The forest was quiet, but Malik knew better than to trust silence. His fingers drummed against the handle of his yo-yo, the thread humming faintly in response. Every branch, every rustle seemed charged, like the woods themselves were awake.
Naomi led the group, her makeshift blade held low, eyes scanning. "The Loom of Beasts isn't far," she said. "We need to reach it before the Spindle Court finishes marking this area."
Aubrey's blades flickered as she moved alongside Naomi. "I've been tracking some of their operatives," she said. "They're fast, and they know we're here. Whatever this Loom does… they want it for themselves."
Isaiah, hands glowing faint silver, scanned the treeline. "Then we stay sharp. No mistakes."
A low growl broke the tension. Malik froze, hearing it before he saw it. Shadow flickered between two trees—then a sleek, panther-like figure leapt into the clearing. Its eyes glowed faint gold, fur rippling like liquid darkness.
"Kesi," Malik whispered instinctively. He didn't know why that name came to him first.
The panther crouched, tail flicking, eyes studying him. Then it circled, graceful and silent, before settling near Malik's feet.
The Codex flared.
[Companion Bond Opportunity Detected]Kesi – Loom Beast (Shadow Panther)[ Bond Requires: Trust and shared survival ]
Malik knelt slowly, extending a hand. "Hey… we're not enemies. You're… safe here."
The panther tilted its head, sniffed the air, then brushed its body against Malik's leg. A thread of black and gold shimmered from Kesi to Malik's Codex interface.
[Companion Bond Established – Level 1]Special Ability: Shadow Meld – allows stealth and short-range phasing attacks
Naomi exhaled, surprised. "I've read about these. Loom Beasts are rare… and intelligent. You just bonded with one that could easily eat us all."
Malik grinned. "Told you I'm legendary."
Aubrey rolled her eyes. "Legendary or not, we need to keep moving. This thing probably just gave us a fighting chance—don't get distracted."
Isaiah gave a curt nod. "Agreed. The Spindle Court will be on our trail sooner than you think."
As they moved deeper into the forest, Malik felt a subtle shift within himself. His thread hummed with energy, connecting to Kesi, Naomi, and even the faint outline of Aubrey and Isaiah. The Codex flashed an update:
[Thread Ascension Path – Frayed Thread Stage Progress: 24%]New Skill Unlocked: Phantom Spin – channel thread energy through yo-yo to create temporary shadow duplicates for distraction and attack
Malik tested it instinctively. A shadowy duplicate of himself spun beside him, mirroring his yo-yo movements. Kesi hissed at it, then circled both duplicates and leapt into position, ready to strike.
Naomi shook her head. "You never stop showing off, do you?"
"Never," Malik said, spinning his yo-yo with a wicked grin. "But at least now, we all have backup."
Suddenly, the wind changed. Threads of silver light snaked through the trees, forming the faint outline of a sigil—the mark of the Spindle Court.
Isaiah's eyes narrowed. "They know we're here. And judging by that sigil, they're sending more than just a Cutter this time."
Malik felt his pulse quicken. "Well, at least we've got a shadow panther and some freaky-ass magic threads. Bring it."
Naomi exhaled slowly. "We'll need every ounce of skill we have… and every friend we can make. The Loom of Beasts isn't just a place. It's a test. And the Spindle Court won't let anyone survive it alive."
Kesi padded forward, growling low. Malik's grin widened. "Then let's make sure they regret coming after us."
The four of them moved forward, the forest alive with unseen eyes, and the threads of fate beginning to weave them tightly together.