The forest was silent, too silent.
Even the wind seemed afraid to move.
Elian walked at the front, his hand resting over his chest where the seal pulsed weakly.
Kael trailed behind, sword ready, scanning the trees.
Lyra walked beside Elian, her magic glowing faintly blue, lighting their path through the dark woods.
They had been traveling for two days since the seal first reacted. But the pain inside Elian hadn't stopped—it felt like something deep within him was trying to breathe.
Suddenly, Kael froze. "Don't move."
His voice was sharp, alert.
Elian turned slowly—and saw it.
A figure stood among the trees, wrapped in a red cloak that shimmered like liquid fire. His face was hidden behind a black mask carved with strange symbols.
"Who are you?" Elian demanded.
The figure's voice was calm, almost gentle.
> "A protector. You may call me Raven. I was sent to make sure you live… nothing more."
Elian narrowed his eyes. "Sent by who?"
Raven tilted his head slightly. "By those who understand what happens if you die."
Kael stepped forward. "So you're one of Heaven's soldiers?"
A faint laugh came from behind the mask. "Heaven? No. Heaven fears him as much as Hell does. I serve neither."
Elian's seal glowed faintly, reacting to the man's energy. "If you're not with them, then why follow us?"
Raven's tone hardened. "Because the balance of this world depends on you staying alive. If you die, everything burns. If you live, the balance remains."
"Then leave us alone," Elian said through clenched teeth.
Raven took a step closer. "I wish I could. But you don't understand how fragile your seal is. It's breaking, little by little. The more you resist your nature, the faster it cracks."
Elian's eyes widened. "How do you know that?"
Raven raised his hand. "Because I was there when your mother sealed it."
The words hit him like a blade.
He stumbled back, voice trembling. "You… knew her?"
"I did," Raven said softly. "And she begged me to protect you… even if it meant keeping you from the truth."
Elian's emotions surged. His hand glowed white and black at once, light and shadow twisting violently.
"Stop lying!" he shouted. "You expect me to believe you cared about her?"
Raven's voice stayed calm, though sadness lingered in it. "I cared for the woman who sacrificed her life to bind the Abyss. But if you keep losing control, her sacrifice will mean nothing."
"Then tell me the truth!" Elian's voice cracked. "What really happened that night she died?!"
Raven looked away. "The truth would destroy what little peace you have left."
The seal on Elian's chest flared, light bursting outward. The ground trembled, trees shook, and Lyra shouted his name.
Kael rushed forward, grabbing Elian's arm, but a surge of black fire knocked him back.
Raven quickly slammed a silver rune into the ground, creating a glowing barrier that surrounded Elian. "Control it, boy! If you let it free, your soul will tear apart!"
Elian fell to his knees, clutching his chest, his scream echoing through the forest.
Minutes later, the light finally faded.
Elian lay on the ground, breathing heavily.
Lyra knelt beside him, tears in her eyes. "You're okay… you're okay."
Raven stood a few steps away, lowering his hood slightly. For a moment, his golden eyes looked almost human.
> "Your mother's shrine lies beyond the Vale of Thorns. You'll find your answers there… but remember, Elian — the truth is not kind."
Before anyone could stop him, Raven vanished into smoke.
Kael spat, frustrated. "I hate that guy."
Lyra whispered, "But he saved you, didn't he?"
Elian stared at the faint marks left on the ground, whispering, "He knew her… he knew everything."
As the forest fell silent again, the seal on his chest gave a weak flicker — not from pain this time, but from something else.
Recognition.
Somewhere deep inside, the sealed demon half of him stirred.