The silence that followed Kael’s words felt like a blade pressed to Aria’s throat—sharp, heavy with meaning, and utterly inescapable.

  > “Then it begins.”

  What did that even mean? What was beginning?

  Aria’s grip on her satchel tightened as she studied him. His golden eyes reflected the muted light of the forest canopy. There was something fierce about him—something held back. Not dangerous in the way of the man who burned her village—but dangerous in the way a storm could look calm before it struck.

  “I don’t trust you,” Aria said.

  Kael nodded once. “You shouldn’t. Not yet.”

  That answer unnerved her more than if he’d lied.

  He stood slowly and stepped aside, motioning to the trail behind him. “But whether you trust me or not, you’ll need protection. The Order of Veyr knows you live. And they don’t fail twice.”

  Aria’s throat tightened. “The Order of...?”

  “Veyr,” Kael said. “An ancient brotherhood. Guardians turned fanatics. They once swore to protect Eloria’s balance. Now they seek to control it. They fear what you are, Aria. And they will kill you to silence the prophecy.”

  The name struck something deep in her—like a locked door shivering on its hinges.

  “And you?” she asked. “You said you’ve been looking for me. Why?”

  “Because the prophecy doesn’t end with you,” Kael said, voice low. “It begins with you.”

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  He reached into his coat and pulled out a folded, time-worn parchment. Aria hesitated, then took it. As she unfolded it, her breath caught. It was an old illustration, hand-drawn and faded—but unmistakable.

  It was her. A girl with wild hair and fierce eyes, bearing the crescent star over her heart. She stood in front of a mountain split by lightning, a storm raging behind her, and above her head floated the same symbol that now pulsed on Aria’s skin.

  Beneath the image were words in a language Aria didn’t recognize—but her eyes widened when she reached the last line. It had been written in common tongue.

  > “The Seeker shall awaken in fire, marked by moonlight, chosen by the shattered flame.”

  Chosen. Awakened. It was too much. She wanted to scream. Instead, she handed the parchment back.

  “I never asked for this,” she whispered.

  Kael didn’t argue. “Prophecies rarely ask.”

  A distant howl tore through the forest. Not animal. Not human. Something wrong.

  Kael’s demeanor shifted instantly. “We need to move.”

  “What was that?”

  “Shadowhounds,” he said grimly. “Born of dark magic. They hunt by scent... and prophecy.”

  Aria paled. “Then they’re here for me.”

  Kael nodded. “They’ll chase you until your blood cools or the moon breaks. Whichever comes first.”

  Without another word, he turned and began running down a hidden path veiled by twisted vines. Aria followed, heart racing, lungs burning, feet flying over the roots and stones. Behind them, the howl rose again—closer, more shrill.

  The forest grew darker as they ran. The trees seemed to lean in, their branches reaching like claws. Aria stumbled but Kael caught her, pulling her up without stopping. His hand was rough, calloused—trained for war. She felt a flicker of strength from his grip... and something else she couldn’t name.

  They broke through the brush into a clearing surrounded by standing stones, ancient and moss-covered. At the center was a monolith carved with a crescent and star.

  Aria gasped. “That’s the same symbol...”

  “This is a Shrine of the First Flame,” Kael said. “Old magic lives here. It might give us time.”

  But the howl came again—right at the tree line. The shadows thickened. And then they appeared.

  Tall, skeletal beasts with skin like smoke and eyes like molten silver. Shadowhounds. At least three. Maybe more.

  Kael drew his sword—black steel with glowing runes.

  “Stay behind me.”

  But Aria wasn’t listening. Her mark—her mark was burning. Not with pain—but with power.

  She stepped forward, heart thundering. One of the hounds lunged—

  And the world shattered.

  A flash of white light burst from her chest, pure and blinding. The hound was thrown back into a tree, yelping in agony before vanishing in a wisp of smoke.

  Kael stood frozen.

  Aria stared at her hands, glowing faintly. Her breath came in short, sharp gasps.

  “I—I didn’t mean to... I don’t know what I did.”

  Kael looked at her with awe—and something else. Fear.

  “You’re waking up faster than I expected,” he said.

  “What’s happening to me?” she demanded.

  “You’re not just the Seeker anymore,” he said. “You’re becoming the Key.”