactly am I facing?” he asked, his voice steady despite the anxiety simmering beneath the surface. “Who are these hunters?”

“They’re known as the Harbingers,” she replied, her expression darkening. “They are mercenaries who hunt demigods and their descendants. They seek to control the bloodlines of the gods, bending them to their will.”

Aiden clenched his fists. “Why me? Why now?”

“Your father’s legacy makes you a target. They believe that if they can control you, they can gain access to the power of the storm,” she said, her voice low. “But you have something they don’t—a choice. You can fight against it.”

“What if I don’t want to fight?” Aiden’s voice trembled. “What if I just want to be normal?”

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Selene stopped and looked him in the eye, her gaze intense. “There’s no such thing as normal for someone like you. You have a power that can change everything, Aiden. It’s your choice whether to embrace it or let it consume you.”

He took a deep breath, feeling the weight of her words settle over him. He had already crossed a line he could never uncross, and there was no going back. “I’m in. I’ll fight.”

“Good,” Selene said, a faint smile breaking through her serious demeanor. “But remember, this path will test you in ways you can’t imagine.”

As they walked deeper into the city, the vibrant atmosphere contrasted sharply with the tension brewing within Aiden. They turned a corner and approached a small, unassuming building nestled between larger, more imposing structures.

“This is it,” Selene said, stopping in front of a wooden door. “It may not look like much, but this place is a sanctuary for those like us.”

Aiden hesitated, feeling a surge of uncertainty. “What if they don’t accept me?”

“Trust in your instincts,” Selene replied, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “And remember, you have a purpose now. You’re not alone in this fight.”

With a deep breath, Aiden pushed the door open. The interior was dimly lit, filled with the warm glow of lanterns hanging from the ceiling. The walls were adorned with various artifacts—ancient weapons, scrolls, and paintings that depicted battles long forgotten. A mix of people filled the room, each one casting curious glances their way.

As they entered, a tall man with a rugged appearance approached them. His eyes were sharp and assessing, and he had an air of authority that made Aiden stand a little straighter.

“Selene,” the man greeted, nodding respectfully. “And you must be Aiden.”

“Yeah,” Aiden replied, his voice steadier than he felt. “I’m here for help.”

The man’s gaze softened slightly. “You’ve come to the right place. I’m Elias, and we’ve been expecting you.”

“What do you mean?” Aiden asked, confusion flickering in his mind.

“We’ve heard whispers about a demigod emerging in the city, one with the potential to wield the storm,” Elias explained. “You’re not the first we’ve seen, but you may be the most powerful.”

Aiden felt a mix of pride and fear at the acknowledgment. “I don’t even know how to control it.”

“Then you’ve come to the right place,” Elias said, his tone reassuring. “We can teach you how to harness your power. But first, we need to understand the threat you’re facing.”

Selene stepped forward, her voice resolute. “The Harbingers are hunting him. We barely escaped an encounter in the forest, but they will not give up easily.”

Elias nodded, his expression turning serious. “Then we need to prepare. Aiden, we will train you to use your abilities, but we must also fortify our defenses. The city may be safer than the woods, but it is not impenetrable.”

Aiden felt a mix of anxiety and excitement. For the first time, he was surrounded by people who understood what he was going through. This was his chance to learn and fight back.

“Let’s get to work,” he said, determination flooding his voice. “I want to be ready.”

As he followed Elias deeper into the sanctuary, Aiden felt the storm within him settling into a calm focus. He was no longer just a boy haunted by dreams—he was part of something greater, and he was ready to take a stand.