The deep, echoing toll of a bell rang across the valley, startling both Kael and Selena.
DONG!
DONG!
Selena stared toward the cliffs above. Between jagged stones and glowing crystals, a faint silhouette could be seen.
"From what I know… there must be a monk on the cliff that rang the bell," Selena whispered..
Kael frowned. "A monk? There?"
(What does this place have to do with monks?) Kael thought to himself, unsettled by the unknown.
Turning to Selena, he said. "Stay here until I clear all the demons in this valley."
"I… I'm scared," she said.
He placed his hand gently on her shoulder. "Fear is normal. But if you trust me, just stay back and don't move. I'll handle the rest."
Selena nodded reluctantly.
Then Kael stepped forward.
The growls echoed from every direction, circling like wolves ready to pounce.
Selena pressed her back against the tree. The faint light from the crystals shimmered across the clearing, reflecting off Kael's reforged sword.
