The morning mist hung over Eldoria like a silver veil, softening the palace spires into shadowy silhouettes. Even the usual bustle of the courtyard seemed muted. Soldiers whispered, servants moved silently, and the air carried a weight of unease that made Elara shiver.
Her father, Alaric, walked beside her, carrying his satchel of herbs. Today, they were heading to the palace, summoned unexpectedly.
"Father… why did they call you here?" she asked quietly, nerves tingling.
Alaric's expression was grave. "Reports from the eastern fields describe injuries I've only seen in rare cases. The King wants me to examine them. You're coming too. Your knowledge might help identify the threat."
Elara's heartbeat quickened. Being summoned to the palace for something this serious was new — and frightening. She gripped her satchel tightly, trying to steady herself.
Inside the grand hall, King Aldric sat at the head of a long, polished table. General Lysender and several advisors leaned over scattered reports, voices low and tense.
"Alaric," the King began, his voice calm but heavy, "thank you for coming. Your skill is needed to understand the injuries the scouts have encountered."
Alaric bowed. "Your Majesty. I will do my utmost."
The King's gaze shifted to Elara. "Bring your daughter. Her knowledge may also be of use."
Elara froze. "Me? In the palace?"
"You'll stay close to your father," the King said. "But your insight may prove valuable."
General Lysender slammed a hand on the table. "Reports speak of livestock drained of life, trees scorched from within, and scouts too frightened to approach the sites. This is no ordinary threat!"
Kaelen, leaning against a pillar, observed silently. "A beast," he said finally, calm but dangerous. "Not random attacks. Eldoria is being tested."
Elara stepped forward. "The injuries I've treated… they match what the scouts describe. The wounds aren't torn or burned by fire. They were… drained of life."
All eyes turned to her. Lyra, leaning near the doorway, raised a brow, clearly unimpressed.
King Aldric's voice rang out. "You will accompany a scouting group. Your observations may be crucial."
Elara blinked. "Into the forest?"
Kaelen's lips curved into a faint smirk. "Stay close to me. Don't wander off."
Lyra stepped forward, voice sharp. "If the healer's daughter goes, so do I. I won't be left behind."
The King nodded. "Very well. Both of you will accompany the group under Kaelen's supervision. Be cautious."
The forest greeted them with an unnatural silence. No birds, no wind, not even insects. Even their footsteps sounded unnervingly loud against the damp earth. Trees that looked normal from afar revealed cracked bark and traces of internal heat.
Elara knelt to examine a scorched tree. Warmth radiated unnaturally from within it. Kaelen crouched beside her, eyes sharp.
"Still certain you belong here?" he murmured.
Elara met his gaze steadily. "I think it doesn't want us here at all."
He smirked faintly. Not teasing. Observing.
They reached a clearing covered in soft ash, yet nothing appeared burned. The air felt… wrong. Thick. Heavy.
A shadow moved. Massive. Still. Watching.
The soldiers froze.
Lyra, eager to prove herself, stepped forward with her blade.
The Varyndor — the forest's legendary guardian — lifted its head. Its golden eyes locked on Elara.
It paused.
Didn't bow. Didn't attack. Just… observed.
Elara felt a warmth on her wrist. A faint mark glimmered briefly, then faded. She quickly hid it. Kaelen noticed.
"Not afraid," he murmured.
"I am," she admitted softly. "But it doesn't feel like it wants to hurt me."
Kaelen's eyes narrowed. "Or it already knows you."
The Varyndor exhaled smoke and melted back into the shadows. Silence followed, heavier than before.
On the walk back to the palace, tension lingered like a storm cloud. Soldiers whispered theories. Lyra's gaze never left Elara, jealousy and frustration warring in her expression.
Back inside, King Aldric convened a meeting to plan next steps. Alaric explained the peculiar nature of the injuries and the strange warmth Elara had felt from the beast. Kaelen listened closely, occasionally glancing at her, a silent acknowledgment passing between them.
Somewhere deep in the forest, golden eyes glimmered again, watching, waiting…