Episode 9 – Shadows Beneath the Silence
The sun hung low over the quiet village of Eirien, painting the rooftops gold and casting long shadows between the narrow paths. The scent of fresh bread from the baker's oven danced in the air, mixing with the earthy smell of dew-kissed grass. Children's laughter echoed faintly, yet something... felt different.
Kael stood in front of the small shop with a broom in his hand, sweeping slowly, absentmindedly. His movements were calm, practiced—but his eyes? Focused far beyond the street in front of him.
"Kael!"
A soft, familiar voice stirred him from his thoughts. He looked up, and there she was—Lyra, a light blue scarf wrapped around her neck, holding a small basket of herbs.
"You spaced out again." She smiled, but there was concern hiding behind her bright eyes. "Is something bothering you?"
Kael blinked. "No. Just… thinking."
He took the basket from her without asking and led her inside the shop.
Inside, the warm wooden shelves, glass jars of potion ingredients, and cozy chairs made everything feel normal—safe even. But Lyra's silence spoke louder than any words.
She sat near the window and watched the villagers go by.
"Do you ever get the feeling something is watching us?" she asked softly.
Kael paused. His hand froze while arranging herbs on the shelf. "...Sometimes."
Lyra shivered despite the warmth. "For the last few days, I've been feeling it. Like something… is moving through the shadows. It disappears when I look, but... it's there."
Kael didn't answer right away. He placed the last herb in the row and finally turned to her.
"Stay close to the shop after sunset," he said quietly.
Lyra raised an eyebrow. "What aren't you telling me?"
Before he could respond, the bell above the shop door rang as old Mrs. Elwen entered, waving cheerfully and asking for dried lemonroot. The moment was gone—but Lyra watched Kael carefully as he served the customer, noting the faint tension in his shoulders and how his eyes flicked toward the door more than once.
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That Night
A gentle wind rustled the trees outside Lyra's house. The moon was bright, but clouds slid across it like ghostly sails. She sat on her bed, a candle flickering beside her, reading an old book of elemental theory.
Suddenly, a sharp sound—like metal scraping stone—rang outside her window.
She stood up, heart racing. "Kael…?"
No answer. Just silence. Then... a shadow moved across the edge of the trees.
Lyra reached for the small dagger under her pillow.
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Meanwhile
Kael stood on the roof of his adoptive parents' house, eyes locked on the forest.
"It's too early…" he thought.
"They're already here."
A faint aura surrounded his body, barely noticeable to anyone watching—but within his gaze, elemental lines shimmered in the air.
He whispered to himself, "If they touch her… I won't hold back."
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To Be Continued…