The next morning, Ethan woke with a strange warmth in his chest. The events of the previous night—the shadow beast, the glowing energy—felt like a dream. Yet the memory of the girl's silver eyes lingered, burning softly in his mind.
He returned to the Silver Forest, hoping to gather herbs, but something drew him deeper this time—an invisible pull toward the heart of the forest.
The sunlight barely touched the forest floor, filtered through towering silver-leaved trees. Birds with glowing feathers sang softly, creating a mystical atmosphere.
"Lyria…" Ethan whispered. He didn't know why he said her name, but it felt right.
Suddenly, a soft glow appeared ahead. There she was—Lyria, sitting beside a small, crystalline stream, her hands carefully touching the water. She didn't notice him at first, lost in her own thoughts.
When she looked up, her silver eyes met his. For a heartbeat, the world seemed to pause.
"You came back," she said softly, almost like a question.
"I… I wanted to make sure you're safe," Ethan replied. His voice sounded steadier than he felt.
She tilted her head, studying him. "You saved me last night… Why? You didn't even have magic."
Ethan shrugged, trying to hide the nervousness creeping up. "I just… didn't want to see you hurt. That's all."
Lyria's lips curved into a faint smile. "You're… different from others."
Before Ethan could respond, a rustle in the bushes made them both tense. A small shadow beast, younger than the one from last night, emerged. Its eyes glowed red, and it bared sharp teeth.
Ethan's chest burned, and the warmth from last night returned. He grabbed a fallen branch, ready to fight—but Lyria raised her hand.
"Wait," she whispered. Suddenly, a soft light surrounded her, forming a delicate barrier. The beast froze, growling, unable to cross.
Ethan stared, amazed. "You… can do magic?"
She shook her head, confused. "Not really… It's just… instinct, I think."
The beast finally retreated, and the forest fell silent again.
Ethan took a deep breath. "Lyria… I don't know why, but my heart chose you. I don't even know your story, but…" He hesitated, feeling the words heavy yet true.
Lyria looked at him for a long moment, then nodded. "Maybe… mine chose you too."
As they walked out of the forest together, the sun breaking through the silver leaves seemed to shine brighter. Something had shifted—not just in the forest, but in their hearts.
And deep above, a faint symbol glowed in the sky, the Fate Mark that had begun its silent countdown.