The quiet twilight of the forest stretched out around them, the trees cast in shadow and soft light as the stars began to emerge above. Mihai, Cian, and Elanor had set up camp, and a comfortable silence settled over the group as they prepared for the journey ahead. They sat near the edge of the clearing, where a large, dark-furred shape lay in restful slumber: Raven.
It had been days since Raven had entered his dormant state. Mihai knew something had changed in his companion, as the wolf’s form had grown larger, his muscles thicker and his frame more powerful. Now, resting peacefully, Raven was nearly the size of a horse, his paws as broad as Mihai’s hand. His fur had a new, steely sheen, and his fangs glinted white in the dim light, sharper than any blade.
A rustle of leaves caught Mihai’s attention, and he saw Raven’s eyes open slowly. Deep, amber-gold eyes met Mihai’s, filled with intelligence and understanding that had always lingered just below the surface. But now, there was something more—a wisdom, a silent strength that felt nearly ancient.
Raven rose to his feet, his movements calm but powerful. Mihai felt a surge of gratitude and awe; his companion was transformed, ready to face the darkness beside him.
“Raven,” Mihai greeted quietly, a smile breaking through his normally reserved expression. He placed a hand on the wolf’s shoulder, feeling the warmth and strength radiate through his fur. “I wasn’t sure how long you’d be resting.”
The wolf’s eyes held his, and for a moment, Mihai thought he saw something—an echo of thoughts, of words unspoken. Then, as if sensing Mihai’s desire for understanding, Raven inclined his head, his voice entering Mihai’s mind as clearly as if he’d spoken.
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“Mihai,” came Raven’s deep, rumbling voice, the sound almost reverberating within Mihai’s thoughts. “I have returned to walk this path with you. I feel the call of darkness as you do—the need to restore balance.”
Mihai’s hand tightened slightly on Raven’s fur. “I’m glad you’re here, Raven. I… I think we’re going to need every bit of strength we can gather. This world—it’s darker than I thought, and it needs more than just a warrior.”
Raven’s gaze softened. “You feel it, don’t you? The weight of the duty given to you. But tell me, Mihai… why do you truly walk this path?”
Mihai felt a pang of vulnerability as he considered Raven’s question. He looked down at the forest floor, his thoughts momentarily scattered. “I… I think, at first, I was just trying to survive, to adapt to this world. But as I met others—Cian, Elanor, the elves… I started to see the world differently. I saw a place worth protecting, lives worth saving.”
Raven’s eyes did not waver. “And after your duty here is done, what will you seek? Balance may be restored, but where will you go, Mihai?”
Mihai looked away, his voice softening. “Maybe it sounds strange, but… I’d like a peaceful life, someday. To settle down, away from battle. I dream of… family. Friends. I want to build something that lasts, a legacy beyond just survival.”
He glanced over at Elanor, who was tending to the fire, her movements graceful as she worked in the flickering light. “And maybe, if I’m lucky, someone to share it with.”
Raven’s eyes followed Mihai’s gaze, and there was a knowing warmth in his voice. “You fancy her, then? Elanor?”
Mihai felt a warmth creep into his cheeks but nodded. “She’s… different from anyone I’ve ever met. She’s strong, wise, and there’s a kindness in her I can’t explain. But I don’t know if she sees me the same way.”
Raven let out a soft rumbling sound, almost like a chuckle. “Perhaps you should let her decide that.”
Mihai laughed, a bit of the tension easing from his shoulders. “Maybe you’re right. Either way, I’ll keep fighting. For this world, for balance… and for a chance at something more.”
Raven stepped closer, pressing his broad, warm head against Mihai’s shoulder in a rare display of affection. “Then let us walk this path together, Mihai. Until the darkness has been driven back.”