The first rays of sunlight filtered through the towering pines, casting long, eerie shadows across the clearing where Elias lay. His muscles ached, and a deep weariness clung to him like a shroud. But beneath the exhaustion, something new had awakened—a cautious hope.
Lucan sat beside him, his eyes scanning the horizon. "You passed the first trial. Not many do."
Elias tried to sit up, wincing as pain shot through his limbs. "What now? How do I stop the darkness?"
Lucan's gaze softened for a moment. "You must bear the Mark of the Line. It will protect you—and bind your power."
Before Elias could ask more, Lucan reached into his cloak and produced a small, intricately carved dagger, its blade shimmering with a faint blue light.
"This will not only mark you but awaken the strength hidden within your blood," Lucan explained. "But beware—the ritual is painful. It will burn, and your soul will tremble. You must endure."
Elias's hands trembled as Lucan pressed the blade lightly against his forearm. The cold metal bit into his skin, and pain flared like wildfire. A searing heat spread through his veins, as if fire danced beneath his flesh.
He gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out, while strange symbols—ancient runes—began to glow faintly on his skin. The pain ebbed into a humming energy, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat.
When Lucan finally withdrew the dagger, the mark remained: a dark, twisting pattern etched deep into Elias's flesh.
"You carry the burden now," Lucan said, voice grave. "This mark will draw the darkness near, but it will also give you power to fight back."
Elias flexed his arm, feeling the power ripple through him. Yet, a shadow lurked at the edges of his vision—a silent warning.
Lucan stood, eyes sharp. "Come. There is much to prepare. The Wraiths have sensed your awakening. They will come for you soon."
Elias's throat tightened, but he nodded, ready to face whatever nightmares awaited.
Together, they vanished into the forest's depths—two warriors bound by blood, fate, and a war that would consume them both.
—