CHAPTER 5 – The Hunter in the Woods
The northern forest was eerily silent as Kael and his knights pushed through.
A thick trail of blackened earth led into the deeper trees.
"Spread out," Kael ordered. "We find who—or what—did this."
One knight knelt. "These scorch marks… they curve, like claw swipes."
Kael's eyes sharpened. "Claws? From what creature?"
Before anyone could answer, a faint clang echoed ahead.
Kael drew his sword. The knights followed.
In a small clearing stood a lone man in dark armor, his cloak bearing a dragon-hunter insignia—ancient, outlawed, forgotten by history.
Kael stepped forward. "Identify yourself."
The hunter smirked. "Tracking a beast."
"There are no beasts here."
"Oh, but there is." The man tapped his temple. "I can smell its magic. Old magic."
Kael's grip tightened. "Explain. Now."
The hunter's eyes gleamed.
"Tell me, Lord Ardent… have you ever wondered why the tremors began the very week your engagement was announced?"
Kael froze.
"What are you implying?"
The hunter tilted his head. "The Black Dragon is alive. And she's hiding in your capital."
A chill coursed down Kael's spine.
"That's impossible."
The hunter chuckled. "Is it? I'm only here to finish a thousand-year-old job."
Kael stepped in front of his men. "If you threaten my kingdom, you threaten me."
The hunter's smile widened. "Good. Then you won't like what comes next."
A burst of black lightning erupted behind him—scorching the ground.
Kael shielded his knights, eyes wide.
What kind of magic is this…?
Far away, Velene collapsed to her knees, gasping.
They found me.
[CHAPTER ENDS]